What Not to Do with Your Hands

Talking with Your Hands Is Fine, if you Keep These Tips in Mind

Hello Higher-Minded Humans!

Welcome to the monthly segment geared toward potential podcast guests. If you don’t care about being interviewed by any media member ever, please feel free to unsubscribe to this section.

Listen, I talk with my hands a lot. But one thing I’ve realized after doing this for the better part of a decade is that not being intentional about hand placement adds a lot more time for the audio editor.

And as an avid podcast listener, it pains my neuro-spicy brain to hear unnecessary clinking during an otherwise riveting story or interview. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, and not everyone cares about distracting noises. But again, as a guest, being mindful about the audio editing will go a long way. So, without further ado, here is what not to do during a podcast recording with your hands:

• Hold onto the microphone while talking (unless you don’t have a stand).

• Wear “loud” jewelry, like bracelets that clang together or anything that will bang against your microphone.

• Light up anything directly into the microphone. Even if it’s a show that encourages smoking, move away from your microphone.

• Slam on a table to make a point. Instead, try to do it in the air if you are feeling passionate, but try to avoid slamming it on any hard surfaces near the microphone.

• Scroll on your phone, drive your car, or cook dinner while being a guest. Yes, I’ve dealt with all of these, and the audio was always terrible.

• Tap your nails - try a fidget spinner instead (placed as far from the mic as possible).

  That’s all for now, but please feel free to add your own input in the comments. If you would like more in-depth media training, please reach out to diana@yourhighnesspodcast.org.