GRAB LISTENER ATTENTION AND STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
If you’ve launched a podcast, then you’re likely aware of the consistent steps required to be successful — and the massive competition that’s out there.
According to podcastinsights.com, there’s more than 750,000 podcasts and millions of episodes produced this year alone.
Podcasting appears to be here to stay.
So even if you start right now in a crowded niche, with the right elements and patience you can still develop a strong following.
Nailing the interview is one of the best ways to make that happen.
Here are my top 5 podcast interview tips (and ideas!) to help you grab your listener’s attention, standout from the pack and increase your following:
1. PREPARE THE GUEST : GIVE DETAILS IN ADVANCE
Yes! It’s important to show up as a professional (even if you’re just launching your first episode). It’s best to send your guest the following information at least a week before the interview:
- Confirm agreed upon date/time
- Tell them the estimated length of the interview and method of recording, i.e. will they need to download zoom, etc.
- Request bio/press kit/website
- Provide script of how you plan to introduce them (few sentences) and some key questions/the direction of the interview
- Guidelines for selling/pitching to your audience (you may say it’s OK to pitch their service/product, but only at the end of the interview)
- Request the best way for your audience to contact them, any links they would like on your podcast page (if you offer this)
- Express gratitude for their time and effort!
2. YOUR INTERVIEW PREP : BE CURIOUS
While preparing for an interview sounds like a no brainer, I’ve been interviewed by podcast hosts who ask the most basic questions. It’s evident that they barely took any effort to prepare and only reviewed my speaker bio as the base for questions. Don’t be basic;)
It doesn’t best serve your audience….
If you want to engage your audience, spend some time researching the guest so you can provide a dynamic interview that will be enjoyed by your listeners and shared over and over again. Here are some ideas:
- Google Search. Look for links, profiles, speaking engagements, and anything else that can provide you with more context about who this person really is.
- Check out their LinkedIn profile. This is often overlooked by interviewers but it can provide a wealth of background. How do they describe themselves in their LinkedIn Summary? Is there a job ten years ago posted on their profile that would surprise/interest your viewers? This could provide the base for some some interesting dialogue. (Maybe a question that dives into their journey).
- Take a moment to check out their social media feeds. What have they been posting about lately? Think about how that might help provide insight into the guest’s perspective on things. Maybe they’re super family oriented — this could lead into a life/family/balance question. Maybe they just traveled abroad and visited a historical church — this could lead to a question about their philosophy/faith. Or maybe… is traveling something they can now dive into because they have the financial means after launching a successful app? What’s that like to go from living on a couch to having a personal assistant now book their exotic travel plans?
- Check out other platforms where your guest was featured: YouTube, blogs, Facebook live streams, etc. Pay attention to a question the interviewer may have overlooked/dismissed — this could be an interesting nugget you can dive into…
- Don’t hesitate to give context showcasing your research inside the interview. “I noticed that XYZ magazine did a special write up on you, congrats! You mentioned that you’re now switching into a new business… tell us about…” etc etc etc
- Throughout the process, always keep your audience in mind!
3. MAKE SMALL TALK
- Don’t start the interview and immediately press play. Spend a few minutes asking about their morning/day, share yours too;)
- Reassure them that this is just a conversation and if they need to grab some water or ask you anything beforehand, no sweat.
- Double check the pronounciation of their name!
- Request they turn off all distractions, cell phones, etc. Do the same.
- Be excited! Express gratitude. Thank them for coming on!
4. ANY QUESTIONS ?
- Create a short list of open-ended questions to help get you warmed up: How/What/Why. Avoid Yes/No questions. If you’re more comfortable/experienced as an interviewer, then avoid scripting the question altogether. Simply write several bullet points of topics you want to dive into with the guest.
- Don’t stay married to your questions, be curious and bold to ask for more details (with tact).
- Be engaged and conversational. “I love that you’re a fan of XYZ, tell me more about how that came about.” “I’ve never done that, what was that like?” “That sounds awesome, many of our listener’s are going through that same thing right now, what would be the first step you would advise in…?”
5. LISTEN!
Most interviewers miss the mark on this — and it’s not because they don’t mean well. The truth? Some of your guests may be wonderful people but not the best interviewees. Or, it’s possible that you have not taken time to research and develop powerful questions which elicit engaging dialogue (See point #2 above). Remember: When you’re excited and offer smart questions, it can help boost your interviewee’s energy levels, too. This helps make it easier to listen, too.
Here’s a few other ideas to help your listening skills:
- Pay attention to your energy levels. Are you best in the morning? Work to schedule podcast interviews at your peak times.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the interview. If your body is exhausted, don’t be surprised if it shows up in your voice, too.
- Jot down quick notes/powerful points — not paragraphs — to help you stay engaged and on track during the interview.
- Leverage those notes to ask strong follow-up questions which can help the conversation flow and keep your listener’s attention.
- Listen to your guest closely. Seriously, let them talk! No one likes to be interrupted a lot.
- Listen for gem moments. If something funny is stated or you’ve got a funny comment (that’s not disrespectful), don’t be afraid to laugh and sprinkle in your personality! This helps everyone stay relaxed with cool vibes ;) Yes, give yourself permission to have fun!
It’s cliche to say, “be yourself” but that’s the truth when it comes to podcast interviews. Your audience is listening to your podcast for a reason so give them an opportunity to enjoy you — and your guest — inside a fanastic interview.
Rooting for ya!
~ Bofta Yimam
Emmy® & Murrow Award-Winning Journalist | DC-based Correspondent | Speaker | Coach
Want Bofta as your next podcast guest? Email: info@boftayimam.com
Website: www.boftayimam.com
