What do you do if you're struggling to find your podcasting voice?

If you're struggling to find your voice when starting a podcast, know that you're not alone. It's a part podcasting that can't be skipped, and most are given a false conception of how "easy" podcasting is because they see people like Joe Rogan just sit there and talk for 3+ hours. But what many miss is that skill was developed over 1000s of podcasts - and in Joe's case, 1000s of stand up comedian and commentator performances. So if you're struggling on what you want to say, how you want to say it, or even who you're saying it to... Give yourself some grace and find a way to keep going. And if you're looking for a simple thing to get going, try recording without the intention to publish. Just record it, decide if you like it later.

As the old proverb says - "Patience is a bitter plant with very sweet fruit" In podcasting as in other areas of life the rewards of patience will come to those who are willing to stick at something long enough. By sticking at something I do not mean doing the same thing and expecting different results, I mean the continual pursuit of excellence.

Engage with your audience through social media or direct communication to understand how they perceive your content and what resonates with them. This can provide you with invaluable insights that might guide you in refining your voice. Additionally, listening to a variety of other podcasts can inspire you and provide examples of different styles and approaches that might suit your own podcast.

You've got to be passionate about what you're doing. When you're honest with your audience...and make them *feel* your presence through authentic storytelling, vulnerability, and offering up real value, your voice WILL emerge - I promise! Know how each episode serves your audience and speak to them. Your voice will naturally align with your passion and become stronger as your confidence grows with each episode. Patience is learned through consistency.

This is all part of the beautiful process... like anything else in life! My best advice for this is to prep your scripts so you can play around with the delivery of your message. Reflect on what specific messages/topics light you up to talk about. Check out your audience's feedback wherever you're promoting your podcast & try to find any patterns in what excites them. Do more of that.

Struggling to find your podcasting voice can be a common challenge, but consider the podcasters you admire and analyze what aspects of their delivery resonate with you. Do you appreciate their conversational tone, ability to engage the listener, or how they weave in anecdotes and personal stories? Incorporate those elements while staying true to your unique personality. Experiment, record yourself, and with time and practice, you'll develop a podcasting voice that is distinctly your own. The key is to be patient, trust the process, and have fun with it.

Take it a step further by noting not just what they do but how they make their audience feel. Is there a particular tone or pace that engages you? How do they handle transitions between topics or manage their interaction with guests? Reflecting on these details can help you subtly integrate similar techniques into your own podcasting style, tailored to your personality and the specific content you are delivering. This method helps you evolve your podcasting approach while keeping it authentic to who you are.

inding your podcasting voice can be a journey, but don't fret! Recording yourself is like flexing a muscle—you need to strengthen it. Even a quick voice memo on your phone counts. Then, take a listen. What do you like? What don't you? This self-reflection is gold. Over time, you'll notice how you naturally speak, what feels authentic. That's your voice! Embrace it, refine it, and watch your podcast shine. Trust me, practice makes perfect in this game also.

Struggling to find your podcast voice? Try recording relentlessly. The more you practice and put your voice out there, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. Don't be afraid to try different inflections, pacing, and tones. Listen critically, but don't be too hard on yourself. Notice what feels natural, and enlist trusted friends to provide feedback. Embrace the process, experiment without inhibition, and allow your unique voice to gradually emerge. With dedication and an open mind, you'll land on a style that feels like a perfect fit.

That's right, recording frequently is essential. When you listen back to these recordings, pay close attention to your pacing, clarity, and enunciation. Note any recurring filler words or phrases and work on reducing them.

I struggle with recording in these early stages, so here's what I came up with to help myself: -I follow a consistent recording schedule to avoid burnout. -Planning is my best friend so recording ahead brings me peace of mind and ensures sufficient time for execution. -Setting up automation, email templates, and systems in place will save me time in the long run. In other words, plan ahead, set up systems to save time, and go ahead and record episodes at a normal pace consistently.

