The Pros and Cons of User-Generated Content
Sometimes “user-generated content” goes wrong.
This isn’t an authentic example, but the lesson is just the same …
Also note, if you don’t get the example, don’t look it up at work or ask your co-workers to explain it to you. Depending on where you work, it’s probably NSFW.
Its “offensiveness” is why I’m using it. Most businesses, including your podcast, don’t want to have a situation like this.
Here’s the big idea …
When you open your podcast up to “listener content,” you take a risk. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t.
If you’ve ever seen an improv performance, you’ll relate to this.
The rules of improv are guidelines that help performers create spontaneous and engaging scenes. For example:
Yes, And ...: Always accept what your scene partner has said ("Yes") and then add to it ("And..."). This helps build the scene collaboratively.
Don't Block: Avoid negating or rejecting your partner’s ideas. Blocking stops the flow of the scene and can bring it to a halt.
Make Statements: Rather than asking questions, make statements to contribute actively to the scene. Questions can put pressure on your partner to come up with ideas.
Establish the Who, What, Where: Quickly establish the characters (who), the action or situation (what), and the setting (where) of the scene to provide a clear context for the audience.
Be Present: Focus on the current moment and respond naturally to what is happening in the scene.
Listen: Pay close attention to your scene partners. Good listening is crucial for building on each other’s ideas.
Support Your Partners: Work to make your fellow performers look good. The success of an improv scene depends on mutual support.
Avoid Planning: Don’t script what will happen—trust in your instincts and the process.
Commit: Fully commit to your character and actions, even if they seem silly. Confidence can make even the most outlandish scenarios believable.
Have Fun: Enjoy the process and be playful. Improv is about creativity and spontaneity, so have fun with it!
Thanks to these rules, a lot of things in improv “work.” But I would argue, compared to other comedy performances that are more controlled, such as standup, the laughs from the audience are fairly tame.
But when something in improv hits, it really hits.
Here’s an example:
It hits because the audience is involved—they’re part of what’s created.
You can have the same experience with listeners of your podcast, getting them involved in various aspects of what you do.
Here are five ways to do that:
Call-In Questions: Allow listeners to call in and ask questions during the podcast. This can be done live or pre-recorded. It gives fans of your podcast a direct way to interact with you and your content.
Listener Segments: Dedicate a segment of your show to be hosted by an audience member. This could be a regular feature where different listeners get to share their thoughts, stories, or even interview guests.
Live Audience Episodes: Record episodes in front of a live audience full of listeners. This creates a dynamic atmosphere, but also allows for real-time interaction and feedback.
Listener Polls and Surveys: Use polls and surveys to let listeners vote on topics, guests, or segments they would like to see on your podcast. This gives listeners a sense of ownership and investment in the content.
User-Generated Audio: Invite listeners to submit their own content, such as stories, jokes, or even mini-interviews, which you can then feature on your show. This can create a diverse and vibrant mix of content that keeps your show fresh and interesting.
It doesn’t have to be huge. A single “guest question” from a listener goes a long way
Getting your audience involved not only makes your podcast more engaging but also builds a stronger community around your content.
But keep your eyes open for anything that hijacks your good intentions …
And remember that you are in charge of your podcast. If something suggested or submitted by your listeners doesn’t work, for whatever reason, it’s your responsibility to pass on it.
