Tips for a successful podcast interview

Let’s have a look at few factors that could trigger your way towards a successful podcast interview.

The first and foremost i would say is

Choose the potential interviewee.

If you choose an inappropriate interviewee, that can disinterest and dissolve your audience. Choose right and go for the best. This also ensures your interview travels smooth and informative without any unwanted twists and turns.

Get- set -ready:

Prepare your questions and follow-up questions in advance. Ensure that every question is logical and in series with the previous one. This helps you stay on track. Ensure you direct the conversation capably and promptly as well.

 

Do your home works:

Delve into on your subject and your interviewee.

You do have your homeworks before you start off with the interview – google and research for your interview subject and the background of the person interviewed. This can turn the show favorable to you from all corners. Leave no stones unturned with your in-depth and well-timed knowledge. Predict beforehand to some extent so that you can have it on track. Explore the previous interviews, website blogs, newsletters and articles of the interviewee and get more insights into the subject.

Proper pronounciation:

Your podcasts can be listened by anyone and every one. Ensure you pronounce every word the right way. This avoids any kind of embarassment at the time of recording; pay extra care especially to the name of the interviewee as no one likes their name mispronounced on a public platform.

Be transparent:

Be transparent on your goals, agenda, time and value of the podcast show. The people interviewed definitely shares equal weightage in the outcome of your podcast, therefore detail them on your scope and ensure they are well aware of the format. If possible connect with the interviewee through emails or any other mode of communication in advance, but ensure they understand your point before you kick start with your podcast recording.

Give them their time to settle:

Choose your interviewee , intimate and confirm with them for the recording with more advance notice as the time you give them should be more enough for them to get acquainted to your service/format. Everybody has their own schedule. If you wish to share on one’s schedule give them the comfort to breathe and choose you for their valuable time.

Speak beforehand and share tips:

Even the big boss could have small doubts!

Welcome your guest, shower your hospitality, make them feel at home, get them relaxed out of their nervousness as even this could be their first podcasting interview. Share your tips like maintaining a constant distance from the microphone, talking slowly and clearly.

Hardware and software:

Test your system, mic and other software before you start off with the recording. Half the way down, not only lets you lose, but also annoys the person interviewed and the audience as well. This could also result in an overall dejection on all your podcasting efforts.

Cut short single word answers:

Throw in your questions that persuade the person to answer in a detailed manner and that means put in your questions in a logical sequence. Audience when looking for details can get disappointed with single word answers; details help your podcast stay on your listener’s audio memory.

Attitude and Body language:

Ensure your body language doesn’t confuse your interviewee. Control the show with your efficiency. Bring the conversation back to topic when deviated. Never be rude or never show disinterests, even a single wrong word or inappropriate gesture could change the situation upside down. Be careful and ensure you complete your interview within the prescribed time limit.

Don’t pose in questions like

“I have another question for you”

Instead say

“One more question please”

Show your gratitude:

Anyway the person you interviewed has spent their valuable time on your podcasts. Be thankful and say it upfront on and offline to your guest creating a good raport. They can bring in more audience to your show through their links. After all getting social is now more important especially to a field like podcasts.