Podcasting Mistakes We See in the Studio Every Week
After two decades behind a microphone and almost the same length of time producing shows for other people, I have noticed a pattern. No matter how polished or confident a host may be, the same two habits appear the moment the record button lights up.
These habits look harmless, although they affect your listener’s focus, your editing time and the overall feel of the show.
There is some good news. Both habits are simple to correct once you recognise them.
Here is a clear look at each one.
1. The Filler Word Habit
I will happily admit that I have fallen into this trap myself.
During recordings, especially in interviews, filler words drift in without permission. Um, eh, you know, uhhuh. Most people have no idea they are doing it until they hear themselves back. Then it becomes impossible to miss.
From an editor’s point of view, filler words create constant hurdles. If you plan to cut short clips later, each stray syllable interrupts the flow.
Tools such as Descript can tidy them, although the lasting solution comes from how you speak rather than which software you choose.
Why We Do It
Filler words act like a momentary pause. They appear when:
nerves kick in
thoughts race ahead
bright lights make you more aware of yourself
you feel someone watching
your mouth is chasing your mind
Fast talkers in Scotland are especially vulnerable, so fillers become an unconscious way of slowing the pace.
A Simple Fix
Relaxation changes everything.
During your next session:
choose a calm pause instead of a filler
breathe before you speak
slow the pace of your thinking
trust the natural rhythm of your voice
Silence is not a problem. The feeling of awkwardness often comes from inside rather than from anything the listener hears. A steady host sounds far more assured than one who rushes.
2. Verbal Affirmations (The Quiet Saboteur)
This is the habit we hear most often in the studio.
You are interviewing a guest. They are in full flow. You instinctively respond with:
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Yep.
That is right.
Perfectly normal in day-to-day conversation, although microphones are not day-to-day life.
Those quick affirmations cut across your guest’s voice, clutter the audio and make editing far more difficult. When you are shaping a conversation for clarity, constant affirmations feel never-ending.
What To Do Instead
Use non-verbal signals:
a nod
a smile
raised eyebrows
a slight lean forward
Each one shows warmth and engagement without touching the guest’s words.
I often tell clients to imagine the Churchill Insurance dog. If the nodding reaches that level, you are on the right track.
It feels unusual at first, although it lifts your audio quality in a dramatic way.
Why These Habits Matter
Correcting these two small behaviours makes your podcast easier to edit and strengthens your presence as a host.
Your delivery becomes clearer.
Your interviews feel smoother.
Your listeners pay attention to the conversation rather than the distractions.
Most importantly, your guest will sound great, which always reflects well on you.
Ready To Improve Your Podcast?
If you want to start a show or raise the standard of your existing one, our team at Podcast Studio Glasgow can support every step, from recording and editing to coaching and production.
Visit podcaststudioglasgow.com or book a session whenever it suits you.
More practical tips and behind-the-scenes insight will also appear in the From the Podcast Studio Glasgow podcast, so keep an eye out for new episodes.
