3 Podcast Interview Tips For First-Timers

So, you’ve landed a spot on a podcast as a guest. Congratulations! It’s a great opportunity to showcase your expertise and position yourself as an industry leader. However, simply being a guest on a podcast isn’t enough. You need to know how to give a successful interview. In this article, I’ll provide you with three easy-to-follow podcast interview tips to help you do just that.

Tip 1: Establish a Personal Connection with the Host

Most podcasters will schedule a preliminary meeting with you before booking you as a guest. This meeting helps the host gauge whether there is synergy between you two. Use this opportunity to build a personal connection with the host. A good host is like a pilot who determines whether the conversation will take off or crash before ever leaving the runway.

Establishing a good rapport with the host will help ensure an engaging conversation that keeps the listeners’ attention. The host will help you promote the episode and will likely share valuable ideas to help you get the most out of your interview. The podcast host might even be willing to make a few referrals to help you get booked on other shows. If you want any chance of collecting these added benefits, then developing a positive relationship with the host and production staff is a must.

If you’re going through the show’s producer rather than the host directly, then you’ll want to do your homework on the podcaster’s interview style and any common interests that you might want to reference during the discussion.

Tip 2: Prepare For Your Podcast Interview

Being prepared is crucial for any successful interview. Review your subject matter and talking points. Make sure the environment is quiet. Some podcasters record both audio and video formats to leverage multiple platforms. If doing a video, then check your lighting.

Most podcasters will even provide the questions ahead of time if you ask for them. Asking for the questions in advance shows that you’re taking the interview seriously and that you value the podcaster’s time.

Tip 3: Relax and Have an Enjoyable Conversation with the Podcast Host

Remember, you’re the expert and you’ll be speaking on a topic that you know well. This isn’t like that dreaded high school presentation where you were expected to research and speak on a randomly selected topic in front of peers who couldn’t care less.

This is your business. It’s a topic you love to talk about. You’re more than proficient in the material and you’ll be speaking for people who are interested in what you have to say. So take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy the conversation you’re about to have.

Follow these three podcast interview tips to give a successful interview every time. There’s no reason to overcomplicate it. Think of the interview as a friendly conversation between like-minded peers. The podcast host wants to highlight you and provide a platform to share your expertise for the benefit of the listeners.

Let’s Summarize These 3 Podcast Interview Tips

Landing a spot on a podcast as a guest is a great opportunity to showcase your expertise and position yourself as an industry leader. Before the host presses the record button, make a conscious effort to establish a personal connection. This will help set you up for success. Next, dedicate time to prepare for the interview. If you need help, ask a friend or colleague to assist and schedule a mock interview to work out the kinks. And finally, enjoy the conversation. Share your best tips and insights with the listeners who want to learn from you.

Need Help Preparing For Your Upcoming Podcast Interview? I Can Help!

Preparing for podcast interviews can be exciting. It can also be very intimidating, especially when you don’t know what to expect. This is one way I can help you succeed.

I help entrepreneurs just like you get the most out of their podcast interviews. Whether you need help with your podcast pitch, choosing relevant talking points, interview preparation, or marketing your episode afterward – let’s talk and explore ways I can help your business.

Contact me today to schedule a free strategy call.

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This article was originally published on Entrepreneur and later edited for my blog.