Podcasting is all the rage right now.

Although a lot of podcasts are purely for entertainment, many professionals and agencies have taken to the platform as a way of self-promotion and positioning themselves as experts in their field.

In fact, even Roundpeg has a presence in the audio game. You may have caught me a couple times on More than a Few Words (MTFW), our marketing podcast for business owners, hosted by Lorraine. I’m known to join the boss in dropping some business marketing wisdom bombs.

Podcasting can be a lot of fun and a really unique way to promote yourself or your business… but it can also be really intimidating! Whether you’re self-conscious and hate hearing yourself in recordings (like me), nervous about the idea of putting yourself out there or just feel awkward about the whole set up, getting your podcast off the ground and on a quasi-regular schedule can be a difficult task.

I’ll be the first to admit, getting comfortable with podcasting will not happen overnight. Becoming a great, or even just a solid podcaster takes time. Trust me, you won’t be able to nail this one in one take. But never fear! Your dreams of becoming a great podcaster are very much within reach. Read on to discover how to become a podcasting superstar

Step 1. Prepare notes

One of the best things about a podcast? No one can see you. That means you are totally free to prepare and bring notes with you to read or reference over the course of the recording. Many of the podcasts we do for MTFW are based on the blogs we write. So, on many occasions, I will just print out the blog and use it essentially as a script.

Trust me, having notes or some kind of reference material seriously pays off. The written material helps keep you focused and on track, especially if you start getting nervous or feel like you’re rambling. You will also sound better prepared as you no longer need to do all your planning in your head. In addition, to sound better prepared, you’ll also sound more professional as you start to eliminate filler words such as your uh’s, um’s, er’s, ah’s, you know’s  and awkward moments of silence.

Step 2. Bring a friend

Everything is better with friends. Even podcasting! Having a co-host – a partner in podcasting crime – makes for a better overall podcast. If you’ve listened to any other podcasts, then you will probably agree with me that podcasts featuring multiple people are just… better!

The back-and-forth is more conversational, and therefore easier to listen to than just one person going on and on. Over time as you work out the kinks and get used to one another, your rapport with each other will make for a more enjoyable podcast for your listeners.

Having guests on your podcast can also spice things up. New faces voices bring a new dynamic and open up your show for new topics of discussion.

Step 3. Get it in two

I said earlier that you won’t be able to nail it in one take. So, take two! Another beautiful aspect of podcasting is that you have the opportunity to edit them before publishing. Take advantage of this fact.

If something you said sounds weird or came out wrong, take a second and try again. You can always go back and cut the bad section out. This also allows you to try out different takes, phrases or ways of wording what you want to say. Go back and listen and choose whichever you prefer and splice it into the final cut.

All this really just breaks down to taking the pressure off you to be perfect. Without the pressure to get the perfect recording in one go, you will relax and allow whatever comes out of your mouth to feel more natural. Stiff podcasting is just bad.

Step 4. Practice, practice, practice

Like most things, the simple truth is podcasting just gets better and easier with time and practice. As you continue to try it out, you will start identifying your strengths and weaknesses and continue to become more comfortable and confident – which is truly half the battle.

My best advice for getting better at podcasting? Just try it out! Grab your phone – it has a recorder built in – find a room that doesn’t echo, press record and just start talking! Your first couple tries may not be great… and that is totally OK!

You won’t get better if you never try in the first place.