The success of a podcast somewhat depends on choosing the right format. The format you choose not only affects the structure of your content but also influences how effectively you can engage your audience and achieve your advocacy goals.
1. Understanding Podcast Formats
There are, roughly, five basic format types. Each has its strengths and is suited to different types of content and audience engagement strategies.
- Interview Format: This is one of the most common podcast formats where the host interviews guests who are individuals, couples or organisations with relevant experiences. The interview format is highly versatile and allows for in-depth exploration of topics, offering listeners a variety of perspectives. It appears this is the first thought people have when considering starting a show. I believe it is overrated. It drops the show into the vast morass of other interview pods which can be problematic. Interviewing is a skill that few are born with.
- Storytelling Format: Storytelling podcasts focus on narrating stories, often with a strong emphasis on narrative arcs, character development and immersive sound design. This format is ideal for creating an emotional connection with the audience. Again this style of format requires a skillset few have innately. It can be learnt. It also connects with something deep within the human mind. “Storyteller” being almost a defined position in most human cultures.
- Panel Discussions: In this format, a group of experts or stakeholders discuss a particular topic, often moderated by a host. This format is effective for exploring different viewpoints and fostering debate. Experts in this context would include individuals with a lived experience sharing their insights. Whilst academic input could play a part, for powerful connections, the lived experience would be where I’d focus this format.
- Monologue/Commentary: A single host presents their thoughts, opinions or analysis on a particular issue. This format allows for deep dives into niche topics and personal storytelling. This is my preferred format. It can pair nicely with the interview format. Disability Sunflower Stories from Kin Advocacy is an example of this, link in the show notes. The first half dozen episodes are followed by bonus episodes which are in the monolog format. All the others are interview based. Have a listen to see how the same stories are treated in the two formats.
- Hybrid Format: Some podcasts blend multiple formats, such as incorporating both interviews and storytelling. Hybrid formats can be tailored to the content and keep the audience engaged by varying the style. This works well across a season. A few interviews, a roundtable, a narrative to explore a lived experience and a monologue to bring it all together in the last episode of the season would work well.
2. Aligning Your Podcast Format with Your Advocacy Goals
Choosing the right format for your advocacy podcast involves a careful consideration of your goals, audience and the message you want to convey. Below are key factors to consider:
- Audience Engagement: How do you want your audience to interact with your content? For example, if you aim to educate your audience on complex issues, a panel discussion or interview format with experts may be most effective. On the other hand, if you want to inspire and emotionally connect with your listeners, a storytelling format might be better suited.
- Content Depth: Consider the level of detail and depth you wish to provide. The interview format allows for in-depth discussions and can feature a wide range of expert opinions, while the storytelling format can make complex issues more relatable through personal stories. The monologue, when well written, can also perform this task.
- Frequency and Consistency: How often will you release episodes? Some formats require more production time than others. Storytelling podcasts, for example, often involve extensive research, scriptwriting and editing, which can impact how frequently you can publish new episodes. Interview or monologue formats might be easier to produce on a regular schedule. A seasonal approach allows for sufficient time to research, write, record and so on while still maintaining a consistent output.
- Resource Availability: Assess the resources at your disposal, including time, technology and talent. For instance, panel discussions may require multiple participants and coordination, while monologue formats might only need a single host and basic recording equipment. Given the large number of individuals who have, do or will work from home, a decent audio setup is not that unusual. A Zoom based panel discussion would work well as Zoom will record each participant separately making for a much less complicated editing process.
- Advocacy Message: Your format should enhance your advocacy message. If your goal is to highlight voices of those directly impacted by an issue, an interview or storytelling format may help bring their stories to the forefront. If you aim to create a dialogue around policy, a panel discussion with experts might be more appropriate.
3. Choosing the Right Format for Your Podcast
Selecting the best format for your advocacy podcast involves balancing your goals, resources and audience needs. These factors should assist within your decision:
- Start with Your Audience: Understand who your audience is and what they are looking for. What are you trying to impart? The differences you make? The change in people’s lives? Their communities?
- Experiment and Adapt: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats in your early episodes. You can always adapt your format as you learn more about what works best.
- Consider Hybrid Formats: If one format doesn’t fully meet your needs, consider blending elements from different formats to create something unique.
Choosing the right podcast format is a critical step in ensuring that your advocacy efforts are effective and impactful. By aligning your format with your advocacy goals, you can create content that not only informs and engages your audience but also drives meaningful change.
If you’re thinking about or even ready to start your service’s podcast, email me: jon@jmps.au link in the show notes and we can have a chat. I work on a monthly retainer basis and you receive 4 episodes a month, uploaded to a host, clips for use in socials, help with local recordings where you are and all this for A$500 a month on a twelve month contract.
Until next episode, thanks for listening.
Links:
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/disability-sunflower-stories/id1655776843