<!-- Context: content-creation/audio-content | Priority: low | Version: 1.0 | Updated: 2026-02-15 -->

# Audio Content Guidelines

Best practices for creating engaging audio content: podcasts, voice content, audio ads, and audiobooks.

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## Podcast Episode Structure

### Standard Podcast Flow

**1. Cold Open (0-30 seconds)**
- Hook with the most interesting moment
- Tease what's coming
- Create curiosity

**2. Intro (30-60 seconds)**
- Welcome and show intro
- Episode topic overview
- Guest introduction (if applicable)
- Sponsor message (if applicable)

**3. Main Content (Bulk of episode)**
- Deliver on the promise
- Conversational flow
- Stories and examples
- Varied pacing

**4. Outro (1-2 minutes)**
- Recap key points
- Thank guest (if applicable)
- Call-to-action
- Preview next episode
- Sponsor message (if applicable)

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### Episode Length Guidelines

**Short-form (5-15 minutes)**:
- Daily shows
- Quick tips
- News and updates
- Solo commentary

**Medium-form (20-45 minutes)**:
- Interview shows
- Educational content
- Most versatile length
- Commute-friendly

**Long-form (60+ minutes)**:
- Deep-dive interviews
- Roundtable discussions
- Storytelling
- Niche audiences

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## Audio Script Writing

### Script vs. Outline

**Fully Scripted**:
- Precise messaging required
- Ads and sponsor reads
- Introductions and outros
- Educational content

**Outline Only**:
- Conversational feel
- Interview shows
- Discussion podcasts
- Natural flow preferred

**Hybrid**:
- Scripted intro/outro
- Outlined main content
- Scripted key points
- Flexible delivery

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### Writing for the Ear

**Conversational Language**:
- Write how you speak
- Use contractions
- Short sentences
- Active voice

**Avoid**:
- Complex sentences
- Jargon without explanation
- Long lists (hard to follow)
- Dense information dumps

**Include**:
- Verbal signposts ("First...", "Next...", "Finally...")
- Transitions between topics
- Recaps of key points
- Rhetorical questions

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## Voice Content Best Practices

### Vocal Delivery

**Pacing**:
- Vary speed for emphasis
- Slow down for important points
- Speed up for energy
- Pause for impact

**Tone**:
- Match content (serious, playful, educational)
- Vary tone to maintain interest
- Authentic and natural
- Energy appropriate to topic

**Emphasis**:
- Stress key words
- Use volume variation
- Pitch changes for interest
- Avoid monotone

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### Audio Quality

**Recording Environment**:
- Quiet space (no background noise)
- Soft surfaces (reduce echo)
- Consistent location
- Close to microphone (6-12 inches)

**Equipment**:
- Decent microphone (USB or XLR)
- Pop filter (reduce plosives)
- Headphones (monitor audio)
- Audio interface (if using XLR)

**Post-Production**:
- Remove long pauses and filler words
- Normalize audio levels
- EQ for clarity
- Compression for consistency
- Noise reduction if needed

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## Audio Ad Formats

### Ad Types

**Pre-Roll (Beginning)**:
- 15-30 seconds
- Quick and punchy
- Set expectations

**Mid-Roll (Middle)**:
- 60-90 seconds
- Natural break in content
- Most valuable placement

**Post-Roll (End)**:
- 15-30 seconds
- Bonus for engaged listeners
- Less valuable

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### Ad Script Structure

**Host-Read Ad**:
1. Transition ("Speaking of [topic]...")
2. Personal endorsement
3. Product/service benefits
4. Call-to-action
5. Promo code/link
6. Transition back to content

**Produced Ad**:
1. Hook (attention-grabbing)
2. Problem identification
3. Solution (product/service)
4. Benefits
5. Call-to-action
6. Memorable tagline

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### Ad Best Practices

**Authenticity**:
- Only promote products you use
- Personal stories work best
- Genuine enthusiasm
- Honest about limitations

**Integration**:
- Natural transitions
- Relevant to content
- Not jarring or disruptive
- Consistent placement

**Clarity**:
- Clear call-to-action
- Easy-to-remember URL or code
- Repeat key information
- Spell out if needed

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## Interview Preparation

### Pre-Interview

**Research**:
- Guest background
- Previous interviews
- Recent work/projects
- Unique angles

**Question Preparation**:
- 10-15 questions prepared
- Mix of types (open-ended, specific, personal)
- Logical flow
- Follow-up questions ready

