1. Choose Compelling Guests
Choose guests with unique stories and engaging storytelling skills. Passionate, fresh perspectives often make for better interviews than high-profile names. If you're excited about your guest, your audience will be too.
Tip: Start with people who genuinely interest you. Also, ask past guests for recommendations, they often know others who would be a great fit for your podcast.
2. Do Your Research
Learn about your guest beforehand to ask insightful questions. Check their website, books, social media, other podcasts they appear on and industry news to uncover interesting angles.
Tip: The more you know about your guests, the more likely they are to be impressed by your effort and open up to you.
3. Create a Comfortable Setting
Make sure your set-up is distraction-free, and professional, whether it’s in-studio or remote. Good lighting, clear audio, and a relaxed atmosphere help create an engaging conversation.
Tip: If your guest is on a video call, make sure the angle of their camera is flattering and that their sound quality is as good as it can be. Nobody wants to look up someone’s nostrils while they are being interviewed.
4. Listen More Than You Talk
Great interviewers listen actively. Give your guest space to elaborate, and don't rush to fill silences, they often lead to deeper insights.
Tip: Even though it’s your podcast, make the guest the star. Give them the space to speak, share, open up. Let them shine.
5. Stay Flexible and Curious
While preparation is important, don’t be afraid to veer off the script. Great interviews often take unexpected turns, and some of the best moments arise from spontaneous exchanges. By asking open-ended questions and being ready to follow up on your guest’s responses, you allow the conversation to flow naturally.
Tip: A great interview often comes down to a great guest. You can ask the greatest questions in the world, but if they don’t open up and elaborate then the interview can suffer. Craft your questions so the guest has to give more of themselves.
6. Ask Questions That Invite Stories
Go beyond predictable questions. Ask about emotions, pivotal moments, and vivid details. Questions like "What was going through your mind when…?" bring stories to life.
Tip:
Tap into Emotion: Asking about challenging moments or triumphant experiences invites your guest to share emotionally charged stories that will resonate deeply with your audience.
7. Learn from the Best
Study interviewers you admire, like talk show hosts, journalists, or podcast creators. What do they do well? How do they build rapport with their guests? What types of questions do they ask? By analysing their style, you can incorporate elements that resonate with you while still developing your own voice as an interviewer.
Tip:
Study yourself too! Listening back is a great way to spot patterns like filler words or moments where you could have asked a more engaging follow-up question. Over time, you’ll refine your interviewing style and develop a unique approach that resonates with your audience.
Final Tip: Be Authentic
Ultimately, being a great interviewer is about creating a genuine connection with your guest and your audience. Trust your instincts, and don't overthink the conversation. Keep it natural, curious, and focused on building a rapport with your guest. Your authenticity will shine through, and that’s what your listeners will connect with the most.
