You’ve probably heard before that being a podcast guest is a fantastic marketing tool. And it’s true! Your publicist, your marketing team, and business articles you’ve read, all promote being a podcast guest because it really is a pretty simple and highly effective way to put yourself out there and get noticed!
So, if you’ve been looking for the opportunity, or have already been asked to be a podcast guest, don’t panic! We’ve got you covered with these ten tips below.
1.Do Your Research!
You don’t want to head into this unprepared, so first and foremost, do your research. Make sure you’re aware of what the podcast is all about. Listen to a few episodes, note the host’s interview style, the length of the podcast and it’s tone. This will help you know what to expect and therefore put you more at ease when the time comes.
2. Be a Prepared Podcast Guest
Now, you don’t have to write out an entire script of what you’ll say but having some notes or an outline of some points you want to make is probably a wise decision. Know your stuff! Knowing key points of your material will likely come naturally if you’re an expert in the topic or you’ll be talking about your book. But if you need to brush up on some things to keep current, make sure you do that too.
3. Use Decent Equipment
If you’re not in studio as a podcast guest, which is likely these days, and common even in non-pandemic times, you’ll need your own sound equipment. First and foremost, having a decent mic is pretty essential. Here’s a budget-friendly mic we recommend.
If you’re doing the podcast via Zoom or other video platform, you’ll also want to make sure you have good lighting and your background looks put together and appealing. Here’s a whole blog your can refer to for more tips on looking your best on Zoom.
4. Do a Test Run Beforehand
Test that mic and your camera and get familiar with whatever platform you’ll be using in advance. You can even try a sound check to get to know how your voice sounds with your equipment. If you sound too quite, too loud, or find yourself mumbling, practice speaking clearly until it sounds right.
A few minutes before recording you’ll want to double check that you’re mic is on and working, you’re not on mute, etc.
5. Be Aware of Excess Noise
Breathing, swallowing,and chewing will all be picked up and amplified by the mic. Think SNL parodies of NPR shows. Listeners don’t want to hear that, as you can imagine. Even background noises such as paper rustling, toe tapping, and doors shutting somewhere in the background can be heard. Remember, the mic pics up everything!
6. Being a Good Podcast Guest Requires Relaxing and Being Yourself
This one should be easy, right? Well, not always. Knowing you’re being recorded and any number of potential listeners will hear your interview can make a lot of us feel a bit nervous. A good way to help ease your jitters is to pretend like you’re just having a normal conversation. Have fun with it! Have a cocktail or glass of wine beforehand if that’ll loosen you up a bit. Take a deep breath. And remember, it’s not that serious! Have a bit of fun. The recording is going to be edited before airing anyway, so any mistakes can be edited out.
7. Things to Do Before Recording Starts
Besides checking your mic, making sure you’re not on mute, etc. before the podcast begins, there’s a few other things you should do. You’ll likely be sitting and recording for around an hour so:
- Drink water to hydrate yourself and make sure your throat isn’t dry.
- Go to the bathroom so you don’t have to worry about it while recording.
- Take a deep breath! Sit up straight, but relax your shoulders.
- Remove distractions like family, kids, pets etc.
- Turn off or mute your phone.
- Close the door. This shuts out excess noise and distractions.
And Finally Some Things NOT to Do as a Podcast Guest!
These last three tips to round out our ten are just as important not to do as the first seven listed.
Don’t Drone On
Sometimes when we’re nervous we tend to talk a bit too much. To keep this from accidentally happening and to be a good podcast guest, cap any response at a couple minutes. Pause in between complete thoughts, so if the host wants to steer the conversation another way, or ask a follow up question, you give them the opportunity to do so.
Remember, A Podcast Guest Interview Isn’t A Job Interview
Being a podcast guest isn’t a job interview. Think of it more like a conversation over coffee. No one is judging you on your answers or performance. The host will know how to keep the conversation going, but you don’t want to give just yes or no answers, or leave big gaps of silence.
Don’t Worry About Everything Being Perfect
As we mentioned above, podcasts do go through an editing process. If you mess up, there’s protocol for that. And remember, it’s all about getting to know you and hearing what you have to say. There are no right or wrong answers. So relax, and have a good time!
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