What can you do to ensure your podcast guest is well-prepared?

To ensure your podcast guest is well-prepared, it's crucial to communicate clearly and provide ample guidance. Share a detailed agenda outlining topics or questions to be discussed, along with sample questions to guide their preparation. Encourage them to bring supporting materials if relevant and emphasize the importance of research. Offer technical setup instructions if needed and send friendly reminders before the recording. Create a comfortable atmosphere during the session, welcoming questions and concerns. Finally, express gratitude for their time and contribution, fostering a positive experience that encourages future collaborations.

Who Fits the Bill? Answer this question without any biases while preparing your episodic topics for your podcast. Figure out your 'why' before you finalize your 'who'. Once you find your 'who' then reach out to them through personal emails, LinkedIn messages, or Instagram DMs. Do let them know why they are the best choice for your show. This person (guest) should have their own point of view which is backed by their personal experiences and stories. This person should be able to add value beyond the host. The host's questions should nudge this person to open up their knowledge box for the audience. Bonus tip: If the guest is popular that comes with the additional benefit of tapping their audience.

Preparing podcast guests involves meticulous planning and empathetic communication. I provide clear guidance on the episode's theme and questions, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts effectively. Ensuring technical comfort through detailed instructions and pre-recording discussions fosters their confidence. Encouraging research on past episodes and accommodating their unique perspectives enriches the conversation. A gentle reminder before recording and sincere appreciation afterward solidifies lasting rapport. Ultimately, it's about creating a supportive environment that elevates their performance and fosters enduring relationships in podcasting.

I guess it's best to share with them what your podcast is all about, what kind of an audience it caters to, what sort of questions you'll be asking and whether it'll be a one-take recording where everything they say will be published as is or is there a scope of rditing a few errors out. Because a podcast is almost like a public record, I've had guests embarrassed of sneezing or coughing on mic, until I tell them they can take a water break/mute the mic for a sneeze.

It’s very important to invite a guest who can share some diverse experiences and gives you insights that can actually be implemented and not just only people who pretend to be someone but they are not the same exactly.

Research your guest based on the value that they can bring to your audience. The size of their following may or may not matter depending on the type of show you're hosting. I've found that the "bigger" the guest, the less likely they are to share the episode with their following.

The importance of selecting the right guest for your podcast show cannot be overstated. The guest you choose should possess the necessary expertise, be able to engage and captivate listeners with their personality, resonate with your target audience, offer opportunities for collaboration, and bring diverse perspectives to the table. Making the right choice ensures that your episodes are informative, entertaining, relevant, and have the potential to expand your reach and attract new listeners.

Selecting the right guest is crucial for a successful podcast. Relevance and Credibility: Ensure your chosen guest aligns with your podcast topic and appeals to your audience. Look for credibility in their field and assess if they have valuable insights to share rather than being solely focused on promotion. Communication Skills: Prioritize guests who are not only knowledgeable but also comfortable and confident speakers. Listening to their past interviews helps gauge their communication style. Effective spoken communication is critical for engaging podcast content.

It is always important to teach and give to you audience. Everybody appreciates when you learn something from them. So being able to pick people who are not only selling something or themselves ( "I and I did, and I was, and I will..."). Always make a pre-program meeting to get along and organize content. Also see other public presentations or videos about your guest. Be prepared, dont get into pitfalls on your own show.

P repare them for your questions O utline goals of your conversation D efinitions of terms used C onsequences of failing to act A lert to deadlines S ources of additional info T ake aways from the conversation

To ensure a smooth podcast interview, send a detailed confirmation email with the date, time, and platform. Ask guests to test their audio and video equipment, and provide an outline of topics for discussion to invite their input. Inform them of the interview duration and post-recording plans to build trust and ensure their comfort.

Setting up the right expectations from your guests helps in building a right and honest relationship. Communicating your expectations which involves the time required, the topics to be discussed, the date and time of the final interview, and most importantly logistics for the in-person interview. Other requirements like creating collaboration reels for promotional purposes to requesting them to share about the podcast episode in their network should also be clearly discussed. This avoids confusion and unnecessary awkwardness. Lastly, do try and connect with your guest over a call or Zoom call before you finally shoot the episode so that you're already comfortable with each other and a rapport is already established.

