Podcasts are an excellent way to drive targeted traffic to your website. They help build credibility and they can turn your customers into your fans. They are a great tool for marketers of learning content products.

But recording them scares many people!

Does it scare you? There really is no reason for it. Making podcasts is actually quite easy and inexpensive. It doesn't take much in the way of hardware. And it takes only the barest of skills to record and produce a quality podcast.

In this article I'm going to give you an overview of what is needed for recording your podcasts.

Recording a podcast requires three tools:

1. A computer
2. Editing and recording software
3. A headset.

The computer you use doesn't have to be anything special. In fact, you can use a computer that is barely able to function with modern tools. Netbooks work well, as do laptops. Both of those have built-in speakers which makes editing slightly easier. However, you will find that the built-in microphone won't do the job. A desktop computer will also do the job as well.

Technically there are only three things that you need from the computer. First, that it runs the software you have. Second that it has the ability to connect a headset microphone. For that you will need either a USB or a micro-jack set. Almost all modern computers have at least one of those. Finally, the ability to store the podcasts on a CD or DVD would be beneficial. Strictly speaking the computer doesn't need to have this capability. A portable unit will do the job quite nicely.

Most editing software is also capable of doing double duty as recording software. You don't need a professional or expensive piece of software. In fact, one of the best is Audacity. It is also open source software and free. Which makes it a triple threat.

Finally you will need a headset microphone. Why a headset microphone? Microphones installed in laptops and netbooks are similar to the typical desktop microphone. They are omnidirectional. This means they pick up sound from all directions. A headset microphone is unidirectional and will pick up only your voice. The result will be a much cleaner recording that doesn't need much in the way of editing.

When recording the podcast there are a number of things you can do to create a great podcast. For example, you can start by realizing that you don't have to be perfect. Editing can clean up major mistakes. Minor mistakes are best left in since they make you seem more human. However, to do this requires that the editor have enough material to patch together a corrected recording.

Having said that, practice makes perfect. Making multiple recordings allows you to practice the podcast. It also allows you to polish your presentation and the information you are presenting. Finally, by recording the practice sessions you can generate more material for the editor to work with.

When actually recording, the best position is standing. This gives the body room to breathe. A stool can be used to give some relief to tired legs. You should also try gesturing and walking. Gesturing helps you to express your passion for your subject. That passion will show up in your voice and be recognized by the audience. This helps your presentation to avoid the boring drone label.

Do you want to learn how to create information products (learning content)? Check out my new free eBook "7 Myths and Seven Tricks in Nine Steps": http://www.learningcreators.com/myths.htm

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

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