Creating a Format
- What is a format
- Why do I need a format?
- Tips
- Step-by-step approach
- Questions to answer before creating your format
- Making a show outline
What is a format?
Every show, be it a Podcast, a radio show or television broadcasting is built on a certain 'template'. A format is the overall structure of your podcast. It contains all the items in the right order, but can also contain the introduction or ending of your show. Every show can begin with "Hello Folks!" or end with "Well that's it for this episode. Stay tuned!" That is all up to you. The show outline is the 'line-up' of your show: an enumeration of your items and their length.
Why do I need a format?
Your format gives structure to your show. This way, your audience will understand you didn't just put the microphone on and recorded it. If your podcast has its own format, with the same parts in every following episode, your listeners become known with your podcasts. The listeners will soon recognize your program-parts as they return to listen to more of your podcasts. If your show is based on a certain concept, your audience knows what to expect from you and your programme.
- Listen to some other podcast that have a certain format in their shows. Learn from the good parts, and learn from their mistakes!
- Planning tv-programmes and radio shows is a profession. Don't worry if you are having a hard time making your podcast sound like a professional show! It is recommended to spend some time on planning your podcast, but don't let this get at the cost of the time you should spend on the content of your show!
- Think of the slogan of your show. What is the overall goal or motto of your episode and your series? Figure this out in your head or even say it in your show!
- Try to keep the volume level the same at each episode, and make sure the music is not louder than your voice! Don't over-produce the podcast. For instance, if an item is really important, don't cut it off because time is up. The bottom line is to make an entertaining podcast with useful information!
- Choose a topic you know a lot of. What are you an expert on? Choose a topic that will keep providing new input, development, updates etcetera. If your topic is too narrow, your show eventually finishes or becomes boring to your audience.
- Claim a domain name and set up your website
- Make decisions about the structure of your episodes. This format is the same for every following episode. Try to stick to this in case of success and change it immediately in case of failure. Look underneath for these decisions one by one.
- Add the finishing touch: Create a logo, choose music or sound bumpers, add shownotes, etcetera.
- Record, edit, and publish!
Questions to answer before creating your format
Before you record your first episode, you should make the following decisions:
- Who is hosting your show?
- How does the host talk to his/her audience?
- What segments does your show consist of: which items do you want to produce?
- How often are your releasing an episode?
- How long will each episode be?
- How often do you use music and sound in your shows?
Check our Focus on your audience section for more information on how to make these decisions!
Making a show outline
After you made these decisions, next step is to make a show outline.
Gather all valid items and judge the time you think they will take on average.
An example of a 15 minute show is this:
| ITEM | __ | TIME |
| Introduction | __ | 1 min. |
| First item | __ | 3 min. |
| Music | __ | 3 min. |
| Second item | __ | 2 min. |
| Third item | __ | 3 min. |
| Fourth item | __ | 2 min. |
| Closing | __ | 1 min. |
You can also include sound bumbers (like short jingles) in your outline, and write down the announcements of music tracks.
The PLATFORM TEAM
;-)