Podcasts are a popular channel for sharing valuable information, stories, and discussions. With the boom in podcasting, many individuals and business owners are now adding podcasting to their marketing strategy. But to make a successful podcast, you need to conduct a great interview. There are plenty of ways to make your podcast stand out, and the interview is one of them. In this post, we will share some tips and tricks to help you conduct a great podcast interview.
I’ve been on hundreds (maybe thousands) of podcasts. As one who is the guest, being interviewed and as one who is conducting the interview.
Understand the Importance of Research
The first step in preparing for a great podcast interview is to research the guest. Know their background, their expertise, and any recent accomplishments. Make sure that you ask the right questions and keep the discussion relevant and informative. You can view their LinkedIn profile, website, or any other sources for information. You should also listen to any previous interviews they have done to get a sense of their style.
In fairness, many times I’ve not done much research and just flowed with the story and expertise of the guest. It really depends on the type of interview and your goals for its out come.
Create a Plan and an Outline
Before you start recording, you should create an outline of the interview. This will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any key points. You can break the interview down into segments or topics to keep it organized. Sometimes you might want to send the outline to your guest before the interview. This gives them the opportunity to prepare and bring their best to the conversation. Preparing ahead of time will lead to a more polished and professional podcast.
However, for most all guests, if they’re experts in their craft and have done a few podcast interviews already, they won’t need an outline.
Focus on the Tone of Voice
When it comes to podcasting, the tone of voice matters a lot. It’s essential to have a warm and engaging tone of voice that will make the guest and the audience feel comfortable. Your tone of voice should be professional, yet friendly. You want to be approachable and give the guest the chance to share their insights. Encourage them to be as candid and authentic as possible during the discussion.
Keep Your Audience in Mind
The most important part of conducting a great podcast interview is keeping your audience in mind. You want to give them something valuable, something they can walk away with. You should ask questions that are relevant and interesting. Sometimes, you can even challenge the guest to offer an alternative perspective on a topic. You want to create content that the audience will remember and share with their network.
Be Curious and Authentic
The final key to a great podcast interview is to be authentic and curious. Show interest in what the guest is saying and ask follow-up questions to clarify any points. You should also listen carefully to what they have to say and respond thoughtfully. Don’t be afraid to show your curiosity and excitement. This will make the interview more engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Podcasting can be a great way to share your knowledge, spark discussions, and engage with your audience. Conducting great podcast interviews will make your podcast stand out and help you build a loyal following. The tips and tricks shared in this post can help you develop a professional and engaging interview style that your listeners will love. Keep in mind that a successful podcast interview requires preparation, a clear plan, engaging tone of voice, focus on audience, and a sense of curiosity. With these in mind, your next podcast interview will be a success.
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