At the heart of many successful podcasts is the art of interviewing. A good interview can engage, inform, and entertain listeners, keeping them coming back for more. However, conducting a great interview is not as easy as it seems. It requires preparation, skill, and a deep understanding of the craft.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the intricacies of podcast interviewing and provide you with practical tips and best practices to help you master the art.
Finding the Right Guests
The first step in conducting a successful podcast interview is selecting the right guests. Look for individuals who are knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging speakers on the topic your podcast covers. Consider their expertise, experience, and ability to articulate their thoughts clearly.
It is also essential to choose guests who align with your target audience’s interests and can offer valuable insights or a fresh perspective.
Here we will take you through the process, from understanding your podcast’s needs to discovering and securing the perfect guests.
Understanding Your Podcast’s Theme and Audience
Before start searching for your podcast guest, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your podcast’s theme and target audience. Consider the following:
Podcast’s Subject Matter: Determine the specific topic or niche your podcast focuses on. This could be anything from art and culture to science, business, or personal development. Knowing your subject matter will help you identify guests with relevant expertise or interesting perspectives.
Guest’s Area of Expertise: Look for guests who have a unique or specialized knowledge base that aligns with your podcast’s theme. This could be industry experts, researchers, authors, or even enthusiasts with a passion for the subject. By matching the guest’s expertise with your podcast’s theme, you create a more engaging and informative listening experience for your audience.
Strategies for Finding the Right Podcast Guests:
1. Tap into Your Network:
Reach out to your personal and professional connections, as they may know someone worth interviewing or have valuable connections.
2. Research and Utilize Online Resources:
Explore podcast guest directories and web-based services like PodcastGuests.com, Matchmaker.fm or PodMatch to find potential guests for your podcast. Social media platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook are also excellent tools for finding potential guests.
3. Attend Industry Events and Webinars:
In-person and virtual events related to your podcast’s theme can be great places to find potential guests with expertise or unique perspectives.
4. Utilize Traditional Media:
Keep an eye on traditional media outlets, as individuals featured in these mediums may make great podcast guests.
5. Engage with Other Podcasts:
Listen to other podcasts in your niche and take note of their guests, which can be a starting point for finding similar individuals to invite to your show.
6. Ask Your Audience:
Encourage your listeners to suggest potential guests or recommend people they would like to hear on your show.
7. Use Dedicated Booking Services:
Specialized services and agents can connect podcasts with guests and save you time and energy in finding impressive guests.
Preparing for the Interview
Once you have confirmed your guest, it is crucial to prepare for the interview to ensure a smooth and engaging conversation. Here are some key steps to follow:
Know Your Guest
Whether you’re a host or a guest, thorough research is imperative. For hosts, researching your guest’s background, expertise, and previous work demonstrates respect for their time and ensures a more meaningful conversation. Familiarize yourself with their biography, accomplishments, and areas of expertise. Read their blog posts, social media updates, books, or any other relevant content they’ve produced. This knowledge will enable you to craft thoughtful questions and create a more engaging interview.
Craft Compelling Interview Questions
Preparing questions for an interview can greatly improve the structure, flow, and engagement of the conversation. It allows the interviewer to research the guest’s background, tailor the questions, and manage time effectively.
Well-crafted questions can spark insightful discussions and demonstrate the interviewer’s professionalism and commitment to providing value to the audience. By planning the interview, the interviewer can create a more cohesive and meaningful listening experience, while also boosting their own confidence in conducting the interview.
Types of Podcast Interview Questions
To make your interviews engaging and well-rounded, it’s beneficial to incorporate a variety of question types. Here are some common categories to consider:
Opening Questions: Your opening questions set the tone for the entire interview. They should aim to introduce your guest, provide context for their appearance, and help break the ice.
Personal Questions: These inquiries aim to help your audience connect with your guest on a deeper level. They delve into the guest’s personal experiences, values, passions, and influences. Examples include questions about their upbringing, hobbies, role models, challenges, and triumphs.
Industry or Expertise Questions: This type of question centers around your guest’s specific area of expertise or the topic of your podcast. They aim to extract insights, knowledge, and experiences related to their field, providing valuable information for your listeners.
Funny or Light-hearted Questions: Adding a touch of humor or whimsy can make your interviews more enjoyable and entertaining. These questions can range from icebreakers to whimsical inquiries that prompt your guest to share something unique or unexpected.
Closing Questions: These inquiries serve as a strategic way to wrap up the interview. They can include key takeaways, advice for the audience, predictions for the future, and opportunities for listeners to connect with your guest further.
Here are some general tips for creating compelling interview questions:
- Avoid yes/no questions: Open-ended questions encourage guests to elaborate and share more detailed responses.
