We're always impressed with the questions that we get asked about podcasts and podcasting - so surprising!
One that came in recently was "What can I say in my podcast?"
Now, they had a very specific reason for asking that question that was to do with the content of their podcast - but we thought that it was such an interesting point we should broaden it out and talk about it in an article.
So - just what can you say when it comes to your podcast?
Using many of the attitudes and approaches that we've picked up in our 35+ years in broadcasting, we would say that deciding just what you can say in your podcast should definitely form a part of the planning when you're starting out.
For instance, you might want to refer to competitors; other businesses or business owners in the same industry.
Some people, though, want to pretend that other people within their industry just don't exist.
A quick word on talking about other people - competitors or not - you still have to abide by the laws around defamation, slander and libel. A podcast isn't some kind of lawless land where you can say exactly what you're thinking about other people. There are consequences.
You can also talk about brands.
Many people who listen to the radio, or watch the TV - especially the BBC - will have heard the phrase "...other <insert product here> are available, of course:
This refers to the fact that the BBC is a publicly-funded broadcasting corporation and so can't be seen to favour one brand over another. None of their programmes can be seen to be advertising a product or service. So, when a brand is mentioned, the line "....other <insert product here> are available" is said, to ensure fairness.
In podcast, however, there is no such problem. You can freely talk about products, brands or companies - again, bearing the libel and slander laws in mind - without having to remind the audience that other options are available.
A couple of things that we wouldn't necessarily say relate to just who is listening, and how they're listening.
In radio, we were always taught to speak to just one person. Try and avoid saying 'You all...' or "All of you listening..' as this infers a group - and many people listen to the radio (and YOUR podcast) on their own. So, who is this group that you're referring to?
Also - and we know that we sound like a broken record with this - but don't sell too much on your podcast. Avoid falling into a marketing line when welcoming us to the podcast, or this particular episode. The listener doesn't want to be sold to - they want to be educated or entertained.
What about bad language? Can you swear on your podcast?
You're absolutely @%*$£!^ right you can swear!
However, just bear these things in mind...
- Who is your podcast aimed at? If your audience in any way includes families or children - maybe don't swear. If it comes up very occasionally - maybe put a slight warning in the intro to the episode, and be sure to mark your episode as 'Explicit'. It doesn't affect it's place in the search algorithm, but it makes people aware of what to expect from the content of that episode.
- Is the language right for your brand? If you're running a counselling service, for instance, how would it sound to your clients (and prospective clients) if your business podcast had excessive bad language in it?
Swearing definitely has it's place - just make sure that it merits it's place on your podcast.
If you have a guest, and you don't allow or like swearing on your podcast - make sure to let them know.
In reality, there are really only a small number of things when it comes to language that will cause a problem with your hosting site.
Hate Speech - it just won't be tolerated, and rightly so
Instructing The Overthrowing Of A Government - again, it's a big no-no for the podcasting platforms, so maybe just stick to making banners if that's your thing
So as you can see, you can say plenty when it comes to your podcast. The bigger question will be - should you say it?
Remember, if you'd like to talk about your current podcast - or maybe you're thinking about starting a new one - you can speak to us here