I have been into podcasting for quite some time now. Something that I started to satisfy my passion for public speaking has now become a part of my identity. With two podcasts in hand and an active blog, it gets a bit challenging to keep the momentum going and release episodes on time. But I love it. And that’s what keeps me going.

Another thing that keeps my interest level up is the variety of guests I talk to on my show and share their journey with my listeners. The idea of writing this post came from a comment I recently got on one of my interviews: to interview someone is easy. But to ask right questions so that the person would provide us valuable information or share useful experience is a talent and you have that talent. Podcast interviews sound very interesting to the listeners. It gives a variety to the show as well as to the listeners. But there is a lot that goes in the background before you can record that podcast.

So, let me share my real-time experience of conducting an engaging podcast interview. How to conduct a successful crowd-pleasing podcast interview?

1. Do your research and connect

Finding the right guests for the interview is the biggest challenge. Many of my friends, who are also my listeners, asked me if I know the guests. So, let me tell you. I didn’t know anyone except Richa Singh (credit goes to blogging). Same as you, I was also talking and listening to rest of them for the first time.

So, how to find them? Well having a network helps. Understanding who you want to interview and why also helps. In terms of the ‘why’ its essential to understand if you just want their life story, or do you want them to share an expertise with you and your listeners.

Depending upon who I want to interview, I reach out to them through every possible media (Email, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). Don’t expect immediate responses so make sure you have enough time between contacting them and when you want to take the episode live.

2. Be ready for a no-reply

After I reach out, the waiting time starts. Sometimes, I get a reply with a yes or not interested, or sometimes, I get a royal no which means there is no reply. Always remember, there could be several reasons for their no response. This doesn’t say that you are not worthy of them or your work is not good enough. If they reply, they have gone over my work, but they are not interested. Not everyone is comfortable with a podcast. Or maybe due to their other commitments, they don’t want to commit. Sometimes, they may be interested but at a future date.

It's okay. Move on.

3. Keep it simple

Once you get the ‘yes’ the most important part starts, and that is preparing for the interview. I like to keep it simple. Depending upon the theme and mood of your podcast, you can develop your interviewing style. When I say style, I mean do you want to have a casual conversation, or do you want it to be like a tutorial. Do you want it to be a panel or a one-on-one discussion?

The basic idea is, your guest should feel at ease. As I said, not all are comfortable in a podcast interview. I had a few guests who never gave a podcast interview before coming on Baton Baton Mein. It is your responsibility to make them aware of the process, technicalities and clear their doubts.

4. Be a good and patient listener

The most remarkable quality of an interviewer is to be a good listener. Encourage the guest to talk and take a comfortable spot. Keep your questions simple. Don’t interrupt when they are answering. Try to look for connecting points and build your next question(s). This makes the conversation more natural and heartfelt.

Even before you begin recording, talk to your guest to break the ice. Take them through the process once again, even if you have already explained it over email. All of this will help you build a rapport.

5. Follow up

Just like your initial connection with your guest is important, a proper goodbye is also necessary. They may not be expecting it, but it will make them feel good. Leaving someone on a positive note with you will ensure when you reach out to them for anything else in the future, you’ll get a response.

6. Editing your podcast

They say a movie is made twice: once when directed and once in the editing room. I feel the same about podcast interviews. Hearing and editing your podcast after the interview are as critical as editing your blogpost once you’re done writing it. Are there any unnecessary pauses that you need to remove? Is the sound okay? Are there any long rambling answers that you think can be edited down for better clarity? These are decisions you will need to take. You may have had a fun time talking to your guest but it may not translate the same for your listener.

You need to keep your listener and the ‘why’ of the interview in mind before you publish it.

Conducting a podcast interview is a beautiful experience. Knowing your guests through the questions you ask and establishing a connection between your guest and listeners is very important. If I have to give one mantra, then be natural and invite your guest with the intention of getting to know them and having a good conversation. Rest will fall in place.