The Podcasting Trifecta: Engage, Educate, and Entertain

We share similar goals even if our audiences are t the same. Train an employee, educate a resident, and build trust with a client. We’ve tried flyers, posters, PowerPoints, and handbooks full of information, but we don’t get the results we want. There’s still a lack of interest, compliance, or trust. Try something new: podcasting. Podcasts remain relevant because of the engaging storytelling format that allows you to personalize the content, build relationships, and establish rapport with your audience. Podcasts reach all generations, with Millennials and Gen X having the highest listening rates. Meet your audience where they are with flexible, on-demand content from a computer, cellphone, or tablet. Transfer kwledge and content in a conversational manner to make topics like compliance more understandable, motivate behavior changes, or increase participation in your programs. Learn how the Denver Environmental Quality Training Program leveraged this concept to increase engagement and foster relationships with city employees, including solid waste drivers, traffic engineering utility workers, horticulturists, and fleet technicians. Participants will leave this session with kwledge of why and how to start a podcast, along with best practices to achieve success. If you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, to be creative and authentic, and to connect with your audience, then you’re in the right place.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be better able to:
• Choose a podcast theme to ensure each episode has a connection that leads to the overall goal or desired outcome. The theme provides the framework and foundation the audience is expecting for a fluid path of learning. A podcast without a theme will struggle to establish a consistent following.
• Determine format (one host versus multiple hosts) and interview style (scripted versus unscripted). Recognize that t all guests can ad lib and some will need a transcript written beforehand. Discuss editing software options available.
• Measure the success of podcasting through metrics such as website/LMS visits, downloads, subscribers, likes/reviews, completion rates, and surveys.