Podcasting Learnings after 60 episodes – blog

Podcasting learnings from the first 60 episodes of Talk About Talk!

Read the top ten communication insights to-date:   

• Some of these insights are things that I’d read or heard before, but never experienced directly. 
• Others are completely new learnings for me. 
• ALL of them are things that will help us be better communicators!

Let’s do this!

10 COMMUNICATION INSIGHTS:
 ? Podcasting Learnings

1. CRUTCH WORDS

• Crutch words are unnecessary words that we use repeatedly, like “umm” or “so”…Crutch words are distracting and annoying.
• Determine what your crutch word is by listening to yourself or by asking others. Then make a conscious effort to stop using it!

 (image: Unsplash @ brett_jordan)
What’s YOUR crutch word? 

2. MIRRORING

• We don’t just mirror body language.  We also mirror other’s tone and words.
• It’s flattering to be mirrored! If you want someone to know you are aligned with them, consciously copy not just their body language, but also their tone and their words.

 (image: Unsplash @ andremouton)

3. CONTRACTIONS

• We use contractions for speaking and full words for writing.
• Using only full words (no contractions) in verbal, spoken communication is an indication that someone’s reading a written script.  If you’re writing a speech, use contractions!

 
 (image: Unsplash @ krispaparo)
Now you’ll know if they’re reading a script!

4. INTERRUPTING WITH BODY LANGUAGE

• Of course it’s rude to talk over someone.  If you need to interject, use body language to let them know.
• This works well when conducting interviews or participating in video-conference (Zoom) calls.

 
 (image: Unsplash @ prisciilladupreez)
I think she wants us to stop talking! 

 5. FILLER COMMENTS

• These are the unnecessary comments we hear in interviews, such as “how are you?” or  “that’s a great question.”
• As interviewers, we can re-direct the filler question, “how are you?” with: “I’m great thanks, and I’m curious to hear your take on [[interview topic]].”

 
 (image: Unsplash @ mediavormgever)
Just say NO to filler…

6. BREATHING

• Take a breath before you answer a question in an interview. This will give you time to think about your answer.  It will also make your voice sound better!
• Project with your voice on the exhale.

 
 (image: Unsplash @ enginakyurt)
Take a deep breath… (or at least try!)

7. PEOPLE LOVE TO TALK

• People are generally more willing to share their expertise with you than you might think.
• Almost 100% of the talented and busy people I invited to be guests on the Talk About Talk podcast enthusiastically said yes.  So just ask!  

 
 (image: Unsplash @ davidmatos)
Can I pick your brain? 

8. NETWORK EFFECTS

• Of course network effects are impactful.  This is clearly illustrated in terms of downloads for podcast episodes that are shared beyond the “Talk About Talk” network.
• The global network of podcasters is incredibly supportive (and appreciated)!  

 
Some of my favourite podcasters from around the world, including David Nebinski (NYC), Dr. Nadine Kelly (Boston), and André Carneiro (Brazil).

9. THE FLOW

• Audiences and readers appreciate a logical flow, particularly a structure that includes a concluding summary – as in:  “tell ‘em what you’re gonna tell ‘em, tell ‘em, then tell ‘em what you told them.”
• Don’t worry about being repetitive. (I learned this the hard way!)

 
 (image: Unsplash @ wilsonjim)
People like to know where they’re headed and where they’ve been.

10. LISTENING TO YOURSELF

• Listening to or watching yourself is probably the most efficient and effective way to improve your communication skills.
• Record yourself in a meeting, an interview, or a presentation and then listen to or watch yourself later. 
• No, it’s not fun! But it’s worth it.

 
 (image: Unsplash @ attentieattentie)
WOW – Did I really say that? 

That’s 10 Podcasting Learnings!

I hope you learned something from my summary of the 10 PODCASTING LEARNINGS from 60 episodes (so far!).  And I hope you’ll listen to the ?podcast, where you’ll also hear how I learned some of these lessons the hard way….

 Click HERE to listen directly on the Talk About Talk website

or

? Click HERE to listen on your favourite podcast player

or 

? Click HERE to read the printable shownotes

So, are your  ?EMAILS looking better, following last week’s newsletter? Are you nailing the title? Are you signing-off with style? Are you managing your inbox stress?

That’s it for this week.  As always, if you have any feedback about this newsletter, questions for our upcoming Q&A episode, or ideas for future topics, please ? EMAIL me, or  ? RECORD your message. I ❤️ love hearing from you!

Have a great week! 

Talk soon,

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