How to Be the Ideal Podcast Guest
In the two years since I’ve launched Made Visible, I’ve been truly fortunate to work with so many incredible guests. During this time, I’ve been mostly focused on how to be a good podcast host. I’ve thought about how to ask good questions, make my guests comfortable sharing stories about their health (including stories that they might never have shared before), and present their stories as authentically as possible.
Lately, however, I’ve been thinking more about the qualities of the ideal podcast guest. I’ve been interviewed on a few podcasts recently, and now that I know what it takes to host a podcast, it’s important to me to be thoughtful as a guest...but there’s a lot to think about! When I was first featured on podcasts several years ago, when I launched my business, I really had no idea what was involved in hosting and producing a show. Now, I come to the experience with so much knowledge, and it’s important to me to strive to be thoughtful as a guest and a host.
As someone who’s been on both sides of the mic, I wanted to share what I’ve learned about podcast interviewing over the years. If you’re about to be a guest on a podcast, I hope this post helps you feel prepared and calms any fears you might have. If you’re launching a new podcast with guests, these tips could be helpful for you to share with your guest. Remember: appearing on a podcast is meant to benefit you. It’s not just about making the podcast look and sound good and being a thoughtful guest (though both are definitely appreciated); it’s about making the most out of the opportunity for you.
Here’s what I recommend
all podcast guests do:
Before You Record
Listen to past episodes
As a podcaster, I’m always thrilled when my past guests acknowledge a previous episode, whether recent or way back in the archive. It shows that they did their homework AND it encourages my listeners to go back and listen to that episode if they haven’t already heard it.
Do your research
As you listen to past episodes, it gives you a good sense of what the host is like and what the banter is like. Does the host do a lightning round or ask some of the same questions every episode? If the same question closes each show, for instance, it’s always nice to hear an answer that’s a little unique. Do your research by listening to old episodes--at least a couple of them.
Get your elevator pitch down
Practice your response to “tell us a bit about yourself.” You don’t want it to be scripted, but you do want it to be concise so listeners get a quick glimpse into your world. If you run a business that offers a service or product, ensure it’s clear who your target demographic is and what you’re selling. While the bulk of the podcast will focus on your story, if you happen to be speaking to your target audience, you don’t want them to be confused on what you sell and whether it’s for them.
Think ahead about sound bites
Based on the topic of the podcast and your conversation, think of opportunities where you can create sound bites--whether it’s “four tips for XYZ” or “here’s the one thing you need to know.” These are things that are easy for the host to turn into quote graphics or an audiogram for Instagram. They’re also action-oriented and will help listeners learn from you.
Ask about editing
Ask the host in advance if they edit the show, or if it’s released as recorded. If it’s edited, you won’t need to be perfectly polished--your “ums,” “likes,” and fumbling over any words can be edited out. I always encouraged my guests to start a sentence over if they trip over their words. If you know in advance that the episode will be edited, you may be less stressed going into the recording.
While you record
Make it personal
Say the host’s name throughout the episode as you speak with them. It’s a simple way to show that you’re really committed to the conversation and in it with them.
Reference the theme
If the podcast has a theme, try to reference it in your answers. Of course, don’t box yourself in so much that you don’t tell interesting stories or let the conversation flow naturally. Just remember that the theme is likely the reason (or, a reason) listeners are tuning in to hear you.
Keep the storytelling tight
There’s always the chance during an interview that you might wander off course and start telling a story that’s not relevant. Editing exists for a reason, so don’t worry too much if you find yourself telling a story and realize too late that it’s gone off track. If you’re nervous, you might also find yourself rambling. Bottom line is, it happens--but do your best to keep your stories on topic.
Be careful not to talk over the host
From a technical standpoint, it can be hard to edit the moments when two audio files are competing. It could be the most amazing part of your conversation, but it probably won’t be able to be incorporated into the final version of the episode if there is too much crosstalk. If you’re someone who tends to listen actively and empathize out loud, just be aware that you may need to communicate with nods and gestures instead. (This tip only works if you’re recording in a studio or on video.) It seems like a small detail, but it will help the final product in a huge way.
Make it a two-way conversation
When you’re asked to talk about yourself, it can feel like you have to tell your whole story in one fell swoop...and, where do you stop, exactly? By taking breaks in your story, answering the question that’s been asked, and giving the host room to ask follow-up questions, you’ll allow for an interview that’s a two-way conversation. You’re not giving a lecture in front of an audience, you’re engaging in dialogue with one other person. And if the host has done their job, they’ve probably prepared questions for you. Remember to pause and let the host speak. The conversation should feel natural.
Provide value through resources
If you have resources on your website that are relevant to what you discussed on the show, reference them and provide the host or producer with direct links so they can be included in the show notes. The same goes for external resources: make sure you share those links with the podcast host or producer so that listeners, especially those who may need the resources, can find them.
Plug yourself
Don’t be shy about promoting yourself by sharing your website and social media links. There may be listeners who want to learn more about you or get in touch. If you’ve recently published a book or launched another creative or professional project, make sure you share that news too.
The easy but important stuff:
Record somewhere quiet
Closets are best where the clothes you’re surrounded by will help reduce the reverberations within the space. Do what you can to avoid having a barking dog, screaming baby or anyone else in the room with you. It’s ideal to not have background noise.
Keep your recording space clear
Don’t have anything around you that could distract you. If there’s anything on your desk or table, you might be tempted to fidget. Those sounds can register on the recording pretty easily.
Keep water close by
Have a bottle of water or drink nearby in case you need to clear your throat.
Turn on Do Not Disturb
Turn off your phone and computer notifications. They’ll distract you and others.
After you record
Promote the episode
Hosts are always appreciative of the promotion you do for your episode, whether you have a big social media following or not! Ask the host for assets: graphics, social media handles/hashtags to include and any copy they want to provide.
Update your press page
If you have a website where you share your press, feature the podcast there. Ask the host for the logo for the podcast or use your episode graphic. If you’re looking to get booked on more podcasts, it’s helpful to showcase your previous appearances.
What makes a great podcast guest, in your mind? If you have tips or stories you want to share, I’d love to hear. Email me at harper@harperspero.com
Are you looking to start your own podcast? Here are the ten things I wish I knew before I launched my podcast, Made Visible and The Newbie’s Guide to Podcasting (which is the guide I wish someone gave me before I launched).