Learn how to ditch the robot voice and have a real conversation with your listeners. We'll cover things like being yourself, talking like you normally do, and editing to make it smooth. Get ready to turn your podcast into a friendly chat that builds trust with your audience. Let's make your voice sound awesome!
Ron Bratt: Toastmasters Tips on Improving Your Public Speaking Skills
How To Sound Natural On A Podcast: 5 Amazing Tips.docx
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2. How To Sound Natural On A Podcast
Do you want to start a podcast? Awesome! But how do you eliminate the robotic voice and
make it sound natural?
Here are some amazing tips to transform your podcast voice from rough to fantastic! Get
ready to turn your listeners into conversation friends!
Key Takeaways
Natural speech makes your podcast more enjoyable for your listeners.
The core of being natural starts with being yourself.
By keeping your audience in mind, your podcast will sound more friendly and not a
boring lecture.
If you want to sound natural, forget your scripted jokes and dialogues.
Silence isn't your enemy on a podcast.
Unscripted podcasts sound real because they reflect the natural interaction between
people.
Your practice sessions are your secret weapon for a polished and engaging podcast.
Embrace the feedback and watch your podcast turn into a natural-sounding
conversation.
Great editing is a magical touch for sounding natural during the podcast.
5 Amazing Tips On How To Sound Natural On A Podcast
Sounding natural on your podcast isn't just about a show. It's about building a connection
with your listeners.
In the growing world of podcasts, where honesty is paramount, sounding natural is key to
attracting the audience.
When you sound natural, you create an atmosphere of trust. It also enhances the listening
experience of your audience.
Natural speech makes your podcast more enjoyable for your listeners.
Listeners can easily discern a rough delivery, but a natural voice allows them to connect more
deeply with you. This turns them from side listeners to real and loyal fans!
Here are some tips to help you master the art of sounding natural in your podcast:
Tip 1. Embrace Yourself
It is a very famous quote by Roy T.Bennett
"To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are."
The core of being natural starts with being yourself. Accepting your voice and the way you
speak.
3. Trying to change that won't win over listeners. Instead, focus on your voice effectively.
Speak clearly, with a touch of growth.
Use your natural voice with confidence for the topic, and don't fear natural changes in the
pitch. These changes keep the listeners engaged.
So, being yourself is the key to adding spice to your podcast.
Here are some tips for being yourself and sounding natural:
1. Know Yourself
Practicing self-awareness is important for being yourself.
Before going live, spend some time analyzing yourself. Reflect on your passion and qualities.
Know what makes you the best.
What are your unique takes on things?
What makes you spark?
Analyze your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Use these observations to adjust your
podcasting style. But don't try to make your voice sound like a radio.
A touch of self-awareness goes a long way and ensures you sound natural.
2. Know Your Audience
The key to sounding natural during a podcast is to know your audience. Keep your language
to their understanding level.
Imagine that you're talking to a friend and not delivering a lecture.
Don't try to be what you're not to impress your listeners. Keep your language clear, and don't
use difficult words.
Add some fun stories in your words to keep your listeners engaged.
With your audience in mind, your podcast will sound more natural and not a boring lecture.
3. Be Genuine
If you want to sound natural, forget your scripted jokes and dialogues.
Don't try to copy other podcasters. Accept your unique voice and personality. Talk like you
are talking to a good friend about the topic.
Did something funny happen while researching? Share it with your audience.
Did you learn something new? Share it with your audience. Your real personality is what
makes your podcast interesting.
Forget about performing. Imagine chatting with a close one and seeing your magic shine
through.
The audience can easily spot a fake personality. So, relax, be you, and let your voice carry the
show.
4. Relax And Be Confident
4. If you're tense and worried, it will reflect in your voice. The key to sounding natural is to be
confident and relaxed. There's no need to worry about your podcast.
Stay easy. Take deep breaths and speak at a normal speed. Don't worry if not every word is
perfect.
There's a very common saying about being perfect by Utibe Samuel Mbom
"Don't strive to be perfect; just give it a hundred percent."
So, there's no need to get nervous. Remind yourself that it's okay to be imperfect. Trust your
abilities. Be present in the moment and have fun.
Tip 2. Welcome The Pause
Remember, silence isn't your enemy on a podcast. Befriend the pause.
Pausing after an important point lets your idea sink in. It gives listeners a moment to absorb
what you've said. Your conversation also sounds natural.
It is a natural process. We don't speak nonstop in our daily routine, either. So, don't feel
pressured to fill every second with words.
These small pauses stress your point and make your delivery sound real.
So, next time you record, let the silence work its magic, and you'll be amazed at how much
more natural you sound.
Here are some ways to welcome the pauses in your podcast:
1. Breathe
Take small pauses while talking and give your voice a room to breathe. Don't feel the need to
fill every second with words.
