REMOTE PODCAST INTERVIEW GUEST PREPARATION GUIDE
Welcome
Welcome to “Plant-Based Stories”! Our podcast aims to promote the plant-based lifestyle through compelling success stories, and we’re excited to have you share your story. To ensure a smooth and professional recording experience, we’ve prepared a guide for our remote podcast interview. Please note that this is not a set of rules, but simply guidelines we share to get the best possible recording to create an incredible legacy documentation of this area of your life and the contribution you have made in the plant-based arena. But if you are unable to fully prepare, please do not be concerned. The most important thing to do is tell your story. Please review the details below:
How We Record
We use Zencastr, an online platform that records your video and audio locally and saves it to the cloud. For the best recording experience, please access the platform using Google Chrome on a Mac or PC. Open Zencastr in a regular window or tab, not in incognito mode or private mode.
Joining
Simply open the link provided to you by the host on a laptop or desktop computer, and we’ll take care of the rest. Zencastr does not permit recording by mobile devices.
The Green Room
Granting Microphone and Video Access. When you click the link, you will be prompted to allow access to your microphone and video camera. Click to allow access, and then your host will be able to start recording. Here is a guide. We call this “The Green Room.”
The Green Room Guide
Low Cost High Quality Pod Cast Mic
Equipment
Microphone
Audio is the most significant factor in these recordings because it is how we capture your story. For the best recording experience, use an external microphone. If you don’t have one, you might want to check if you can borrow one from a friend. If you plan on doing more interviews, we suggest investing in a microphone. The cheapest/best we have found is the Samson Q2U.
If you can’t get a suitable microphone, use a headset or a set of smartphone earbuds (but not AirPods! The link explains why). If you are unable to find or get a set of earbuds, then you can use your computer’s microphone.
Headphones
Please use wired earbuds or headphones during the call. They should plug directly into your computer. Earbuds are very inexpensive these days and some prefer the look. Any Headphones are important to prevent feedback or echoing on the call. However, if you just do not feel comfortable with any headphones at all. do not worry, Zencastr has fairly good echo cancellation. So, if you cannot or do not want to wear headphones, we can enable that feature. The only drawback is that it can sometimes muffle certain elements.
Where to Record?
Practical Considerations
The best recording locations have fast and stable internet connections, low background noise, and low echo (i.e., not a kitchen or similar). To make sure your internet is the best it can be, investigate using a wired connection or providing as few walls as possible between you and your router to prevent Wi-Fi interference. The best rooms for low echo are rooms with rugs, carpets, bookcases, and large, soft furniture items like couches.
Video & Aesthetics
We always include video so good lighting enhances our visual appeal. Ideally, position yourself near a window or use a well-lit room. Avoid backlighting to ensure your face is clearly visible. Then align your camera at eye level and remain centered in the frame to provide our viewers with the best perspective of you.
Distractions
Please let people know you will be recording and disable all notifications on your laptop and close any apps not required for our recording. Put your phone in airplane mode would be ideal.
The Zencaster Guide
Creating Your Narrative
Pre-Recording Collaboration
Collaboration is key. We’ll share a document detailing our episode’s structure and main talking points. This shared approach ensures we’re aligned and well-prepared for our discussion. Feel free to contribute any topics or ideas! You will have access to the document. However it is important to note that we may veer off as passions and points in your story unfold. This serves as a guide and not a script.
Conversation Style
Firstly, You will not be recorded until we tell you we are recording. Secondly, this is about making you feel comfortable. Imagine we are in a coffee shop, cating up as old friends. There is no recording, or microphones or tech. One person (me) catching up with another (you) and eader to find out all the things you have been upto to change your life for the better.
On the Day of Recording
Early Start: Join the Zencastr link about 5 minutes prior to our agreed-upon time. This buffer helps us address any last-minute tech requirements and offers a moment for pre-interview camaraderie. In case of technical hitches, Zencastr.com offers tools to resolve them quickly. Together, we’ll navigate any hiccups.
Thank you for being a part of our journey to share inspiring plant-based stories.
Warm regards,
Plant Based Stories
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