Are you part of a group that has a conference every year?   Some of those groups have membership fees just to be a part of the group. And then the conference is an additional cost on top of that.   That's fine, I guess. But I've noticed that some of those groups seem to only exist for the sake of the annual conference.   And it's made me wonder: What's the benefit of paying for membership when the only thing offered is the conference, which I have to pay extra for in order to attend?   I want to show you how a podcast can increase the value of membership, even if the only thing you offer otherwise is the annual meeting.

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Make your conference better with a podcast - #117

There are four parts to a mobile-friendly message. There's the technical (technology and technique). There is also the communication side (content and presentation). Content is what you say Presentation is how you say it Content and presentation are equally important, especially when making your message mobile with a podcast. That's why there's Rule 7 in podcasting.

Rule 7 in podcasting - #116

Remember that story? From the Bible. Jesus told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Make disciples When Jesus told his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations,” the disciples did just that. The specific way they accomplished that mission varied. They met people on the road and in the city. They met in synagogues and houses. They spoke face to face. They wrote letters. They compiled information to document the things Jesus did and said. As time passed, disciples built churches and cathedrals so they could meet together, sing together, learn together, and encourage each other. Eventually disciples would use technologies such as the printing press, vinyl records, radio, film, newspapers, audio tape, video tape, television, central heating and cooling, CDs, satellites, magazines, movie theaters, cushioned seats, DVDs, Blu-ray, mp3s, video, and the Internet. Disciples have a mission: “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” However, one activity disciples are doing less often is meeting together, singing together, learning together, and encouraging each other. Another new culture Culture has changed. Culture is changing. Culture will continue to change. This world is experiencing massive changes because of exponential technologies. The most obvious example is very close to you right now. It’s that small but powerful computer people never leave home without. It can fit in a pocket, but at this moment most are staring at its screen. Many even talk to their mobile device, and the mobile device talks back. Over the centuries, disciples have used a variety of technologies to help them accomplish their mission, but mobile technologies such as smartphones are still new enough that we haven’t fully understood their potential to help fulfill the Great Commission. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and all the social media sites people use are potential avenues to reach the world through mobile technology. Many churches primarily use social to advertise their services. However, social media pioneer Brady Shearer of Pro Church Tools has developed social strategies that can help churches make disciples and teach the Bible. But there is another mobile technology that goes far beyond social media “message bites.” Podcasts offer a deeper connection with listeners and have the potential to transform discipleship in your church. Welcome to Podcast Ministry. https://PodcastMinistry.org

