Podcast interviews are an art form that combines skillful questioning, active listening, and a knack for creating a comfortable atmosphere for your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, honing your interview techniques can significantly enhance the quality and appeal of your show. Let me show you how to conduct compelling interviews that captivate your audience and bring out the best in your guests with these essential tips.
Research your guest
Duh, I know this person, but do you really? Take the time to research your guest thoroughly before the interview. Learn about their background, expertise, accomplishments, and any relevant projects they’ve worked on. This will help you ask the right questions and show that you value their expertise.
Prepare questions
Set up a list of questions or topics you want to cover during the interview. Start with broad, open-ended questions to establish a base and dive deeper into more specific areas as the conversation progresses. Keep room for flexibility? Absolutely. Stay open and willing to drift off from your prepared questions based on the flow of the conversation.
Listen actively
Be in the moment and actively listen to your guest’s responses. If you pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and any cues they give that indicate they want to elaborate on a specific point, you get a way more intensive and interesting vibe to your conversation. Try to not interrupt your guest and allow them to finish their thoughts before responding or moving on to the next question.
Ask follow-up questions
Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on your guest’s responses. This shows your genuine interest in the conversation and encourages deeper exploration of the topic.
Balance talking time
Try to keep a balance between talking time for you and your guest. It absolutely is important to guide the conversation and provide context. However, it is also important to ensure that your guest has enough opportunity to share their insights and perspectives without feeling overshadowed.
Create a comfortable environment
Help your guest feel comfortable and at ease during the interview by establishing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. A little chit chat before the mic usually does the trick. Over snacks or some beverages beforehand. Once you are rolling, begin with some casual conversation to break the ice before diving into more substantive topics.
Be respectful and professional
Treat your guest with respect and professionalism throughout the interview. Avoid asking overly personal or sensitive questions unless they have explicitly agreed to discuss those topics. Keep a professional demeanor and stay away from making inappropriate comments or jokes.
Embrace silence
Don’t feel the need to fill every moment of silence with chatter. Embrace pauses in the conversation. This can give both you and your guest time to gather your thoughts and reflect on the discussion.
Stay curious
Approach each interview with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn from your guest. Ask questions that you genuinely want to know the answers to. And let your curiosity drive the conversation forward.
Show gratitude
Finally, thank your guest for their time and contributions at the end of the interview. Express your appreciation for their insights and let them know how much you enjoyed the conversation.
To wrap it up:
Mastering the art of podcast interviewing takes practice, patience, and a genuine interest in your guests’ stories. By implementing these tips, you can create engaging, insightful, and memorable episodes that resonate with your audience. Remember, the key to a great interview lies in preparation, active listening, and feeding a natural conversation flow. Keep working your technique, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun with the process. Happy podcasting!