- Go beyond surface-level inquiries: Dig deeper by asking follow-up questions and exploring unexpected avenues.
- Personalize your questions: Tailor your questions to the guest’s expertise and experiences. This demonstrates your interest and creates a more intimate conversation.
- Provide a mix of light and heavy topics: Balance serious inquiries with whimsical or off-the-wall questions to keep the conversation dynamic and engaging.
- Prepare more questions than you need: Have a list of backup questions in case the conversation flows faster than expected or you need to fill an unexpected gap.
Establish Clear Communication and Expectations
Clear communication between the host and guest is essential for a smooth and successful interview. You should provide an overview of the podcast format, typical audience, expected duration, and promotion strategies to your guest.
Discuss technical requirements such as recording software, equipment, and acoustics. You should also share topics and sample questions in advance. This information helps guests feel more comfortable, organize their thoughts and provide more thoughtful responses.
Encourage the guest to prepare relevant stories and anecdotes to create an engaging listening experience. This should bring their answers to life and create a more engaging listening experience.
Create a Comfortable and Distraction-Free Environment
A comfortable and distraction-free environment is crucial for a successful interview. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Eliminate distractions: Remind your guest to handle any potential distractions, such as turning off notifications, silencing their phone, and ensuring they have no other commitments during the interview.
Create a comfortable physical space: Whether recording in a studio or remotely, ensure the setup is comfortable and conducive to a productive interview. A relaxed environment helps guests feel at ease and able to focus on the conversation.
Final Preparations Before the Interview
In the lead-up to the interview, there are a few additional preparations to consider:
Test your equipment: Ensure your recording equipment, headphones, and software are all functioning properly. Test your setup beforehand to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.
Prepare your space: If recording remotely, position yourself in a well-lit area with a clean background. Ensure your surroundings are free of clutter or distractions.
Stay hydrated: Drinking water before and during the interview helps prevent a dry mouth and keeps your voice sounding clear and confident. Avoid glass cups or metal straws, as they can create unwanted noise during the recording.
Get a good night’s sleep: A well-rested mind will help you stay focused and engaged during the interview.
Put Your Guest at Ease
Take a few minutes before the interview to chat and help your guest relax. A relaxed guest is more likely to open up and provide engaging responses.
Brief your guest about your show: Share information about your podcast’s format, typical audience, and the types of questions you typically ask. This helps guests feel more comfortable and tailor their answers accordingly.
Offer a pre-interview chat: A brief conversation before the official interview can help build rapport and put your guest at ease. Use this opportunity to answer any remaining questions and create a relaxed atmosphere.
Conducting the Interview
The Ideal Interview Approach: Embracing Flexibility
The ideal approach to podcast interviews combines preparation with flexibility. Here’s how you can strike a balance:
Introduction and Context: A good introduction is essential to set the tone and engage listeners. Start with a clear and engaging introduction that provides context and outlines the topic of discussion. It’s beneficial to give a brief overview of the guest’s background and expertise, adding credibility to the conversation
Use a Mix of Prepared and Spontaneous Questions: You don’t have to commit fully to one approach. Prepare a set of questions as a foundation, but remain open to deviating from the script when appropriate. Allow the conversation to unfold naturally, and be ready to explore interesting tangents that arise.
Guest Interaction and Balance: Allow the guest to lead certain parts of the conversation, especially when discussing their area of expertise. Provide a balance between asking questions and letting the guest speak, ensuring they have adequate space to elaborate and share their insights.
Pacing and Timing: Be mindful of the pace and length of the interview. While a detailed discussion is important, lengthy responses and dense content may cause listeners to lose focus. Allow for natural pauses and reflections after profound or emotional responses to create a more impactful listening experience.
Transitions and Signposting: Use clear transitions and signposting between topics to improve the flow and ensure listeners can follow the structure. Avoid abrupt topic shifts, as they can disrupt the flow and confuse listeners.
Prepare a List of Backup Questions: Even if you aim for a more improvisational style, it’s helpful to have a list of backup questions ready. These can be used to fill any awkward silences, prompt your guest to elaborate, or guide the conversation back on track if it veers off-topic.
Be Responsive and Adaptable: Stay attuned to your guest’s responses and the overall flow of the interview. If a particular topic or line of questioning is resonating, feel free to deviate from your prepared questions and explore it further. On the other hand, if a line of inquiry isn’t yielding fruitful results, be willing to move on and try a different approach.
What NOT to Ask: Questions to Avoid
While the above question examples provide a solid foundation, it’s equally important to know which types of questions to avoid. Here are some inquiries that could be inappropriate, uncomfortable, or disrespectful:
Personal Finances: Avoid detailed inquiries about your guest’s financial situation, income, or investments unless directly relevant to their expertise or the podcast’s theme.