Don't hesitate to ask for specific feedback; it can be more useful than general comments. For example, you might ask about the clarity of your explanations, the effectiveness of your intros and outros, or how engaging your storytelling is.

Asking for feedback might seem scary, but it can be helpful to identify areas for improvement. For example, if you're thinking of a podcast name, reaching out to 10 people will bring up potential patterns of which name people would select. This is invaluable in terms of crafting materials based on people's opinions.

More than seeking feedback, I recommend seeking mentorship. Not everyone is skilled at giving feedback, so it's possible that critical feedback could undermine your confidence in your podcast voice. Instead, work with mentors, coaches, and experts from the podcasting and voice-over space to embrace your unique voice. Join online communities where you can engage with others who can provide valuable guidance and support as you develop your voice.

Finding your podcasting voice is a journey, and seeking feedback from others can be invaluable. Reach out to friends, family, or fellow podcasters and ask for their honest thoughts on your delivery and style. Keep an open mind - the goal is to improve, not get defensive. Pay attention to what resonates most with listeners, whether it's your conversational tone, personal anecdotes, or energy. Don't be afraid to experiment either - try new inflections, pacing, and ways of connecting. Record yourself, listen back, and identify what feels authentic. With a willingness to evolve and a commitment to continuous improvement, you'll gradually develop a unique podcasting voice. Trust the process, embrace the feedback, and enjoy the journey.

??Alert!?? Avoid seeking feedback from friends and family - they simply don't get your mission! Seek feedback from others in your field who understand the vulnerability of showing up and asking for critical help to improve.

In my years of helping podcasters find their groove, I've seen firsthand how powerful personal stories can be. Think about it: when you share your own experiences, you're not just talking about a topic – you're adding your unique flavor to it. It's like adding spices to a recipe; it makes it yours. Your listeners want to feel connected to you, and sharing personal stories is a great way to build that connection. Plus, it sets you apart from the sea of podcasts out there. So, don't shy away from sharing those funny anecdotes or those touching moments – they're what make your podcast special.

At the Cricket Library Podcast, we are very thankful for the guests who open up and share their stories. To do this, you need to allow space for connection and build trust in the process. The Cricket Library Podcast aims to provide a platform for people to share their stories of how the game of cricket has impacted their lives and the lives of others in a positive way.

Incorporating personal stories and anecdotes into your podcast can be a powerful way to help solidify your unique voice. Think about the podcasters you most enjoy listening to - the ones that captivate you likely weave in elements of their own lived experiences. Sharing bits of vulnerability and authenticity makes your voice more relatable and memorable. Sprinkling in these personal touches allows your audience to connect with you on a deeper level. Of course, find the right balance to avoid veering too far into overly personal territory. But used thoughtfully, those intimate glimpses into your life can be the secret ingredient that defines your distinct podcasting persona. Get creative, be vulnerable, and let your personality shine through

Incorporating Personal stories and your own experiences adds a layer of authenticity that listeners crave. When you share personal anecdotes related to your podcast's theme, you're not just talking at your audience – you're connecting with them on a deeper level. Think about it: when you hear someone share a story that resonates with you, it sticks. It's memorable. It's human. By infusing your podcast with personal narratives, you're making your content more relatable and engaging.

listen...your most trusted voice is your own! You've been hearing it for years and years. You can hone your voice by practicing storytelling and changing tones, pitch, and word emphasis. When you first start out, honor the start. As you "get in the groove" through consistently showing up, you'll get into a rhythm that grows your confidence. *keep going!*

Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves by seeking to find "our voice" and to perfect "our craft" but the reality is, if you're podcasting for the right reason, it's not for you. It's for your listener. Every time I'm getting on stage to speak, I'm nervous, but to calm myself down, I saw these words: "I'm not here for myself and my performance. I'm here to serve someone who needs what I'm going to share. It's about them, not me." When you have this perspective with finding your voice in podcasting, it takes most of the pressure away. Always seek to improve, always work to get better, but not for you, for THEM, your listeners. You've got this! 1% every day.