Stop Trying to Sound Like a "Proper" Podcaster

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One of the quickest ways to sound less natural on your podcast is trying to sound like a podcaster.

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You've probably heard it before. Suddenly the voice gets a little bit deeper.

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Everything becomes more polished. And every sentence sounds like it was written

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for a presentation instead of a conversation.

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The funny thing is, that's often what makes a podcast feel less engaging.

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Because podcasts are a really personal medium.

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Your audience is listening while they're driving, walking the dog,

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making dinner or getting some exercise.

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And because of that, it feels much more like a conversation than a presentation. Or at least it should.

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So instead of thinking about how you should sound, think about how you'd explain

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the same thing to a friend over a coffee.

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Because that's usually when you're at your most natural and your most interesting.

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Think about it. You probably wouldn't use bigger words than you need.

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You wouldn't worry if you paused for a second to collect your thoughts.

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And you certainly wouldn't try to sound like a radio announcer.

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For example, when I'm recording this podcast, I don't try to sound any different

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from how I'd answer a question from another podcaster.

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So if I stumble over a word but the point is still clear, I'll probably leave

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it in. If I naturally pause before making a point, that's okay too.

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Those little moments remind listeners there's a real person behind the microphone.

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So yes, work on your delivery, speak clearly, get more comfortable behind the microphone.

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But don't lose your personality along the way.

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Aim to sound like the best version of yourself not someone else's idea of what

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a podcaster should sound like because people might discover your podcast because

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of the topic but they'll come back because they enjoy spending time with you.

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Until the next time, happy podcasting.