Analysis

Podcast Design Choices

The overall design choices support the rhetorical situation. The structure proves that the host of this audio example did not just press record. The pattern of organization endorses the content of this audio broadcasting. Visuals do not stimulate podcast listeners. Therefore the audio structure is crucial because podcast listeners will quickly decide whether to stay, leave, or subscribe. For instance, as a listener, I immediately knew what this podcast show was about and what I could benefit from if I continued to listen. The single-stranded host introduction lets the audience knows what to expect.

After the intro, the sound is consistent and balanced throughout the podcast reflecting alignment. In addition, proximity is displayed from the silence imposed between the questions and answers of the host and interviewees, creating a pattern for the audience. There is no cross-talking, background noises, or mic distortion during the interview process. The proximity of silence also helps to break down the dialogue allowing the audience time to breathe and comprehend the information. Furthermore, each participant follows the lead and direction of the host when asked a question, which is completed by a guest answering., then repeats. the audience knows what to expect. The host reinforces this emphasis is conveyed through the voice pitch. In addition, the music is not louder than the sound of voice.

Genre

The genre of this text can be defined as an interview and/or conversational podcast. For example, one regular host with two guests interviewees via a Web medium. With this particular text, the audience is not expecting visuals but information with an aural effect. The host adheres to these generic conventions through his choice of content which provides education for entrepreneurs and working professionals. The boundaries are pressed through the in depth scope of the conversation between the host and interviewees.

Purpose, Audience, Context

The podcast’s purpose is to captivate the listeners enough to press play, follow, and look forward to the next episode. The context covers various business topics within the workplace. The summary of the information provided is designed to tap into the minds and brains of entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, or anyone working during the pandemic. I know this because the podcast host provides a linguistic text summary and announces the topic during the introduction. Furthermore, the length of the audio series never exceeds an hour. This is beneficial because the audience, predicted to be working class, can listen during a lunch break or a commute.

Arrangement

The arrangement strategy across podcast episodes begins with a five-second theme song intro, quickly catching the audience’s attention. Promptly following the fade of the opening music transitions the sound of the host’s voice. He tells the audience what the episode will be about and formally introduces the interviewees. However, the series of podcasts are not consistently posted on Soundcloud. The host has only posted a total of three tracks within two months. Therefore, the audience does not know when to expect the next podcast. The content foundation consists of entrepreneurs and professionals covering various business topics for everyday working professionals. Besides thanking the guests, the podcast episodes did not include a consistent conclusion statement or ads. The outro does not encourage the listeners to come back for more or to follow. The lack of consistency is probably why his channel has failed to capture followers.

Mood/Tone

The initial mood of the podcast is set instantly from the slightly upbeat tempo of the intro music. The music piece’s tempo, volume, and sound design are welcoming and keep the audience in a calming mood. In addition, the tone of voice gently combs through the music conclusion with a low and soothing sound. This sets a more intimate scene for the episode level. Furthermore, listeners will feel comfortable and not overwhelmed by the host’s voice. This allows the host and interviewees to tap into the mind and brains of the audience.

Making Music

Here’s the original soundation file.

If I continued to work on this audio, I would incorporate additional vocals. For example, adlibs, rap, or singing. In addition, the track and sound effects would be extended to include the following layout:

Intro, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus, Outro

Furthermore, the program Audacity has a noise-reduction plug-in. Although only a few sound adjustments can be made, I would continue to train with the plug-in until it was effective and accomplishes the expectation of my ‘audio engineering’ (insert sarcasm here) preference.