Thirsty task: My First Podcast Experience

Let me take you to the next chapter of my journey into the tech world!

This time, I tried to create a short podcast. I had never thought podcasting could help improve language skills before, but now I realize it actually does. So, this is how I started...

In my ICT course, I was required to create a podcast by choosing one of three options: a vox-pop, an individual podcast, or a storytelling pair-work podcast. I chose the individual one, and my task was to recreate the 60-Second Idea to Improve the World series by BBC. I picked this option without hesitation because I had always thought about two ideas that could help improve the world and make it a more comfortable place to live. I believe everyone has at least one personal idea to make the world better — like their own "Roman Empire."So i decided to introduce my idea to enhance the world. My two ideas were promoting thrift shopping and encouraging empathy to help people feel more connected. In the end, I chose thrift shopping, because I believe it’s a simple activity that everyone can try right away.

Creating a podcast was actually easier than I expected (Of course, mine is not as professional as real podcasts). I didn’t face any big problems. First, I chose my idea. Then I wrote my script, as if I were casually sharing my thoughts with a friend. After that, I measured how long it took to read the draft and then revised and finalized the script.

Then came the most difficult, but also the most surprising part: recording. I thought this would be the easiest, but I ended up re-recording 43 times! I got thirsty and had trouble with breathing while speaking. This part was the most challenging, but also the most satisfying and educational.

My podcast was around 150 words. While recording and listening back, I noticed some pronunciation mistakes and awkward intonation. Then I tried to fix them over and over again. That’s when I realized podcasting is a great tool for self-reflection and correction — useful for all levels of language learners.

So, as a pre-service English teacher, would I give a similar task to my future students? DEFINITELY YES!

HERE IS MY PODCAST:

https://youtu.be/hiLvvTHB5_Y

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