I’ve been doing interview podcasts for more than a decade. Each show and interview is different.
As a podcast host, one of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to conduct engaging and insightful interviews.
Your guests are the heart of your episodes, and the quality of your conversations can make or break your podcast’s success.
To start off, I can’t stress this enough – preparation is key!
Before you sit down with your guest, take the time to research their background, expertise, and recent work. This will help you craft questions that are relevant, specific, and show your genuine interest in their story.
Prepare a list of questions that align with your podcast’s theme and the interests of your target audience. However, don’t feel like you have to stick to those questions. Use them more as a guide. Go with the flow and adapt and follow the natural flow of the conversation.
Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to set the stage for a great interview.
Create a welcoming environment that puts your guest at ease. Whether you’re recording in-person or remotely, ensure that your equipment is tested and ready to capture high-quality audio. If you’re recording as a video podcast, make sure you tell your guests well in advance so they are prepared to be “camera-ready.”
Begin the interview with a warm introduction and a bit of casual conversation to build rapport and help your guest feel more comfortable opening up.
Often, I’ll ask the person who I’m interviewing to come five to ten minutes early to chat a bit before the recording begins.
During the interview, the most important thing you can do is actively listen. Give your guest your full attention, and avoid the temptation to interrupt or jump ahead to your next question.
Use non-verbal cues like nodding and smiling to show that you’re engaged and encourage them to keep sharing.
Take notes throughout the conversation to help you formulate thoughtful follow-up questions and identify key points you may want to revisit.
When it comes to asking questions, focus on open-ended prompts that encourage detailed and reflective responses.
Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, try starting with “how,” “what,” or “why” to invite your guest to share their experiences and insights more fully.
Be prepared to follow up on interesting points and ask for clarification when needed. At the same time, be flexible and allow the conversation to flow naturally.
Many of the most memorable moments in an interview often come from spontaneous exchanges and asides.
Of course, not every interview will go smoothly. You may encounter guests who are difficult to engage or tend to give short, uninspired answers. These can be frustrating.
In these situations, it’s essential to have techniques for redirecting the conversation and drawing out more meaningful responses.
One approach is to ask more specific, targeted questions that require them to provide examples or share personal anecdotes.
Another strategy is to gently challenge their viewpoint or play devil’s advocate to encourage them to expand on their thoughts. Be careful when you do this, you don’t want to alienate your guest or put them on the defensive.
As you wrap up the interview, take a moment to summarize the key takeaways and give your guest an opportunity to share any final thoughts or plug their latest projects.
Always end on a positive note, thanking them for their time and valuable insights.
After the interview, review your notes and identify the most compelling parts of the conversation.
As you edit the episode, look for ways to enhance the clarity, pacing, and overall narrative flow of the interview.
Remember, becoming a great interviewer takes practice and patience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles until you find what works best for you and your podcast. With time and experience, you’ll develop a natural rapport with your guests and a knack for drawing out the stories and insights that will keep your listeners engaged and inspired.
Keep honing your skills, stay curious, and most importantly have fun.