I've hosted around 300 podcast interviews. At first, I would have a list of 13 questions I would give but found it to be a bit prescriptive. What I do now is set the tone. Generally, I do a few minutes of research about the guests and blatantly tell them via email 3 parts of their life I find interesting. Next, I really drill down that this is about them. I lay out that anything you say can be deleted and we take out umms and ahhs if they are too frequent. This makes the guests feel very comfortable and in general, telling people that this is their story to tell, makes a better experience on both sides.

Prepare a email template that you send to each guest that has all of the relevant information for the interview. Be careful not to include too much information as that will overwhelm the guest. Also, be aware that in general, people don't read things...lol! So you will need to present the information multiple times.

Here are 3 tips you can use to communicate clearly with your podcast guest: 1. Confirmation Email: Send a confirmation email with the interview details, including date, time, and platform. Encourage your guest to test their audio and video setup beforehand to avoid technical glitches. 2. Outline Topics: Provide a brief outline of the topics and questions you plan to cover. Seek feedback from your guest to ensure alignment and enhance collaboration during the interview. 3. Duration and Recording: Clearly communicate the expected interview duration and details about the recording process. This ensures transparency and a smoother overall experience.

Communication is the key to anything, a podcast involves a lot of processes, and inviting a guest has a lot of time involvement of both the guest and hosts, ensure that time is valued for both as ay hurry with the two will take down the quality of the podcast

My thoughts on this perspective is this: While clear communication is important in preparing your podcast guest, it is also essential to leave room for spontaneity and organic conversation during the episode. While providing some guidance and topics in advance, allowing the guest to freely express their thoughts and ideas can lead to more engaging and authentic discussions. Balancing clear communication with the flexibility to let the conversation flow naturally can create a unique and dynamic podcast episode that captivates your audience.

Always confirm, specially if its a live recording. Try the platform, always important. Agree if it will be recorded and or edited. Try to avoid leaving anything to chance, unless your podcast is about that... talking freely with the guest.

At this point, the professionals who have appeared as a guest on any one of my conversations/podcasts are people that I know. That is, we know each other professional via LinkedIn, a networking group, through a mutual colleague, etc. I recognize that this is not always the case for many hosts. However, when I began recording my conversations for The Question Guy Podcast several years ago, my intention was to use the platform as a means to build rapport. The connection and the conversation were more important than the "podcast". I still utilize my conversations/podcasts as a means for building rapport, creating connections (with me and others in my network), and support the efforts of everyone with whom I have been a conversation.

Having an initial call with a podcast guest is key to building rapport. I have found that this helps both me as the podcaster/host and the guest are familiar with each other and the logistics for the podcast are clear. Even if a host knows a guest personally, the initial call is still important because in that way the guest can be clear on what the focus is going to be and it helps the guest become more at ease. Building rapport sets the foundation for future collaboration and it’s also helpful in networking. For example, if I have already established rapport with a guest I’ve had on my show, then I can tell other podcasters about that guest so that they could have them potentially on their show.

Building rapport doesn’t happen on one fine day. It is a continual process. Track them and see what interests them. Talk about it often to guide the conversation. Be in touch and keep sharing relevant observations and learning of their field to build the trust. Wish them on their success or achievements. That’s how a rapport can be built with the guest over the period of time.

The importance of pre-calls before the podcast interview. 1. Create a Connection: Initiate a pre-interview chat to introduce yourself and express gratitude. Share common interests or compliments to foster a friendly atmosphere. 2. Warm-up Questions: During the interview, use warm-up questions to set a relaxed tone. This helps your guest feel more at ease, encouraging openness and authenticity in their responses. 3. Curiosity and Appreciation: Show genuine curiosity about your guest's experiences or insights. Express appreciation for their time and contributions. A natural, conversational tone builds rapport and enhances the overall interview experience.