Age, Marital Status, or Family Planning: Refrain from prying into these sensitive and private topics. Questions like “Can you share the details of your past relationships?” or “Are there any family secrets or scandals you can reveal?” can make guests uncomfortable and derail the conversation.
Sensitive Personal Experiences: Avoid probing into traumatic or highly sensitive personal experiences unless your guest willingly shares such information. Respect their boundaries and privacy.
Legal Matters: Steer clear of asking guests about legal issues, ongoing investigations, or anything that could potentially lead to legal complications.
Offensive or Controversial Topics: Avoid questions that could be offensive, insensitive, or prejudiced. While it’s okay to discuss controversial subjects when approached with sensitivity, be mindful of your guest’s comfort level and the potential impact on your audience.
Etiquette for Conducting Podcast Interviews
In addition to asking the right questions, it’s essential to approach your interviews with professionalism and respect. Here are some etiquette tips to ensure a positive and productive experience for both you and your guest:
Listen Actively: Listen attentively and engage with the guest’s responses. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into certain topics and create a dynamic and thoughtful dialogue. Reflect on and paraphrase the guest’s responses to show understanding and create a sense of connection.
Avoid Interruptions: Avoid interrupting the guest or rushing them along. While keeping the interview moving is crucial, allowing the guest to fully express their thoughts can lead to more insightful and engaging responses.
Engagement and Enthusiasm: Demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in the guest and topic to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere. Share personal stories and vulnerabilities to build a connection and encourage guests to open up.
Allow for Silence: Don’t be afraid of brief pauses or silence during the interview. It’s natural for conversations to have moments of silence, and your guest may need time to gather their thoughts. If needed, you can always edit out lengthy pauses during post-production.
Be Mindful of Your Guest’s Comfort Level: Pay attention to your guest’s body language and energy levels. If they seem uncomfortable with a particular line of questioning, respectfully move on to another topic. Respect their boundaries and create a safe space for them to share their thoughts.
Provide an Opportunity to Plug: Most guests appear on podcasts to promote a project, business, or personal brand. Give them an opportunity to plug their work, website, or social media handles. This can be done at the beginning or end of the interview, depending on your preference.
Here are some tips to help you conduct a seamless and engaging interview:
- Start with a warm-up: Begin the interview with a warm-up question or light conversation to help your guest feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Listen actively: Pay close attention to your guest’s responses and demonstrate your engagement through non-verbal cues such as nodding, smiling, and maintaining eye contact.
- Ask follow-up questions: Dig deeper into your guest’s responses by asking follow-up questions to uncover interesting stories, insights, and nuances.
- Stay flexible: Be prepared to go off-script and follow the flow of the conversation. Seize unexpected or particularly interesting moments and explore them further.
- Keep the conversation moving: Avoid long pauses or tangents that might lose your audience’s attention. Keep your questions clear and concise, gently guiding the conversation back on track if needed.
- Be respectful: Treat your guest with respect and courtesy throughout the interview. Avoid interrupting them and allow them to complete their thoughts. Show genuine interest in what they have to say.
Conclude the Interview
Ending a podcast interview is an art. It requires a delicate balance between wrapping up the conversation and leaving your listeners wanting more. As a podcast host, it’s essential to be mindful of how you conclude your interviews to ensure a satisfying experience for your audience.
Essential Elements for a Successful Ending
Recap the Episode: Provide a brief overview of the most valuable insights and key takeaways from the conversation. Summarize the main points to help listeners retain the information and feel a sense of completion.
End with a Call to Action: Direct your listeners to take the next step. This could be visiting your website, checking out your show notes, enrolling in a course, or engaging with your guest’s work. Be clear and specific about what action you want them to take.
Plug the Guest or Offer Connection: Share your guest’s social media handles, website, or other relevant information. Encourage your listeners to connect with your guest and explore their work further. This adds value for your listeners and shows appreciation for your guest’s contribution.
Create a Custom Sign-Off: Craft a unique sign-off phrase or signature ending for your show. This could be a catchy phrase, a fun inside joke, or a simple “thank you for listening.” A custom sign-off adds a personal touch and helps build a connection with your audience.
Thank Your Guests and Listeners: Always express gratitude towards your guests and listeners. Thank your guests for their time and insights, and thank your listeners for their support and engagement.
Asking the right podcast interview questions is an art that requires preparation, creativity, and a genuine interest in your guest. By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to conducting engaging and insightful interviews that captivate your audience. Remember to strike a balance between preparation and spontaneity, adapt your approach to suit each guest, and always listen intently to create a meaningful conversation.
