Podcasts are a powerful platform to share your expertise, build your brand, and connect with new audiences—but only if you nail the delivery. While you might be comfortable with traditional media interviews or public speaking, podcasts operate by their own unique rules. The looser and more conversational format can be challenging, and the growing trend of video podcasts adds another layer of complexity to consider.
In this post, you’ll learn how to prepare for a podcast appearance that will knock the socks off podcast hosts and their listeners.
Let's dive into the essential strategies that will help you shine behind the microphone..
Listen to (and “Watch”) the Podcast
It might seem obvious but the best way to prepare for a podcast interview is to listen to a few episodes. Familiarizing yourself with the medium and the interviewer will provide valuable information on what to expect in terms of:
The kind of questions you can expect
The host’s personality and style
The format and tone of the podcast
Podcasts are not limited to audio with many uploading a video recording of the conversation to YouTube or other video platforms. If the show is available in video format, be sure to watch video episodes.
Get to Know the Host
There are other ways to get to know the host besides listening or watching the podcast. Look at their experience and education on LinkedIn to understand their background. For example, is their experience more technical or leadership focused, or both? Make sure to check out their other social media platforms too such as Facebook, X, BlueSky, Instagram etc., to get a sense of the content they create, comment on and share.
Understand that Each Podcast Preps Guests Differently
Podcast preparation can vary widely depending on the host and production team. Some will provide a detailed outline, or specific questions they’ll ask in the show. They might even ask you what questions they should ask. Others prefer a brief chat just before they record and then dive right in with their questions.
If the podcast sends questions ahead of the recording, review them and write out a few bullet points to help you remember the main points you want to drive home. Sharing anecdotes is also an engaging way to illustrate your points, so prepare a few in advance.
If there’s a pre-recording discussion, bring ideas for topics you’d like to cover. Take a few minutes to write down the topics that will highlight your expertise and your company’s mission but make sure to focus on what will interest the audience beyond your company’s product or service.
Set Up Your Equipment and Space
Use a good microphone or wired headset (i.e. not Bluetooth) for clear audio. Avoid your laptop’s built-in microphone. Even if the show is audio-only, turn on your camera - you’ll connect better with the host which will come through in the recording. Make sure that the main source of light is in front of you - if it’s behind, you will appear as a silhouette. Be aware of your background, making sure it’s clean and neutral with nothing distracting.
Choose a quiet room and close the door during recording. Turn off phone and computer notifications to avoid interruptions. Have a glass or water nearby to keep your voice clear and strong.
And if you don’t know the answer to a question…
I’m often asked “What do I do if I don’t know the answer to a question?” Remember that podcasts are recorded so the production team will have a chance to edit if you make a mistake or your answer doesn’t come out as you wanted it. Feel free to ask to answer the question again, and the host will more than likely oblige.
If you don’t know or cannot share an exact answer to a question, you can provide related information instead. For example, if you’re asked about your company’s valuation and you can’t share that info, talk about total funding raised or significant growth milestones.
And Now It’s Showtime!
If you take the above steps, the actual recording process will be smoother and less stressful, enabling you to connect with the host more easily. Engage with the host but be aware that anything you say (either before, during or after the recording) could be part of the podcast. If you are interviewed for a podcast that doesn’t air interviews for weeks or months, avoid making time sensitive references as they might be irrelevant by the time the episode goes live.
After the Recording is Done
Be sure to email the host and producer to thank them for the opportunity and ask when the episode will be posted. When it comes out, share, share, share! Post it on your website, social media, your newsletter. If the podcast is video recorded, ask the production team for a copy and you can create clips for compelling social media posts.
Making Your Mark on the Mic
Every podcast interview is your chance to share unique insights and connect authentically with new audiences. Don't let perfectionism hold you back – focus on building rapport, telling great stories, and sharing your expertise. The time you invest in getting ready will pay off not just in better interviews, but in the relationships and opportunities that follow. Take that first step – your next great podcast interview awaits!
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