Jim Ron
As a podcaster, interviewing guests is a great way to create dynamic and engaging content. However, not all interviews are created equal. To truly stand out and provide your listeners with valuable, high-quality content, you need to master the art of interviewing. Whether you’re just starting a podcast or are an experienced host, honing your interviewing skills will ensure your podcast grows in popularity and attracts top-tier guests.
In this article, we’ll walk you through seven essential secrets to interviewing guests like a pro. These tips will help you create smooth, engaging conversations that captivate your audience and keep them coming back for more. And as you learn these tricks, don’t forget to check out our podcasting tips and resources for even more expert advice!
1. Do Your Research Before the Interview
The foundation of a great interview starts long before the microphones are turned on. Doing thorough research on your guest ensures that you ask insightful and relevant questions.
Start by looking into your guest’s background, past work, and areas of expertise. If your guest has been featured in other podcasts, read the transcripts or listen to those episodes to get an idea of their communication style and insights. This will also help you avoid asking repetitive questions that they’ve already answered elsewhere.
For example, if your guest has a health podcast, you can dive into their approach to wellness and ask deeper, thought-provoking questions that spark new discussions.
Tip: Make a list of specific questions that relate to your guest’s experiences or expertise. Don’t just settle for generic questions—dive into the juicy details that will intrigue your audience.
2. Build Rapport and Make Your Guest Comfortable
The success of any interview is heavily reliant on the comfort level of both you and your guest. Building rapport early on can set the tone for a great conversation.
Start your interview with small talk to put your guest at ease. A few casual comments or shared experiences can break the ice and lead to a natural, flowing conversation. Let your guest know that you’re genuinely interested in their story. If your guest is nervous, reassure them that it’s okay to take their time.
If you want tips on how to make your interview space more inviting, check out our home podcasting tips. A comfortable setup will make the whole experience feel more relaxed.
Tip: Ask your guest if they have any preferences before you start. For example, some guests might prefer to avoid certain topics, or they may want to do a dry run before recording.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
One of the biggest mistakes new podcasters make is asking yes/no questions. These kinds of questions lead to short, unengaging answers. Instead, focus on asking open-ended questions that invite your guest to elaborate.
For instance, rather than asking “Did you enjoy working on that project?”, try “What was your favorite part about working on that project?” or “Can you walk us through the process of creating that project?” These types of questions spark deeper, more thoughtful responses.
Check out our interviews section for more advice on mastering the art of asking compelling questions.
Tip: Follow-up questions are key. If your guest mentions something interesting, don’t be afraid to dive deeper with a follow-up question. This keeps the conversation flowing naturally.
4. Listen Actively and Be Present
Great interviewing isn’t just about asking good questions—it’s about listening. Active listening allows you to respond naturally and ask follow-up questions that feel organic.
When you’re interviewing, resist the urge to think about your next question while your guest is speaking. Focus fully on their answers, and give them time to elaborate. A good interview often relies on reacting to what’s being said in the moment, rather than sticking strictly to a script.
By the way, if you’re looking for more ways to hone your listening skills, consider taking a look at our guest interviews page for additional insights on engaging with your guest.
Tip: Silence can be powerful. Don’t feel the need to fill every gap with words. Let your guest think and respond at their own pace.
5. Keep the Conversation Flowing
A successful interview should feel like a natural, uninterrupted conversation. Sometimes, interviews can get awkward or lag in energy, especially if the guest isn’t sure how to respond to a question. As the host, it’s your job to steer the conversation back on track.
Use transitions to keep the momentum going. If the conversation starts to stagnate, try to shift to a related topic or ask a fun, unexpected question to reignite the energy. The key is to stay adaptable and be ready to guide the conversation as needed.
You can find more techniques for creating seamless podcast episodes in our podcast episodes section.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to revisit a topic later if you feel your guest can offer more. Sometimes, they need a bit of time to gather their thoughts before diving deeper into a subject.
6. Edit for Clarity and Engagement
Once the interview is over, your job isn’t finished. Editing is where you can take a good interview and make it great. Editing not only removes mistakes, but it can also help tighten the flow and improve the overall listening experience.
When editing, look for places where the conversation can be trimmed or cleaned up. Sometimes, guests may have repeated themselves or veered off-topic. Removing these sections will ensure your podcast remains engaging and focused on the key points.
For help with the technical side of editing, check out our podcasting tips for recommendations on editing software and techniques.
Tip: Keep the energy high by cutting out lengthy pauses or slow moments. If something isn’t adding value to the conversation, don’t be afraid to let it go.
7. Show Appreciation and Stay in Touch
Once the interview is over, don’t forget to thank your guest for their time and insights. A little appreciation goes a long way in building lasting relationships with your guests. Consider sending a follow-up email to express your gratitude and mention how much you enjoyed their contribution to the podcast.
Building a strong rapport with your guests can lead to more interviews in the future, as well as help grow your podcast’s network. You can even invite your guest to promote the episode on their social media, which can help broaden your reach.
If you’re looking for more ways to show appreciation, our behind the scenes page includes some great tips on how to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for your guests.
Tip: Ask your guest for feedback after the interview. This will help you improve your interviewing skills and provide an even better experience next time.
Conclusion
Interviewing guests on your podcast is a skill that takes practice, but with these seven secrets, you can interview like a pro. From doing research and building rapport to editing your episodes for clarity, each step plays an essential role in creating memorable content that resonates with your audience.
Whether you’re looking to improve your interview technique or build stronger relationships with your podcast guests, these tips will set you on the path to success. Keep refining your interviewing skills, and don’t forget to check out more resources on our podcasting tips page!
FAQs
1. How do I get the best answers from my podcast guests?
To get the best answers, ask open-ended questions that allow your guest to share personal experiences and insights. Follow up on interesting points to deepen the conversation.
2. How can I make my guests feel comfortable during the interview?
Start with casual conversation, show genuine interest, and ensure they know they’re in a relaxed environment. A little kindness goes a long way!
3. What’s the best way to handle an awkward silence during an interview?
Embrace the silence! Give your guest time to think, and use it as an opportunity to follow up on a previous point or introduce a new topic.
4. Should I stick to a script during interviews?
A script can be helpful, but flexibility is key. Let the conversation flow naturally, and don’t be afraid to deviate from the script to explore interesting points.
5. How do I edit my podcast interviews effectively?
Focus on removing unnecessary pauses, repetitions, and off-topic tangents. Aim to keep the conversation engaging, energetic, and focused on key themes.
6. How can I ensure my interviews are engaging for my audience?
Engage your audience by asking thoughtful questions, reacting to your guest’s answers, and keeping the conversation light and dynamic.
7. How do I grow my podcast network through guest interviews?
Building strong relationships with your guests is essential. Stay in touch, express gratitude, and encourage your guests to share the episode with their audience.