The Great Commission and Mobile Technology - #115

Noise interferes with communication. And because podcasting is an act of communication, noise is a problem for podcasters. But sometimes noise can’t be fixed with anything technical. It’s a different kind of problem that needs a different kind of solution. Podcasting is an act of verbal communication There have been many models and diagrams of communication throughout the years, but here it is in its simplest form. You speak. The listener listens. The listener speaks. You listen. However, missing from that simple description of communication is what we call noise. Noise is anything that interferes with communication. Noise can happen on your side as the speaker (podcaster). Or it can happen on the listener’s side. Or it can happen somewhere in between.   4 types of noise that can disrupt communication The four types of noise are physical, physiological, psychological, and semantic.   1. Physical noise interferes with communication Physical noise is interference that is external to both speaker and listener; it hampers the physical transmission of the signal or message. Examples of physical noise: loud party at the neighbors while you’re trying to record loud kids who don’t want to take their nap irritating hum of your computer, air conditioner, or heater   2. Physiological noise interferes with communication Physiological noise is created by barriers within the sender or receiver. Examples of physiological noise on the podcaster’s side: articulation problems mumbling talking too fast talking too slow forgetting to pause forgetting to breathe An example of physiological noise on the listener’s side: hearing problems. Maybe the listener can’t hear high tones as clearly as they used to. For some, low tones are the problem. Their difficulty in literally hearing words and sounds becomes physiological noise.   3. Psychological noise interferes with communication Psychological noise is mental interference in the speaker or listener. Three examples of psychological noise: wandering thoughts preconceived ideas sarcasm   Wandering thoughts can be a kind of psychological noise. This is primarily a listener problem. If you’re trying to communicate a concept in your podcast, "wandering thoughts" is an obstacle because your listener may be distracted and have difficulty keeping up with you. This is often a problem when talking about abstract ideas. Sometimes as podcasters, we cause a listener’s thoughts to wander, especially if we talk too fast, too slow, or fail to pause. But occasionally "wandering thoughts" can be a podcaster problem, too. Have you ever started talking about one point only to find yourself lost talking about something completely unrelated? It takes a lot of concentration (and maybe planning) to stay focused.   Preconceived ideas can be a kind of psychological noise. This is when people think they already know something. That noise interferes with a listener’s willingness to hear a new perspective. Other preconceived ideas include biases, prejudices, presuppositions, and closed-mindedness. When there is psychological noise like this, you have to work harder than usual to make sure you’re communicating clearly.   Sarcasm can be a kind of psychological noise. If you don’t care to actually persuade someone to see things your way, then sarcasm is the easy way. Sarcasm is noise to your listener unless your listener already agrees with you. If your listener disagrees with you, then sarcasm guarantees they won’t pay attention to your message. Sarcasm can also rile them up. When they come back at you with their knee-jerk response, that’ll be noise to you. And then true communication stops.   Finally, there is another type of noise that appears to be psychological, but it’s actually linguistic and deserves its own category.   4. Semantic noise interferes with communication Semantic noise is interference created when the speaker and listener have different meaning systems. Maybe when I use a word, you have a slightly different meaning in mind. This can cause confusion. Jargon can be semantic noise. Jargon is a fantastic linguistic shortcut. If everyone listening agrees and understands the terminology, then jargon makes communication quicker and clearer. However, if listeners have different definitions of the terminology, then jargon becomes noise. This is especially noisy to people outside your particular job or field. Abstract ideas can be semantic noise. Another kind of semantic noise is when your words and sentences are nebulous or ambiguous. Some people find it almost impossible to speak concretely. This is a problem I have, which is one reason I need to write (even when I’m podcasting). But even when I’ve written, I sometimes discover my words were not concrete enough. I’m actually concerned that I have been too abstract with my words in these show notes. If I have, then you might have misunderstood me. And then my own semantic noise has interfered with our communication.   Reducing the noise All communication contains noise. You can’t get rid of the noise for every person who listens to you. But you can work to reduce the noise. Here are three ways to reduce the noise: 1. Make your language more precise. Choose words that you know will be understood by your listeners. 2. Practice Practice speaking. Practice articulating. Practice using your recording and editing tools. 3. Invite feedback Sometimes listeners hesitate before they respond. So invite feedback. Often. Once you start hearing from your listeners, you can begin to tweak your message so it becomes clearer and better understood. Feedback from you What are some ways you’ve reduced noise? What noise is interfering with our communication? Or has any of this sparked an idea you would like to share or a question you would like to ask? Whatever it is, I would like to hear your feedback.   https://OnTheGo.FM/contact   ______________________________ Source: Understanding Interpersonal Communication https://books.google.com/books?id=E19wR7hEEoIC&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&dq=interpersonal+communication+physical,+physiological,+psychological,+and+semantic&source=bl&ots=NTOSYf_I_Y&sig=l2QhElYfUeEsvDqrn0qD2XDW8sk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjdxMTrzpnPAhVH0YMKHQu5Be8Q6AEIQDAE

4 types of noise in your podcast - #114

On the technical side of podcasting there are two important parts: Technology and technique. 1. Technology is what you use 2. Technique is how you use it Technology and technique are not equal in importance. And that's why there is Rule 6 in podcasting. I'm a podcast editor and podcast consultant. If you have questions about your podcast or need guidance starting one, contact me at JasonNorris.com or OnTheGo.FM.

