Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

How to Get the Most Out of Your Podcast Guests

Since I’ve already covered how to be a great podcast guest, now let’s talk about how hosts can get the most out of their guests. As a podcast host, your guests are your key resource for creating engaging content and growing your audience.

  1. Set Expectations

Before the interview, it’s important to set expectations with your guest. Let them know the format of the podcast, the types of questions you’ll be asking, and the length of the interview. This will help them prepare and ensure that they’re comfortable with the format.

  1. Do Your Research

Just as your guest should research your podcast, you should also research your guest. Learn about their background, their expertise, and their previous interviews. This will help you ask better questions and create a more engaging conversation.

  1. Build Rapport

Building rapport with your guest is key to creating a relaxed and engaging interview. Take a few minutes to chat with your guest before you start recording. Ask them about their day, their interests, or anything else that will help them feel comfortable and at ease.

  1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Asking open-ended questions is a great way to encourage your guest to share their expertise and personal experiences. Avoid asking yes-or-no questions, and instead, ask questions that invite your guest to elaborate and share their perspective.

  1. Listen Actively

Active listening is a crucial skill for any podcast host. Listen carefully to your guest’s answers and be ready to follow up with additional questions or comments. Engage with your guest and show that you’re interested in what they have to say.

  1. Showcase Your Guest’s Expertise

One of the key benefits of having a guest on your podcast is that you can showcase their expertise to your audience. Take the time to highlight your guest’s accomplishments and insights, and share their social media handles or website so listeners can learn more about them.

  1. Follow Up After the Interview

After the interview, it’s a good idea to follow up with your guest. Thank them for their time and let them know when the episode will be released. Share any social media posts or other content related to the interview, and encourage them to share it with their own audience.

Getting the most out of your guests is key to creating engaging and informative content for your podcast. By setting expectations, doing your research, building rapport, asking open-ended questions, actively listening, showcasing your guest’s expertise, and following up after the interview, you can create a great guest experience and build a loyal audience.


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