Some guests maybe you will be the first one to interview; because they are fitting to your topic and they are very specialized. They will be tension , afraid, or worried. The best way to do is to start your conversation before recording in a friendly way , you can comment with positive words his tie or her elegant dress. You must not be fake but nice . you can start to discuss the main points , don’t give any hint about your question, because this will make your guest facing two choices; to be fixed and focus only on these questions or to be confused if you start to record with different way to ask. So don’t share your questions with your guests share the main points.

A very important step as the pre and post conversations break the ice between the two and make the session go with a comfortable flow. Share your vision, your learnings till now, ask them there stuff. That gap once bridged brings a lot of laughs too during the session.

I always meet with my guests ahead of time for a pre-interview chat. This allows both of us to get to know each other, ask questions and confirm that the guest is a good fit for the show. Providing they are a good fit, I invite the guest to book in a time to come on the show. I also explain the format of the show and time expectations.

Building rapport is crucial when it comes to ensuring that your podcast guest is prepared and comfortable. Here are a few ways to ensure a great experience for your guest(s) 1. Active listening: Pay attention to what your guest is Not saying. Some of my best interviews have come from asking those questions no one has ever asked. 2. Open and honest communication: Share your own thoughts and experiences, and encourage the other person to do the same. This helps create an atmosphere of trust and openness. 3. Show appreciation and gratitude: Express your appreciation for the other person's time, effort, and contributions. Acknowledge their expertise, skills, or achievements to make them feel valued.

Rapport is key. If your two or more hosts and if you have never talked with the guest before... a pre-program meeting is a must and talk back and forth about the topics, and see the character or if the guest can handle questions you want to make. Prepare them for it, but if your show is about live chat with surprises... tell them that you can do any questions. You dont want surprises on your show and into a pitfall yourself.

This takes a lot of skill and emotional intelligence. Especially if there's an online component to it. As a host, listen to the guest and when there is a natural pause, ask a follow-up question. It is ok to interrupt mid-sentence but if someone is caught off guard, then I tell them to continue their thought. I also take time to edit that interruption to make a smooth listening experience to the audience. I actually find this skill translates well in meetings...and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Interruptions can happen with anyone anywhere, important is to guide them smoothly so that the guest does not get disappointed or the situation stays easy.

Guiding a conversation means just that...."Guide" the conversation. When you're hosting, it isn't your time to shine as the "star", it's your time to shine as the "guide" ... the one that facilitates the discovery of unique perspectives.

On my Podcast Show Inspiring Nations, I let my guest choose the topic. However... To effectively guide the conversation on your podcast, even when the guest chooses the topic, follow these steps: 1. Prepare by researching the chosen topic and setting an agenda. 2. Ask open-ended questions to encourage detailed and insightful responses. 3. Listen actively and guide the discussion by providing context and steering the conversation towards interesting points. 4. Manage the time to ensure a balanced and well-paced conversation. 5. Foster discussion and debate by introducing different viewpoints or thought-provoking questions. By implementing these strategies, you can confidently steer the conversation and create an engaging podcast episode.

How to guide the conversation during your podcast interview: 1. Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage detailed and insightful responses. Foster a more engaging and dynamic conversation. 2. Active Listening: Pay close attention to your guest's words and tone. Demonstrate genuine interest through your reactions. 3. Maintain Focus and Flow: Summarize key points to keep the discussion on track. Avoid distractions, interruptions, or overly complex questions.

Guiding the conversation is a skill learned with lots of practice. Guiding the conversation is NOT about asking a sequence of pre-identified questions. To guide the conversation, the podcast host must be able to do some or all of the following: 1. Listen to what the guest is saying. 2. Consider how the guest is interacting with you and within the space of the conversation (non-verbal communication). 3. Pause to consider how to respond. 4. Empathize with both the guest and the audience. 5. Respond appropriately in the moment. Again, not with a pre-determined flow. Be in the moment - again, a learned skill. As the host, the power and impact of the conversation sits with you.

if your only host, or you have two or more hosts.. always one has to have the guideline and topics list. It is very important to get back to the main points you wanted to make the podcast the first place. If you fail, your audience will feel kind of betrayed as you never gave him nothing about the topic and it was not worth taking the time to listen/see your show.

