A podcast interview requires careful preparation to ensure success. Simply having a chat in front of microphones is not enough. Neglecting practice may result in a lackluster interview that fails to engage listeners and garners negative feedback.
Preparation is critical to avoiding turning your interview into an unwanted sales pitch. Here, we provide valuable tips for preparing for your following podcast interview.
Select Compelling Interviewees
Avoid hosting a lackluster podcast interview by inviting guests who bring value to your listeners. Invite individuals with unique perspectives and approaches, those who have overcome unusual challenges, or those who break from the norm.
While securing interesting guests may be more challenging, it is crucial to keep your listeners engaged. Interviewing individuals who have uneventful lives or conform to conventional norms is likely to result in a less-than-exciting podcast.
Uncover Key Information About Your Podcast Guest Beforehand
To ensure a successful podcast interview, familiarize yourself with your subject before the show begins. As the host, you aim to introduce the interviewee to your audience, so prior knowledge is beneficial.
Research your guest’s online presence by reading their articles, browsing their social media, and searching for any online mentions. Note significant achievements such as award wins, published books, or speaking engagements.
Explore Your Guest’s Accomplishments & Contributions
To thoroughly research your podcast guest, immerse yourself in their work. Read their blog posts, explore their social media accounts, watch their videos, and listen to past podcast appearances. If they have written a book, read it, or at least the relevant parts.
In addition to their work, listen to recent interviews with your guest and take note of frequently asked questions to avoid. Craft unique questions that will help you stand out and provide fresh insights. Familiarizing yourself with your guest’s work takes effort, but the outcome is worth it.
Craft a Compelling Introduction for Your Guest
Create your bio for the guest instead of relying on their prepared statement to avoid a lackluster introduction. Research their social media, website, and any other information you can find. Ensure the bio you create is relevant to your audience by including elements that matter most to them.
This approach allows you to bypass the repetition and boredom of a typically prepared bio and provide your listeners with a new introduction.
Prepare Interview Questions In Advance
Have a roadmap for the interview, but be flexible in sticking to it. While having a list of questions can keep the interview on track, being too structured can make the conversation seem stale.
Stay flexible and be open to steering the conversation differently based on your guest’s responses. You’ll create a more natural and engaging interview by improvising and asking follow-up questions in real time.
Share your Questions with your Guest Before the Interview
By sending your questions, you allow your guest to prepare and feel confident during the interview. It can result in more relaxed, thoughtful, and insightful answers, which greatly enhance the overall quality of your podcast episode.
Eliminate Any Interruptions Before the Interview
Ensure you have a distraction-free environment before recording your podcast interview. That means having a quiet room, turning off notifications, and taking care of potential interruptions beforehand. A distraction-free setting helps maintain the flow and focus of the conversation, making it smoother and more productive.
A great podcast interview requires research, preparation, and attention to detail. Familiarize yourself with your guest’s work, craft unique questions, and be mindful of your audience’s interests. Ensure that you and your guest are fully focused and free of distractions.
With these steps in mind, you’ll be on your way to hosting a fantastic podcast interview. For more such informative blogs, visit Book Chat Radio.
