Do you need a 'radio voice' to host a Podcast?
I could write the shortest article in my life by saying this: Podcast isn’t Radio and it should never pretend to be. A ‘radio voice’ isn’t required to host a Podcast.
I actually get this question (and variations of it) ALL the time. So it’s time to tackle it head on.
I get why most people would think that: they’re used to listening to the same vocal range and voice over style inundating the radio, the audiobook and voiceover industry, so it’s only understandable that most people assume that’s the only way to do audio.
Sure, ‘radio voices’ are deeper, have a good resonance to them and are almost hypnotic. They’re positioned in the lower range, are slower paced and there’s a nice cadence to them. But the reality is that not everyone has a radio voice, but everyone has a story to tell. And the so-called ‘radio voices’ don’t always fit every type of Podcast. So let’s discuss instead what matters more than just ‘sounding like a radio personality’, let’s talk about the things that you can do with to make an impact with your voice and your message:
Think about the tone, cadence and voice inflection required for your Podcast
You can create impact by using your voice intentionally. A guided meditation Podcast will sound very differently than a Podcast about movie reviews or a True Crime Podcast. Think about the energy of the topic and go from there.
Practice by reading out loud - this will help you figure out what stands and you should make a statement of.
Nobody likes listening to a monotone, robotic, emotionless voice - harness the power of emotion.
Be careful with falling into patterns.
Speak like you mean it
Less is more. Don’t just speak for the sake of it, take a minute to think about the power of your own voice and what message you want to get across.
Respect silence
Silence is SO important. I’d say silence can speak for a thousand words. Podcasts aren’t commercial radio where silence is a big no-no.
If you’re discussing sensitive topics that require a moment to process a powerful statement, surf that wave, and let the words sink in for a moment, then proceed. Your listener will appreciate it.
Work on your breathing technique
Building your ability to speak for long periods of time is very important. A good breathing technique is one of the most fundamental (and overlooked) skills to have. It makes a world of difference when reading a script, or interviewing someone.
Did you ever listened to a Podcast where the host ran out of energy and sounded like he was breathing all over the microphone? I did, and it’s very distracting. There are tons of exercises on YouTube that you can search for, or build your resistance by the gold old fashion way of working out.
Also, check the way that you’re seated when you host your Podcast. Try to have good posture and never, ever hunch over the microphone.
Your surroundings are important / Pick a good recording spot
Crisp, clear audio sounds professional and isn’t hard to achieve, so ensuring that your recording space doesn’t sound echoey is key! Get your microphone close enough, put heavy draperies in the room, and ensure that your microphone is set for recording on cardioid mode. Read our article on how to ensure you have a professional sound for your Podcast.
Stay focused
A focused host is able to keep the listener engaged. If you aren’t sure about where you’re going, how can you expect your listener to stay tuned for your rambling? Be concise and attentive to details, as it will pay off in the long run.
If you’re fully focused, you can think on your feet during an interview, and make those feel more like conversations rather than ‘Question’ > ‘Answer’ > ‘Question’ > ‘Answer’.
Close or minimize all sources of distraction, including tabs from social media networks and email providers.
Your audio set-up
Wearing headphones will help you ‘get in the mood’ for Podcasting, help you focus on the task ahead and reduce the chances of audio feedback.
An external microphone positioned in the right height, and at the right distance from yourself will ensure that you have crystal clear audio.
Consider what you eat before recording
Chewing gum and fruits will stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva, so they are big no nos to have before recording: when you over salivate, it comes through in the recording.
Ensure that you do eat but do it 1 hour to 45 minutes before your recording.
Consider what you drink before recording
Stick to water! Both alcohol and caffeinated drinks tend to give you a dry mouth. For the full list read Harvard’s full article.
Write natural language, write for yourself
Part of what makes a great host (besides practicing), is to write in a way that matches your natural speech, i.e., using language that matches the way you talk on a daily basis. Pushing yourself to use very complex sentences, foreign terms or pushing for branding that matches your Podcast’s name won’t just sound off, but it will also increase the amount of hours that you spend in post-production.
Bonus tip:
Allow me to deviate from the topic for a second:
Podcast hosting styles and vocal ranges vary from country to country
I’ve done Podcasts and Broadcast Radio in Portugal and London, UK and Podcasts and Live Broadcasting in the US, so I can confidently say a thing or two about this topic. The truth is that it really depends on which country that you’re operating on.
In the US and the UK, you can host a show (and be on the radio) with any type of voice. When I’m coaching Podcast Hosts, I often talk about BBC Radio 1 host Gemma Carney, who doesn’t have a ‘radio voice’ and has a speech impairment, a lisp. She is one of the most brilliant broadcasters in the UK, and she is the perfect example of someone who is talented, just stayed in her lane, kept showing up and working hard, and eventually opportunity happened.
Watch below Gemma in action:
So, yes, indeed you can have a career in Podcasting with any type of voice.