Confident Communicators Podcast event: Barb's Tea Service honored to be part of the panel!

Carol & Rik D. of Confident Communicators/Toastmaster with BTS podcast team, Barb & Chris G.

 

This week, Barb's Tea Service Podcast team -  Barb and studio engineer/co-host/ arm candy, Chris Gulley - was invited to be part of a four-person panel discussion on launching a podcast hosted by Confident Communicators/Toastmasters. This public speaking chapter is located in Washington, Michigan and the long-time passion of good friends Rik and Carol Durling, who extended BTS an invitation to have a seat at the table and share podcasting tips.

So You Want to Start a Podcast 

Held in the elegant banquet facilities of Shelby Gardens, the event titled “So You Want to Host a Podcast” welcomed both in-person and online guests. Ray Rivaro served as emcee and panel moderator.  We were joined by fellow podcasters Lisa Swiftney and Faris Alami, who bring their voices to the Rochester business community and international entrepreneurs, respectively.

Chris, Rik and Ray setting up for the Toastmasters' event.

After an early morning tech set-up with equipment supplied by both the Durlings and ONTV Studios, attendees were greeted at the door and welcomed to early morning refreshments, including cider, doughnuts, bagels and some incredible home-baked scones. 

Podcasters assembling before guests arrive.

Ray kicked off the event at exactly 8:15, introducing the panel and opening the floor to questions from guests in both the well-appointed meeting room and those plugged in from various locations in the U.S. (and a few international folks as well).

BTS Podcast team share tips and trials.

Together with fellow podcasters, we shared tips on "taking the podcast plunge", technical concerns, start up costs, and local resources. Although we all had different target markets, formats and schedules, we shared common goals for making podcasts work:  consistency, authenticity and audience engagement.

And, with all that, we add an emphatic, have fun, too!

Chris and I admitted our first podcast was a bit stiff and awkward, but with the instruction and support of the great folks at ONTV Studios in Lake Orion, we got over one of the biggest podcast hurdles:  simply getting started. 

We were honored to be invited to this Toastmaster event and share our enthusiasm for this social medium that serves as a vehicle for businesses, special interests, education and entertainment. Our thanks to Confident Communicators for including BTS as panelists and to all the attendees who are pursuing a podcast of their own.