Making your own podcast interview can be a difficult job especially for a beginning podcaster. Once you have determined the date and time of your interview, you must chose the guests that you're going to host. Going along these following steps will insure that the interview goes off smoothly without any mistakes.
1. Prepare Questions in Advance.
Prepare a list of questions before the interview. Choose your questions based on the expected responses. Create a list of notes along with the questions that you can access during the interview helping you direct the conversation.
2. Research Interview Subject.
Do your homework about the guests you are hosting: Search the internet for the interviewees name, product, or company. Listen to previous interviews they participated in, read their blog...The research will help you predict their answers.
3. Confirm Pronunciation.
Confirm how to pronunciate your guests' name before the interview begins! It will save you from any potential embarrassment if the name is pronounced incorrectly.
4. Scope.
Explain the subject of the interview to your guests. It is important they are aware of the expectations, agenda, time and format of the podcast show.
5. Hardware and Software.
Be sure to inform guests of any required hardware or software that they must install prior to the interview.
6. Test.
Test the equipments prior to beginning your interview. Check sound quality and volume levels.
7. Relax.
In order to make your guests feel comfortable, spend a few minutes chatting before the interview begins.
8. Avoid Yes or No.
Ask your questions in a logical sequence. Avoid questions that will result in "yes" or "no" answers. Questions should encourage your guests to elaborate on their responses.
9. Provide Guests Tips.
Make suggestions to your guests prior to the interview. Encourage them to talk slow, articulate their words, and to remain a consistent distance from the microphone throughout the interview.
10. Stay in Control.
Keep in mind that YOU are directing and controlling the conversation. You might need to interrupt your guests or bring them back to the topic at hand, but there are ways to do this without being rude. You can watch television interviews where a conflict is involved and learn the language and techniques used.
11. Time Cues.
Provide your guests with time warnings. You can use statements like: "one more question", or "let's wrap this up, can you quickly tell me" to let your guests know that time is almost up.
Thank your guests on and off air. Provide them a copy or link to the interview and encourage your guests to link to the show. This could bring your show additional publicity.
Nabiha Abdul-wahab
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