Adding sound effects to your podcast is an easy way to add interest to the audio. These sound effects should not be distracting during a fascinating interview, but they can bring a new dimension to it that wasn’t previously present.You can get them for free on the internet or create them like a genuine foley artist.
Not all podcasts require sound effects. Some of the best podcasts in the world employ sound effects to enhance the overall quality of their production. For example, ambient noises can capture listeners’ attention while listening to an exciting narrative about history.
Do you want to include sound effects in your podcast but aren’t sure where to start? Here are three ideas that might help you develop some fresh concepts:
Use Them to Highlight a Point
A podcast should not force sound effects into the work, but it doesn’t mean you cannot use them. They can help your podcast stand out among others discussing similar topics.
Sound effects may be a powerful tool for inspiring an emotional reaction from your audience when used correctly. For example, try playing a generic circus song if someone is exaggerating anything they are saying. Using sound effects as a slapstick device is a brilliant idea! Sounds similar to droning music or psycho-strings might heighten the unsettling atmosphere created by your guest’s terrifying stories.
They Make Excellent Transitional Elements
Music is commonly used to introduce and conclude podcasts. Still, you can also consider using sound effects to train and end sections of your podcast or to demonstrate the passage of time in your podcast.
You can add sound effects, like lower-pitched versions of the words uttered or clips of people laughing, to emphasize any talking point. This says something like, “Hey there! Don’t miss this! You need to pay attention to this!” These transitional sound effects will help your podcast to feel more structured and cohesive to your listeners.
Paint a Story with Them
When reading a book, you can often picture the story in your mind. Sound effects can help you achieve the same result for your audience. For example, you might be describing a tourist trip to Times Square.
You could add city noises like horns from passing vehicles and crowds of people talking to help your audience engage with the scene. You could then describe a fictional trip to Miami Beach and add sound effects of seagulls and waves to enhance the experience for your audience.
Sound effects are especially useful in podcast writing because they could stand in for visuals, such as when someone smashes a door or make it seem like your character is present in a scene. You could also use them to enhance the atmosphere of a location such as a subway station.
Selecting and using sound is a critical part of your podcast. Many sites and programs offer free sound effects, or you can record your own.
Conclusion
A podcast is different from other types of media, and that means it requires special techniques. It’s vital to keep the audience’s attention, which means sound effects are necessary.
Audio storytelling is more than just words spoken aloud. It’s a craft that engages listeners and makes them feel like they’re part of a story.
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