Influential Introvert: Communication Coaching for Professionals with Performance Anxiety

Latest Episodes:

Podcast Intros: How to Hook Your Audience Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

One of the biggest peeves listeners have is when podcast host/s waffle on for too long before getting to the point of the episode. Your audience wants to know where you’re taking them, or they’re going to bail. In fact, the average podcast loses about a third of its audience in the first five minutes, according to NPR One. So how can you create an above average podcast?

In this episode, I’ll talk about how to keep your podcast audience listening by hooking them with a great intro.

Key takeaways:

Hook your audience from the beginning. Let them know what they’ll get out of spending the next 30 or 60 or however many minutes with you.
Teasers, stories, and questions are great ways to hook your audience.
In addition to your hook, your intro should include your name and the name of your show.
Music is a nice way to brand your show and get your listeners in the right mood to hear your message.
Speak to one person. Use the word ‘you’ instead of ‘all of you.’
Consider including a call to action in your introduction.

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can check out my other podcast, Postcard Academy travel podcast. This travel podcast is for the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll learn how they did it and get their best insider food and culture tips.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

How to Name Your Podcast So People Discover Your Show Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

What should you name your podcast? This is an important question. You’re pouring your heart and soul into this show and can literally name it anything you want (as long as it’s not trademarked). So how do you choose a good name for your podcast, also known as a podcast title?

Well, if you want to help listeners discover your show, follow the tips I share in today’s episode of Podcasting Step by Step.

Snapshot of this episode

Keep your podcast name short and sweet and choose clarity over cleverness (but do both if you can). Don’t keyword stuff your title, and stay away from numbers. Make sure no one else is using your podcast title.

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Imposter Syndrome: 7 Mindset Shifts to Overcome Feeling Like a Podcast Fraud Aug 22, 2019

Show notes

When you’re new to podcasting, everything can seem like a challenge. Choosing the right equipment; learning to edit audio; coming up with great content. But one of the biggest challenges — maybe the BIGGEST thing holding back people from podcasting — is imposter syndrome. Those feelings that we’re unworthy. That we don’t know enough or aren’t good enough.

“Who am I to start a podcast? What if no one listens? What if people hate my show?”

These are totally natural feelings that most people suffer from. I put off podcasting for years because of those thoughts. But you can greatly minimize these negative feelings with a few simple actions to shift your mindset, and I dive into those in today’s episode.

Show notes and a cheat sheet of questions to keep you in a positive, motivated mindset.

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

How to Tell Better Stories on Your Podcast Aug 15, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever traveled to a place that was absolutely phenomenal...the food tasted amazing, the architecture blew you away...you know your friends back home would love it.

But when you try to share your experience with them...it falls flat. They’re just not interested in your story, and, quite, frankly, neither are you. Your words aren’t matching up with what you want to convey.

The good thing is, storytelling is both an art and a science, and you can learn techniques to become a better storyteller. As podcasters, this is a craft that we should at least know about, even if we don’t plan on producing a storytelling or narrative show.

Since, it is summer in most of the world as I’m recording this, I thought this would be a great time to share an interview I did with Matthew Dicks on my travel show Postcard Academy.

Mathew is a five-time Moth GrandSLAM storytelling winner and the author of Storyworthy. On this episode, Matthew coaches us on the craft of storytelling, and at the end of the show, weaves together all of the advice he shares into a travel story of his own.

(show notes for tips on how to tell a great story)

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Be the Perfect Podcast Guest in 12 Steps Aug 08, 2019

Show notes

Hooray! You sent the perfect pitch and now someone wants to interview you on their podcast. On this episode, you'll learn how to bring your absolute best to the interview so the host falls in love with you and so do their listeners.

Show notes and a free podcast pitch template can be found at sarahmikutel.com

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

How to Pitch a Podcast Host (Plus Free Template) Aug 01, 2019

Show notes

We all want to grow our podcast audience, right? Well, one of the best ways to do this is by getting on other people’s podcasts. But how do you find the right podcasts to pitch to, and how do you get the podcast hosts to say yes? I cover it all this episode, plus I created a free pitch template for you, which you can find at at sarahmikutel.com

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Podcasting & the Law: How to Avoid Getting Sued or Kicked Out of Apple Podcasts Jul 25, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever wondered, “Can I share a clip of this music on my podcast?” or “Should my guest sign a release form?” or “How do I legally disclose affiliates so I don’t sound like an awkward shill?” Well, you have come to the right place with your podcast legal questions.

Entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark joins me on Podcasting Step by Step to discuss:

why your guest should sign a release form and what should be on it;
whether you can (or should) choose a podcast name that already exists;
how to disclose affiliate relationships on your podcast;
what fair use is and whether you can use music, news, or film clips on your show;
the benefits of registering your podcast as a business;
the difference between copyright and trademark and whether you need this for your podcast;
if we need formal working agreements when hiring people to help us with elements of our podcast, like show notes and audio editing (you do -- ‘work made for hire’ contracts);
the elements of a podcast sponsorship contract;
the rules of podcast giveaways;
the policy that absolutely needs to be on your website (privacy);
the difference between libel and slander;
and do we need to worry about GDPR if we don’t plan on monetizing (yes).

Gordon is THE go-to person when it comes to podcasting and the law. He is good at breaking down wonky legalese and also has one of the most soothing podcast voices I have ever heard. Legal information never sounded so good.

Of course, we’re not offering legal advice. This purpose of this episode is to answer common questions podcasters have about the law.

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Want to Grow Your Podcast Audience? Communicate What You Stand For Jul 18, 2019

Show notes

How do I get more listeners to my podcast? Have you ever asked yourself that? I’m sure you have because we all ask this. Until we get clear on what we stand for, we won’t be clear in what we want to share with the world, on our own shows and on the ones we guest on. If we don’t know what we’re all about, why would an audience rally behind us?

Identifying your mission, vision, and values for your life is your foundation. When you have clarity on this, everything related to your podcast will flow more easily, from the interviews you participate in to what you post on social media. Your messages will be more consistent and more meaningful. This is when people will really start listening to you. This is how you grow your podcast audience.

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

How to Record a Podcast Interview with a Remote Guest (Plus Free Checklist) Jul 13, 2019

Show notes

At some point, most podcasters recording a remote interview will flub it up in some way, whether that’s by technical or human error. On Podcasting Step by Step, I talk you through exactly what you need to do to minimize those snafus that happen when recording an interview with your computer. Download your free Pre-Record Checklist.

Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

You’ll Never Have This Day Again. Make it Matter. Jul 04, 2019

Show notes

There’s no time like the present -- we hear that all the time. But do you feel it? Do you make time to enjoy yourself? To try something new that scares you a little? Maybe you’ve got everything in place to start your podcast, but are afraid to hit publish. Or there’s something you’re dying to talk about, but you’re scared about what others might think of you. Newsflash, friend: Our time on this Earth is almost over. You will never have this day again. Make it matter.

I’m your podcast coach, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know that I also host the Postcard Academy travel podcast? Check it out if you’re the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll learn how they did it and get their best insider food and culture tips.

Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”

Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.

Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.

Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.