If you click on the above link, you’ll get my first rough attempt at a podcast, using the Audacity software. Obviously I’ve got a lot of work to do, technowise, but still I’m quite proud of it, for I’m a technophobe of the first order, generally. I’ve been editing out some of my umms and ahhs and stumbles, but the editing sounds terrible in places – lots of clicks and bumps. It’s definitely best when I leave the recording to run, and speak in a more clear, disciplined voice, generally after a few offline rehearsals. What’s really annoying though, is that there are a number of glitches – words being sliced off or garbled here and there – which seem to have come about through transferring the material from the Audacity format to mp3. I wish I knew why this has happened. I’ve used a relatively cheap, all-purpose headphone mike, and I don’t know if that’s been a problem. I’m also aware that my ‘natural’, spontaneous speaking voice is a bit slow and ponderous and stumbly. First time I’ve ever thought of myself as having a clumsy voice. But when I apply myself I can do much better – though that generally means being less spontaneous. Maybe I can develop a practised spontaneity!
It’s also very very basic – no tubular bells or whistles as yet.