Before you’ll be able to do any podcasting, the first thing you’ll have to do is establish a way to record yourself on your computer.
The program that I recommend the most is called Audacity. Audacity is free, it works on both Macs and PCs, and it is super simple to set up and use. If you have a Mac there is also the option of using the built-in Garage Band program, but unless you’re savvy with that type of program I still think that Audacity is the easiest to use.
Next, you’ll need to have a good quality microphone. You may ask, “If I already have a built-in microphone, do I really need to purchase an external one? Well, you can always download Audacity and record yourself using your built-in microphone and see how it sounds:
- Does it sound tinny?
- Does it pick up much background noise?
- Does it sound like you’re far away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will need an external microphone. Nobody wants to listen to a low-quality recording!
It may take a bit longer the first time around, but once you’ve done your first recording all the settings will most likely remain the same and you’ll be able to roll for the next ones at super speed!