#306 How to Be a Really Good Podcast Host: Tips For Before, During, and After the Interview

Welcome to Audio Unicorn, the show dedicated to helping business owners and marketing professionals grasp the concept of podcasting for business. I'm Izabela Russell, an audio branding expert since 2011, and today, we're diving into how you can excel as a podcast host at every stage of the interview process.

Before the Interview

Research Your Guest

Deep Dive into Their Background: Investigate your guest's career path, educational background, and personal interests. This foundational understanding allows you to ask questions that highlight their unique perspectives and experiences.

Examine Their Work: Review their publications, media appearances, and social media activity. This not only shows your respect for their work but also enables you to engage in more meaningful conversations.

Understand Their Recent Activities: Stay informed about their latest achievements and current projects. This acknowledgment can serve as a warm and personalized conversation starter.

Prepare Your Equipment

Ensure your recording equipment is in top condition to avoid any technical hiccups. Remember, having a backup plan, like my memorable interview with Mike, can save the day when unexpected issues arise.

Outline the Interview

Creating a rough outline helps in maintaining the interview's flow while ensuring all critical points are covered. From a structured introduction to a thoughtful closing, each segment of the interview should be planned for coherence and engagement.

Set Clear Expectations

Communicate with your guest about the interview's format, duration, and any specific content preferences or boundaries. This step is crucial for establishing a comfortable and respectful environment for your guest.

During the Interview

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Begin with light, open-ended questions to warm up and establish rapport with your guest.

Engage in Active Listening

Listening attentively to your guest's answers not only shows respect but can also lead to spontaneous and in-depth discussions that captivate your audience.

Mind Your Body Language

Your body language affects your voice's tone and energy, even if it's not visible. Keeping a relaxed posture helps in maintaining an engaging voice.

Keep the Conversation Flowing

Use your prepared questions to guide the conversation naturally, but don't hesitate to explore intriguing topics that arise during the interview.

Encourage Storytelling

People are drawn to stories. Prompting your guest to share personal anecdotes enriches the podcast with depth and relatability.

Handle Technical Issues Calmly

If technical issues occur, address them with composure. A well-thought-out backup plan can be invaluable in these moments.

After the Interview

Show Appreciation

Always thank your guest for their time. A follow-up thank you note can further solidify your relationship.

Edit Thoughtfully

Carefully edit the interview to enhance the listening experience, removing any pauses or off-topic tangents that might distract from the content's value.

Promote the Episode

Leverage all your social media platforms for promotion, tagging your guest to reach a broader audience.

Engage with Your Audience

Respond to feedback and comments from your listeners. This engagement not only fosters a community but also provides valuable insights for future episodes.

Reflect and Improve

Listen back to your interviews and identify areas for improvement. Continuous learning and adapting are key to evolving as a podcast host.

Summary

Being an exceptional podcast host involves thorough preparation, skillful execution, and thoughtful follow-up. By deeply understanding your guest, ensuring technical quality, and fostering engaging conversations, you create a podcast that's informative and captivating. Setting clear expectations and effectively promoting your episodes further enhances the listener experience. Remember, the goal is to provide value to both your guest and your audience, contributing to the growth and success of your podcast as a meaningful platform for conversation.

Connect with Izabela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabelarussell/

Work with our team on your podcast: https://musicradiocreative.com/collections/podcast-essentials