I'm in Jersey this weekend writing a piece for Visit Jersey's magazine Pure Jersey. They've also asked me to record a podcast of a guided walk I'm going to be doing. I've done some TV work before, but this will be the first time I've done pure audio. I'll have a Blue Badge guide with me and they've given me some helpful pointers:
going, what you intended or hope to do there and who are you going to meet
along the way.
1. Descriptive text
It seems obvious but it’s vital to establish where you are, where you are going, what you intended or hope to do there and who are you going to meet along the way. We can’t see, so you say.
2. Character
Local characters and experts you meet on your journey. They help animate a piece, they add voice, warmth and reassurance that a local insight or sense that a ‘real’ experience of that attraction has been imparted.
3. Textural sounds
Record anything that adds texture to the locality or attraction. Use the recording device to take audible snap-shots. You can’t overdo this! – don’t worry we’ll edit out what we don’t need.
All well and good, but I think there's probably far more to it than that. Ideally visitors to Jersey will download this podcast and use it as a guided tour. Clearly, walking the route first and working out key areas of interest to describe will be very important indeed.
Anyone got any other hints or tips for recording a great guided tour podcast? I'd love to hear them.