Equipment Needed for Participating in Podcasts, Webinars, and Online Events

As our online world has expanded, it has created tremendous opportunities for authors. You may be delivering webinars, conducting podcast interviews, taking or delivering online courses, and/or creating videos for social media. Or perhaps you’re planning to do these things. As you build your author brand, it helps to look prepared and professional at every event.

The following is a list of equipment suggested for setting up your professional broadcast studio.

Web camera – If you have a newer model laptop with a sufficient web camera, be sure to set it on a platform that elevates it to eye level. For an older laptop, or for more flexibility, it can be wise to purchase an external web camera.

Logitech is the gold standard in web cameras, with prices ranging from $40 to $100+. When I buy technology, I generally aim for the latest and greatest, assuring it won’t need an upgrade for a while. With this in mind, your web camera should have HD and wide screen capabilities.

Flexible tripod for your web camera – Since your web camera should be at or just slightly above eye level, you need to be able to adjust the camera angle. I like a tripod with a gooseneck, meaning it bends and flexes so you can get it right where you want it. Tripods are simple devices that run from $10 to $30. Here’s the tripod I use, which clamps onto my desk.

Separate tripod for your phone – There may be times you want to use your phone for interviews, like when traveling, or for making social media reels. In this case you will need a separate tripod for your phone—or one that accommodates both a phone and web camera. I also recommend getting a wireless remote to allow you to start and stop filming without having to reach across. A remote also makes it easy to snap photos. This inexpensive tripod includes the remote and a selfie stick option.

Good lighting – When asked what the secret is to aging gracefully, Michelle Pfeiffer said, “Good lighting.” She’s not wrong. The right lighting smooths out imperfections and makes you look like a pro. I use a this softbox lighting kit behind my computer monitor. It costs under $50 and includes a remote with the ability to adjust the color temperature and brightness. There are also inexpensive selfie lights available, ranging from $15 to $30, which are portable if you’re on the go. If you’re in a pinch or on a budget, a desk light pointed at your face is better than no lighting at all.

Microphone – Your laptop or web camera likely has a microphone built in, but because there is typically some distance between you and these devices, the sound quality may not be optimum. If you’re going to conduct a lot of interviews or recordings, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality microphone. I use a Blue Yeti, which costs around $100. (You can buy a refurbished one for $60). Other popular brands to consider include Rode, Shure, and Audio-Technica.

Headset – Many podcasters use a high-quality headset with or without a built-in microphone. In fact, some require guests to wear a headset to avoid feedback from external speakers. There are many brands to consider and most run under $75. Audio-Technica offers one for about $50. iPhone earbuds can be an alternative to a bulky headset and are known for having great sound quality. Blue Yeti has a bundle offer that includes a microphone, headset, and boom arm for microphone placement for $140.

Background – Recently I watched a corporate CEO give a TV interview from home and I was stunned to see his background was a plain white wall. In addition, the lighting was terrible, and he was looking down at the web camera, likely on his laptop. It’s easy to elevate your presence online with one of these options:

• If you have wall space behind you, hang a simple piece of art. A friend set up a corner in her kitchen with a floral painting and it looks great.
• Try angling your desk outward to allow for space behind you. My L-shaped desk is positioned in front of bookshelves, which makes a fun background.
• If you have space for it, a partition or curtain can block out whatever is happening behind you. There are some vibrant curtain options available for backgrounds. I like this $12 curtain featuring a bookshelf and this $10 option with a lovely window.
• There are also pop-up backdrops that don’t take too much space.
• A green screen allows you to edit in the background after a video is recorded, which can be useful if you create a lot of videos.
• You can also use a virtual background on Zoom events, though this can be distracting because it often blends in with your arm or shoulder as you move around.

Having good equipment set up can also give you more confidence during interviews because you know you look and sound great. If you need to prioritize the above options, I suggest starting with a quality microphone and good lighting. Both can have a tremendous impact.

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