7 Steps for Submitting a Great PODTalk

STEP# 1: Pick your topic.

While picking your topic/talk, answer the following 4 questions:

  1. “Is my idea new?” (What new twist or relevant information can you add to this that no one else is?)
  2. “Is my idea interesting?” (Will it resonate either with the podcasters themselves or the guests? It has to be for ONE of these two options, and no one else.)
  3. “Is my idea factual and realistic?” (Base your talk on facts and data also, make sure it’s realistic for a new or experienced podcaster or podcast guest to implement/do something with what you share.)
  4. “Do I care about my idea?” (Be passionate about the idea you’re speaking on!)

STEP# 2: Craft your message around that topic and keep it clear and concise.

Remember, your PODTalk needs to be within 12 – 16 minutes long, and it’s all about ONE idea. Do this:

  • Create bullet points of what you’ll cover.
  • Outline the entire talk.

STEP# 3: Define a key takeaway for the audience.

In short, it needs to answer the question, “What sentence or phrase should the audience remember when they leave?”

  • TIP: Write your entire PODTalk, then sum it up in a single sentence. (This ultimately forces you to narrow your message as much as possible. This makes it easier for the audience to remember your talk and gives you a reference point as you draft it.)

STEP# 4: Draft your PODTalk as a story.

Be yourself and share your story with others. Here are some pointers:

  • Think about how you can keep the talk engaging (stories are essential!)
  • Bring your personality into the talk.
  • Get people to laugh (if you’re funny)
  • Think, “What can I remove from this talk that won’t take away from the value for those who watch/hear it?” (Powerful question!)
  • KISS (Keep it simple stupid!)

STEP# 5: Practice, practice, practice.

Some friends and I joke whenever we do anything on a first attempt; we say, “One take, baby!” while pointing to the sky. Please don’t do that with your PODTalk!

  • Practice recording yourself.
  • Show a few people in your circle.
  • Improve your talk before the final recording that you’ll be submitting.

STEP# 6: Don’t try to be perfect.

  • We aren’t aiming for perfection. It’s okay to show your flaws. (It’s encouraged)
  • Laugh at yourself if you mess up, have fun!
  • The idea is to help someone get one step further than they are today in their podcasting journey.

STEP# 7: Format for the actual recording.

Remember, your PODTalk will be seen as a video and listened to as a podcast episode later – So; please make sure to keep both audiences in mind.

Beyond the 7 steps…

AT THE START/FINISH OF YOUR RECORDED VIDEO:

At the beginning AND end of your video recording, leave a couple seconds of silence while looking at the camera. (Feels weird, but it leaves room for our editors to do fancy transitions)

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU START:

OPTION #1: Begin with a variation of “hi,” “hello,” “hey,” followed by your name. (I.E. “Hello, my name is Alex Sanfilippo…”) THEN immediately following your name, get into the talk; please do not share your bio or credentials unless it’s relevant to the talk, and if so, keep it SUPER short, none is best, but short is acceptable)

OPTION #2: Get straight into your talk, start with an engaging question, or right into a story then bring your name in after the initial hook. (The idea here is instant engagement)

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU END:

End the talk with a “…Thank you” (Similar to a TEDTalk) or something comparable that fits your personality. (Don’t overthink it – Just what’s natural for you.)


REMEMBER: **PodPros Quarterly is an event like the TEDTalks of the podcasting industry. (**Think PODTalks!)

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR VIDEO:

  • Your talk should be between 12-16 minutes.
  • NO SLIDES WILL BE ACCEPTED. (Think of how a TED Talk is just someone on stage – It’s you in front of a camera)
  • THIS IS NOT A PRESENTATION; IT’S A KEYNOTE (Again, like a TED Talk is more of a keynote, standalone talk) Every talk must contain practical, actionable takeaways for the listeners on one big idea!
  • No visuals of any kind will be accepted (NO SLIDES OR VISUALS) – We have many blind members of our community that we want to include; additionally, this is turned into a podcast episode.
  • No self-promotion or talking about yourself or what you do. Again, like a TEDTalk, you’re going to get straight into the action. (We’ll promote you a lot, don’t worry.)
  • Make sure you keep the content as evergreen as possible. (Do not mention when you’re recording this or current events unless the story is needed)
  • Your video will be repurposed into a YouTube video, a blog post, and a podcast episode. (Make sure what you share will make sense for someone consuming all 3 of those formats at a later date)

Here are a few examples of our favorite talks: