Editing

Stitching it all together

This is how you shape your podcast, give it rhythm and make it flow. Good editing allows you to keep discussions moving, clear and to the point. It separates live radio from podcasting. In sound-rich narrative podcasting, editing takes listeners through a story with different voices, scenes, natural sound and music. But remember: It is possible to over-edit a piece of audio (like taking out all silence, using too many sound effects or clipping soundbites so that they sound unnatural). You’re editing should not draw attention to itself, rather it should pull attention to your content.

Related Parts

Tips & Tricks

Listen to other podcasts, particuarly their editing styles, and decide what you do and don’t like. You mostly want your listeners not to notice your edits (unless you’re making a stylistic choice). Use fades and transitions to make your storytelling or conversation sound smooth.Watch the volume levels of your clips and narration. Make sure they’re consistent. This is so your listeners don’t have to adjust the volume on their device as they’re listening.

Burning Question

Can I get audio editing software for free? Yes. Audacity is an easy-to-use, free program that you can download for Mac and PC and it works perfectly. There are lots of online tutorials for it as well.

Common Mistake

Cutting out the breaths. When editing, don’t “suffocate” your subjects by eliminating every breath, pause and small spoken stumble. You want them to sound human, not robotic. The goal is to make the conversation sound natural.

TIPS from OUR Network

Sound effects should enhance, not distract from the conversation.
If your conversation went way off topic, consider editing it out unless it adds value.
“Umms” and “uhhs”: cut them if there are a ton. But remember, they’re a natural part of speech.

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