Rule 6 in podcasting - #113

Your podcast needs editing because of how your audience experiences your show. Here are two edits you need, no matter your editing philosophy. Rule 5 in podcasting OnTheGo.FM   Links mentioned in this episode:   Segment from On the Media about how NPR edits https://www.wnyc.org/story/129437-pulling-back-the-curtain/   Details about LUFS, LKFS, and Loudness Normalization https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LKFS   Auphonic, the online tool that levels and sets loudness https://auphonic.com/  

Rule 5 in podcasting - #112

Can your church encourage greater participation and engagement with a podcast ministry? Can you teach your teachers how to teach better with a podcast ministry? Can you provide ministry training with a podcast ministry? Hint: Yes! (All that and more!) A podcast ministry can help your church overcome problems like the lack of engagement from church members, teacher training, and ministry training of all kinds. It can extend your teaching and ministry in ways you’ve never thought about before. Together, let’s explore what’s possible in your church and any ministry you create to serve others in your community.

What can a podcast ministry do for your church? - #111

Many colleges teach radio production courses, but not all teach about podcasts. I believe the best way to prepare broadcast students for the future is by emphasizing how to produce podcasts. If you love talking, telling stories, editing—if you love audio—you've got to learn podcasting!

The new Radio 101 class should teach podcasting - #110

Which microphone should I use? Do I need a mixer? How do I plug two mics into my computer? How do I talk to someone in another part of the world? Welcome to Rule 4 in podcasting. This is about the technical side of podcasting: Technology Technique    

Rule 4 in podcasting - #109

Making a podcast is more complex than some people make it sound. There are lots of details to understand to create a show that people are able to hear and want to hear. All the details can be overwhelming—especially if you’ve never made a podcast before. (And that warning about consequences in Rule 2 might be adding to your hesitation). That’s why there’s Rule 3 in podcasting.

Rule 3 in podcasting - #108

Before you listen to this episode, make sure you listen to Rule 1 in podcasting. The first rule is so important that it needs to be heard before listening to Rule 2. Rule 1 in podcasting: https://OnTheGo.FM/otg106 After you hear Rule 1, then you'll be ready to hear the challenges you'll face with Rule 2 in podcasting.

Rule 2 in podcasting - #107

When I coach, consult, or advise a potential podcaster, I start with the most important rule in podcasting. Rule 1 is the mindset you need to embrace when you start. It's also a mindset you need to keep no matter how many episodes you've produced.

Rule 1 in podcasting - #106

Every year since podcasts were invented, more and more people have started listening on the go. They discovered it was fun to listen to interviews, comedies, and discussions while they were commuting, exercising, and walking the dog. They also discovered they could learn on the go. Long, long ago, Zig Ziglar talked about the “automobile university,” a way to learn during your commute. That concept has grown exponentially today! If you had a podcast, people could be learning from you, too. Important: You can do more than the top podcasts can do. There’s much more to the podcasting medium than what you read about in the news. You can educate the world. You can talk about your local your local community: https://PodcastLocal.com You can tell great stories that make people laugh (and learn). You can preach the Gospel and teach the Word with a podcast ministry: https://PodcastMinistry.org. You can change the world, your community, your church, your neighbors, or even yourself. When you discover the potential of podcasting, I’m here to guide you toward making your message mobile with a podcast of your own. I'm Jason Norris, and I'm a podcast consultant, a podcast editor, and someone who loves talking about ways we can make your message mobile with a podcast.  

Do you understand the potential of podcasts? - #105

If I make my message mobile, will people stop coming here? That’s the fear expressed by many people in churches, and I wonder if it’s the same fear for those who teach and work at institutes of higher education. The worry is an old one, at least as far as church is concerned. If you're ready to start a podcast for your church, I’ve created a web site just for you. Podcast Ministry is about how a church can serve both congregation and community with a podcast. That’s at PodcastMinistry.org    

Will people stop coming to church if we podcast it? - #104

My goal is to get everyone thinking and preparing for the future of communication. If you have a message to share with people, you need to take a serious look at the changes that have already happened and begin preparing now to take advantage of the changes that are coming very soon. There is coming a time—and actually, it’s already here—when your opportunity to communicate your message will be while people are on the go with their mobile devices. So make your message mobile. There are 4 parts to a mobile-friendly message. Two have to do with technical things. The other two are about good communication skills. https://onthego.fm/otg103  

4 parts of a mobile friendly message - #103

Jason E. Norris talks about what else you can do with a podcast, exploring ways to make your message mobile. Teaching, training, telling stories, changing lives—you can do it all with a podcast.

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