**Logistics**:
- Recording platform confirmed
- Time zone verified
- Tech test scheduled
- Backup plan ready

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### During Interview

**Active Listening**:
- Don't just read questions
- Follow interesting threads
- Ask follow-up questions
- Let guest finish thoughts

**Pacing**:
- Allow pauses (don't fill every silence)
- Vary question types
- Build to interesting topics
- Save best for last (or tease early)

**Energy**:
- Match guest's energy
- Show genuine interest
- React authentically
- Create comfortable atmosphere

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## Audio Storytelling Techniques

### Story Structure

**Three-Act Structure**:
1. Setup (introduce characters, situation)
2. Conflict (problem, challenge, tension)
3. Resolution (outcome, lesson, transformation)

**In Media Res**:
- Start in the middle of action
- Hook with interesting moment
- Flash back to setup
- Return to resolution

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### Audio-Specific Techniques

**Sound Design**:
- Ambient sound for atmosphere
- Sound effects for emphasis
- Music for emotional tone
- Silence for impact

**Pacing**:
- Vary speed of narration
- Use pauses strategically
- Build tension with pacing
- Release with resolution

**Voice**:
- Character voices (if applicable)
- Emotional delivery
- Intimate vs. dramatic
- First-person for connection

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## Podcast Content Ideas

### Interview Show Ideas

**Expert Interviews**:
- Industry leaders
- Authors and creators
- Practitioners and specialists
- Rising stars

**Story-Based Interviews**:
- Transformation stories
- Failure and comeback stories
- Behind-the-scenes
- Day-in-the-life

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### Solo Show Ideas

**Educational**:
- How-to episodes
- Framework breakdowns
- Tool reviews
- Myth-busting

**Commentary**:
- Industry news analysis
- Trend discussions
- Hot takes
- Q&A episodes

**Personal**:
- Lessons learned
- Experiments and results
- Behind-the-scenes
- Reflections

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### Series Ideas

**Seasonal**:
- Multi-episode story arc
- Theme-based seasons
- Limited series
- Documentary-style

**Recurring**:
- Weekly roundups
- Monthly deep-dives
- Quarterly reviews
- Annual retrospectives

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## Audio Content Checklist

### Pre-Recording

- [ ] Script or outline prepared
- [ ] Recording environment quiet
- [ ] Equipment tested
- [ ] Backup recording method ready
- [ ] Water nearby (hydration)

### Recording

- [ ] Consistent distance from mic
- [ ] Energy and enthusiasm present
- [ ] Clear enunciation
- [ ] Varied pacing and tone
- [ ] Minimal filler words

### Post-Production

- [ ] Intro/outro music added
- [ ] Audio levels normalized
- [ ] Long pauses removed
- [ ] Filler words edited (if excessive)
- [ ] Noise reduction applied
- [ ] Metadata added (title, description, artwork)

### Publishing

- [ ] Episode title optimized
- [ ] Show notes written
- [ ] Timestamps included
- [ ] Links and resources added
- [ ] Artwork uploaded
- [ ] Scheduled for optimal time

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## Common Audio Content Mistakes

### ❌ Poor Audio Quality
Background noise, echo, inconsistent levels.

### ✅ Clean Audio
Quiet environment, good mic, proper editing.

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### ❌ Monotone Delivery
Same pace and tone throughout.

### ✅ Varied Delivery
Pacing, tone, and energy variation.

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### ❌ No Structure
Rambling without clear direction.

### ✅ Clear Structure
Intro, main content, outro with logical flow.

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### ❌ Too Much Filler
Excessive "um," "uh," "like," "you know."

### ✅ Clean Delivery
Minimal filler words, edited if excessive.

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## Usage

Apply these guidelines when creating:
- Podcast episodes
- Audio ads
- Voice-over content
- Audiobook narration
- Voice notes
- Audio courses
- Meditation/guided content

**Remember**: Audio is intimate. Speak directly to one person, not a crowd. Create a conversation, not a lecture.
