16 Tips for Giving a Successful Interview

16 Tips for Giving a Successful Interview – There are a number of ways to conduct an interview on your podcast that can contribute to its success.

Mastering the Art of the Podcast Interview

Embarking on a podcasting journey means engaging with fascinating individuals and sharing their insights with your audience. A successful interview isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about creating a compelling narrative, fostering genuine connection, and delivering value to your listeners. By implementing a few key strategies, you can elevate your interviews from good to truly exceptional.

1. Be Organized with Time and Scope

The foundation of a successful interview is meticulous organization. Before you even reach out to a guest, have a clear understanding of the desired interview length and the approximate number of questions you aim to cover. This foresight allows you to communicate the time and effort commitment clearly to your potential guest when extending your invitation. Knowing this upfront sets expectations and ensures both you and your guest can prepare accordingly, leading to a more focused and productive conversation.

2. Know Your Guest Intimately

Thorough research is paramount. Before inviting someone onto your show, and again once they’ve agreed, dive deep into their background. This includes understanding their professional journey, key achievements, and their specific area of expertise within your niche. Crucially, make sure you can pronounce their name correctly. When you demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge about your guest, it not only shows respect but also equips you to formulate questions that are deeply relevant to them and, by extension, your audience. This tailored approach makes the conversation more engaging and informative.

3. Request a Biography or Key Information

Asking for a guest’s biography or a summary of their key achievements serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides you with valuable material to further personalize your understanding and craft more insightful questions. Secondly, this information can be repurposed by you to create exciting promotional content for your podcast. A compelling description of your guest and what they’ll discuss can significantly entice potential listeners to tune in, building anticipation for the episode.

4. Develop a Core Set of Fundamental Questions

To ensure efficiency and consistency across your podcast, establish a template of basic, foundational questions that you can ask every guest. These serve as a reliable starting point, preventing you from feeling the need to reinvent the wheel for each interview. Once these core questions are in place, the real magic happens when you tailor follow-up and deeper questions based on the guest’s biography, background, and specific contributions to their niche. Focus on their professional expertise and avoid delving into overly personal territory, unless it’s to explore the origins of their passion and inspiration within their field.

5. Share Your Questions in Advance

While spontaneity is desirable, it shouldn’t come at the expense of your guest’s comfort or preparedness. Once you’ve finalized your list of questions, send them to your guest for review and approval. This practice isn’t about dictating the interview but rather about allowing your guest to gather their thoughts and prepare thoughtful responses. It eliminates the possibility of catching them off guard with unexpected or sensitive topics. A well-prepared guest contributes to a smoother, more natural flow, enhancing the overall quality of the podcast.

6. Clarify Technical Requirements and Conduct Soundchecks

Technical glitches can derail even the most well-prepared interview. If you’re meeting in person, ensure you have two high-quality microphones and that your recording software is properly configured. For online interviews, confirm that your chosen platform is compatible with your guest’s setup and that audio levels are easily audible. Conducting a brief soundcheck is a crucial step. If possible, do a practice run-through with your guest before the actual interview, or at least with a friend, to iron out any technical kinks and ensure a clear, crisp audio recording.

7. Log In Early for Live or Scheduled Interviews

Punctuality and readiness are key. If you are streaming a live podcast, connect to the platform several minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows you to greet early arrivals, test your audio and video, and ensure everything is functioning smoothly. For one-on-one interviews, be ready to initiate the call precisely at the appointed time. Being prompt demonstrates respect for your guest’s schedule and sets a professional tone from the outset.

8. Engage in Informal Chat to Break the Ice

Before diving into the core questions, take a few moments to engage in casual conversation. Greet your guest warmly, thank them for their time and willingness to participate, and make polite small talk. The goal is to help them feel relaxed and comfortable. This informal preamble can significantly ease any initial nervousness and foster a more open and authentic dialogue, which will benefit the entire interview.

9. Script Your Introduction Carefully

Your introduction sets the stage for the entire interview. Script it to ensure you cover all essential points, such as introducing your guest, highlighting their expertise, and explaining why your audience should be excited to hear from them. A well-crafted introduction, delivered with confidence, can make your guest sound incredibly engaging and can also help you project a more composed and professional presence, overcoming any initial nerves.

10. Follow Your Question List Systematically

While it’s important to be flexible (more on that later), having a structured list of questions provides a clear roadmap. Work your way through your planned questions in a logical sequence. Avoid jumping erratically between topics, as this can disrupt the natural flow of the conversation and make it difficult for listeners to follow. A systematic approach ensures all planned areas are covered comprehensively.

11. Actively Follow Up on Interesting Points

The most compelling moments in an interview often arise from unexpected tangents or particularly insightful statements. If your guest says something that sparks your curiosity or seems especially valuable, don’t just move on to the next question. Instead, seize the opportunity to ask a follow-up question. This demonstrates active listening and an eagerness to explore interesting avenues, leading to deeper insights and a more dynamic conversation.

12. Practice Active Listening and Avoid Interruptions

Podcasting is a dialogue, and your guest is the focal point. Give them ample time to articulate their thoughts fully. Practice active listening by truly hearing what they are saying, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Resist the urge to interrupt, unless it’s for a brief clarification. Remember, your guest is the star of the show. Allow them to complete their thoughts before you interject, ensuring they have the space to shine.

13. React Authentically to Your Guest’s Responses

A stiff, question-and-answer format can feel robotic. Instead of merely moving from one question to the next, react genuinely to what your guest has shared. Expressing sincere interest with phrases like, “Wow, that’s fascinating!” or “Thank you for sharing that, it’s incredibly insightful,” adds a human element and encourages further openness. These reactions show you are engaged and processing the information, making the listener feel more connected to the interaction.

14. Monitor the Clock Diligently

Respecting your guest’s time and your audience’s attention span requires careful time management. Keep a close eye on the clock throughout the interview. Aim to conclude within the agreed-upon timeframe. Overrunning can lead to rushed conclusions or guests feeling fatigued, which can detract from the overall experience.

15. Allocate Time for Promotional “Sales”

Most podcasts have a purpose, whether it’s promoting a product, service, or a cause. Build a dedicated segment, usually in the final minutes, to allow both yourself and your guest to mention relevant offerings. This could be a book, a course, a website, or a special project. A clear and concise promotional slot ensures that valuable calls to action are not missed. For example, if you’re discussing productivity tools, you might naturally mention a favorite to a discerning audience of listeners. A recommended tool like a task management app could be a perfect fit.¹

16. Express Gratitude and Conclude Gracefully

As the interview draws to a close, reiterate your thanks to your guest for their time, insights, and willingness to share. A warm and sincere thank you leaves a lasting positive impression. Conclude the episode by summarizing key takeaways if appropriate, or simply by thanking your listeners for tuning in. Successful podcast interviews are not complex endeavors; they are the result of preparation, genuine engagement, and a commitment to delivering value.

By consistently applying these 16 tips, you can transform your podcast interviews into highly engaging, informative, and memorable experiences for both your guests and your audience.

¹ This is an example of a space where a relevant affiliate link *could* be naturally integrated, such as to a highly-rated project management tool.