2. Think Before You Speak
Instead of filling your pauses with filler words like "umm", take a break to collect your
thoughts.
This helps you utter your ideas confidently. When you're confident, you'll ultimately sound
natural.
3. Active Listening
When interviewing a guest, don't worry about the moments of silence.
Imagine catching up with a friend. You wouldn't just keep waiting for your turn to speak.
Right? In the same way, give your guests some time.
Actively listen to them. Pick up on what they're saying.
Ask questions if you feel like it. It shows your interest in their words. And lets the
conversation flow naturally, like a random real chat between friends.
Tip 3. Conversation, Not Script
Conversations, not scripts, are the recipe for sounding natural during podcasts. Engaging in
genuine discussion enhances the natural flow of your podcast.
5. Imagine that you're having tea with your friend and not giving a presentation.
Here are some tips to achieve it:
1. Authenticity
Listeners can sense when something is fake or scripted. Unscripted podcasts sound real
because they reflect the natural interaction between people.
So, be real; there's no need to script your podcast.
2. Flexibility
A general outline of the topics can be helpful, but this can limit creativity. The key to
flexibility is accepting the natural flow of conversation.
Don't hesitate to change the topic if you have some interesting points.
Also, expect the unexpected! Who knows, your co-host or guest develops a great point that
lights up your podcast and impresses the viewers.
It's these authentic moments that make your podcast feel fresh and true.
Tip 4. Practice Makes Progress
There's a famous saying by Les Brown
"Everything we do is practice for something greater than where we currently
are. Practice only makes for improvement.'
The more comfortable you are behind the mic, the more natural you'll sound. Practice talking
about your chosen topic. Listen back and identify areas for improvement.
Is your pronunciation clear? Does your pace and volume vary naturally?
Think of it as learning a new skill. The more you rehearse, the more natural your delivery
will become.
Your practice sessions are your secret weapon for a polished and engaging podcast. But
remember, there's a difference between practice and over-script!
Here are some key ways to add this practice to your daily routine:
1. Record Fake Episodes
Set up an environment like what you use for your actual podcast.
Practice during these sessions as if they are real, but without the pressure of a live audience.
This will help you improve your speaking style and identify areas for improvement.
2. Self-Assess
After recording your fake episodes, take time to listen to them back. Pay attention to your
pronunciation, pauses, pace, clarity, and speed.
Most of all, be careful about the words you choose. If you feel that you sound unnatural at
some point, figure out how to improve them in your next podcasts.
3. Seek Feedback
6. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback for a naturally engaging podcast!
Ask your trusted friends to listen to your practice recordings and give feedback.
Did they find you easy to listen to?
Did your voice sound relaxed and natural?
Did the words flow smoothly?
Their honest input can help you identify the areas for improvement. Use their feedback to
refine your delivery.
Remember, your listeners are your real target. So, embrace the feedback and watch your
podcast become a natural conversation.
Tip 5. Editing Is Your Screen Weapon
Great editing is a magical touch for sounding natural during a podcast. It's like having a
behind-the-scenes friend who polishes your natural energy.
It's not about creating a flawless, robotic conversation.
A skilled editor can create magic in your recording. They'll remove long pauses and
unwanted background noise without disturbing the flow.
They can even make it smoother by linking natural breaths or short pauses. The best part?
This editing keeps the conversation real and engaging.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve good editing:
Step 1- Start With A Clean Recording
Before editing, make sure you have clean, high-quality materials to work with. This means
using good microphones, a high-quality camera, and a quiet environment.
Also, cut the background noise as much as you can while editing.
Step 2- Trim Unnecessary Words
One of the most important editing tasks is to remove filler words like "umm" and "you
know." Having some pauses is certainly okay.
But removing excessive ones helps maintain a smoother podcast.
Step 3- Enhance Sound Quality
Use different audio editing tools to enhance the sound quality. It includes adjusting the levels
to ensure the voice is clear and balanced.
Also, remove the unwanted voice from the background.
Step 4- Preserve The Natural Flow
Don't forget to maintain the natural flow of conversation while editing. Avoid over-editing to
the point where the podcast starts sounding fake.
Remember that imperfections also contribute to the authenticity of your podcasts!
Step 5- Review And Refine
7. Last but not least, after editing your video, watch it repeatedly. Listen to it as if you're the
audience. Make any necessary adjustments.
Make sure the podcast sounds natural and professional!
Conclusion
In this blog, we've briefly discussed five tips to sound natural on a podcast.
Follow these tips, and your natural voice will shine through. Remember, your podcast is a
conversation. Be yourself.
Throw your nerves today, accept your qualities, and start doing a natural podcast!
Your fans will be right there with you, enjoying the ride.