You can never say, "Thank you" enough. My guests always have an opportunity to share their professional bios or even a personal (short) story in the show notes/video description. Of course, social media links (including website) are essential. To build continuity with the guests on the Envision Speakers Series, I am adding a "profile page" that links from the episode that the guest speaker appeared on. Again, the speaker profile page contains essential elements such as: 1. Social media links. 2. Other podcast links (especially if they host their own). 3. YouTube video content. 4. And either/or a calendar link or email address. I want the audience to have plenty of ways to learn more about the people that appear on my show.

Invite always your audience to give their opinion, specially on live shows. Ask to follow you and to contact the guest and yourself. Call to Action.

This is an important step as post session engagement will give a boost to the podcast on social platforms and it’s important to get those things confirmed since promotion is a very important factor.

Here are some tips to Encourage Engagement: 1. Foster a sense of community. Ask guests to share contact details. Request social media handles for promotion. Audience Participation: 2. Invite listener feedback and questions. Encourage the sharing of related stories. Create a space for audience interaction. Resource Sharing: 3. Prompt guests to offer resources. Facilitate the exchange of valuable content. Provide a platform for mutual benefit. Follow-Up Appreciation: 4. Express gratitude to your guests. Acknowledge their valuable contribution. Build lasting relationships for future collaborations. By integrating these practices, you'll enhance the episode experience and foster a vibrant and engaged podcast community.

My favorite part of podcasting is the varied and thoughtful conversations with guests. I always hope to do better in sharing how to find them, so it’s encouraging to be reminded that ‘my guests are my gold nuggets’.

I've edited my own podcast for years and every episode, I feel like I'm improving. I highly suggest if you want to get good at communication, edit your own work as you learn about the way you speak, the way you ask questions and the vocal ticks you use as a constant reminder you're not perfect. To get started, audacity is free and good quality. Other premium channels include riverside.fm or Adobe Audition.

Just like an athlete watches game tape, as a podcaster, you should watch and listen to every interview you perform on both sides of the mic. You want to listen for ways you could have communicated more clearly, how you can tighten your delivery and other opportunities for improvement.

Propel your podcast to new heights through perpetual refinement. Delve into episode reviews, dissecting your performance, understanding guest dynamics, and gauging audience response. Solicit insights from seasoned podcasters, industry experts, and mentors as diverse perspectives enrich your journey. Celebrate milestones and the journey itself, finding joy in the evolution of your unique podcasting narrative.

Continual improvement as a podcast host and interviewer is essential for delivering exceptional content. To continually improve, I seek feedback. At the end of my show, I always ask my guest, how was their experience. Attending podcast conferences to keep up with the latest trendsikr PodcastersRock (my annual conference). As a Podcaster what better training ground then to be a guest on other Podcast Shows! Remember podcasting is a marathon! It's an ongoing journey that requires constant learning and adaptation to provide a remarkable experience for your audience. As in the words of Maya Angelou, "People may not always remember what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

I've been interviewed on hundreds of podcasts - and the one simple thing that really helps here: Simply spending 5 mins ahead of recording the podcasts getting on the same page w/ the guest. I love it when the host gives me a rundown of what they typically do - asks me what success looks like & ensures we are aligned before getting started

I don’t like the idea of “preparation” prior. I think interviews take wild turns when there’s no script or “bullet points” to hit. Raw. Real. Relatable. As a watcher/listener, listening to someone playing corporate 21 questions with someone else isn’t very fun. TLDR: Press Record & GO!!

I send a checklist to my customers of the 10 things they can expect when recording with me. Things like, how the recording platform works. What to wear. (White shirts make captions tough to read!) What to do if they flub a word. Reassurance that this is just a conversation and not a LIVE interview so mistakes are ok. How I will redirect them possibly. And how I will get their attention if we need to stop or pause for any reason. A little prep goes a LONG way in this with your guest, especially if they're new.