Thinking about starting your own podcast but are not sure where to begin? Don’t fret. Tuber recently started making podcasts and here are our tips on how to make sure your recording experience is a pleasant one.

Where to record

If you do not have recording equipment and do not wish to purchase them, there are a number of recording studios you can book a slot at to put your content together. One option is The Hive Studios Singapore, which is centrally located between Bendemeer and Lavender MRT stations.

The recording process

In a quiet recording studio, the mics will pick up virtually any unwanted sound. These sounds can be distracting during playback and may be difficult to edit out from the final clip without compromising a speaker’s voice and/or content. For this reason, here are some things you would need to take note of:

1. The set up

• • Conduct audio checks prior to recording to ensure audio levels are satisfactory (to minimise the need for adjustments in post-production). Place mics at a comfortable distance away from your speakers to prevent them from accidentally hitting them, especially if a speaker gets animated
  • Do not adjust the mics once recording starts

2. During recording

• • Avoid hitting/tapping the table while speaking
  • Make sure phones and devices are on silent mode (not just on vibration mode as the sound of the vibration could be picked up)
  • If you need a sip of water or adjust your mask, face away from the mic. Similarly, avoid sniffling, lip smacking/licking or other “mouth sounds”, or breathing too hard into the mic fumbling or losing your train of thought is normal; stop, pause for a bit, and pick up from there

3. For easier editing

• • Where there is more than one interviewee, consider using hand gestures (raise a hand or wave, etc) to indicate you would like to speak instead of verbalising it (this is to prevent speakers from talking over one another)
  • Allow for a short pause after a speaker finishes what they have to say (it would make for easier editing where necessary)

Abbreviations and acronyms

If you’re making a reference to something in an abbreviated form, say it out in full during the first mention because listeners might not be familiar with them.

For example, go with “Central Expressway or CTE” at first mention before later referring to it as CTE. The same applies when referring to someone. For example, “Kevin Tan, who’s my colleague/boss from XXX’s YYY division” instead of “my colleague/boss Kevin”.

Granted, some of these things may slip your mind, but do try to observe all of them as far as possible to minimise post-production work. The less of that you have to deal with, the sooner your content can be uploaded to streaming platforms.

Have fun!