By Virginia Scripps
When clients are slated to do their first podcast appearance, they generally have one of two reactions. Either they approach the opportunity with nonchalance, perhaps thinking that they have conversations every day and nothing will be more difficult just because they’re being recorded. This group seems to forget that, unlike a casual conversation, the podcast interview will be broadcast to hundreds, thousands or even millions of listeners. Conversely, the second type of prospective podcast subject responds with outright terror, predicting that they will be at a loss for words the moment recording begins and that all of their preparation and expertise will go out the window due to nerves. For both types of guests, the worst outcome would be a podcast interview where they wind up sounding nervous, ill-informed or both.
For the best insights on how to be a great podcast guest, it’s wise to look to the podcasts themselves. Whether their podcast has a streaming video element or a traditional podcast that is solely audio, an episode can either go viral or terribly wrong, depending on how properly the guest prepares. Many top executives have the benefit of expert media training — communications experts who help them drill down to exactly what they want to say and how to stay on message. However, this expert help is not strictly necessary. Even for those who don’t have formal coaching, plenty of tips can be absorbed simply by listening to the show itself. While reviewing the podcast show in question, listen to the episode that received the most engagement, as well as a show that drew a much smaller audience than usual. Noting the nuances of these two examples and perhaps even taking notes on what worked and what didn’t is excellent preparation. Knowing how the podcast on which you’ll be a guest works is a first step towards making your appearance memorable for listeners.
The Devil Is In The Details
Many podcast hosts are willing to provide you with their questions in advance. Recording yourself answering them as if speaking to the host is a wise step, even if it seems awkward at first. Hammering out what you want to say is the most obvious reason to do this, but not the only reason. Practice recordings are strongly suggested because there may be little things about your delivery — small hiccups or vocal tics, overly repeated words or phrases such as ‘like’ or ‘in other words’, etcetera — which can be identified and ironed out before your interview is broadcast to hundreds. Finally, doing this type of impromptu practice run can also help you make sure your equipment is set up and adjusted for a successful interview.
On the topic of equipment, you may have noticed that many podcast regulars use broadcast-quality microphones and cameras. On video streams, you may have seen an array of pro equipment including TV-quality lights or at the very least consumer-oriented podcasting lights. While it’s not necessary to purchase costly gear in order to be a debuting guest on a podcast, if you find that your first show is successful and you want to make podcasting a more regular thing, you may wish to invest in some higher-end equipment than that which comes on your smartphone or computer. If you are using those two options for your first outing, Apple earbuds or the equivalent for your audio output will usually suffice. However, it is strongly recommended that you have backup headphones or headsets in case your earbuds experience a glitch. They can be temperamental.
Make Amateur Setups Zoom Away
For video podcasts, it’s important to present yourself a bit more professionally than is typically required on a Zoom call. Take the time, well in advance, to make sure your camera has a flattering and clean angle that does not cut off any part of your head. Make sure the lighting used is adequate and shining on your face so that you appear well-lit, avoiding backlit setups which throw a shadow on your face. Avoid light flares from nearby windows. Set up your camera at eye level, avoiding background visuals that could be distractions. Take some time to think through the setting and the circumstances when you will be recording, removing any possibility for background noise such as barking dogs, trash trucks or crying babies. Again, things that are laughed off on Zoom calls may be less amusing to your podcast host who has a vast audience to serve. While virtual backgrounds may be fine for some video calls, avoid them on podcasts and opt for a simple, clean, solid color background if possible. If you are forced to use your phone instead of a computer, make sure it is turned on its side for a landscape perspective and make sure it is propped up so it is steady and never hand-held.
Do unto your host
Lastly, make sure your demeanor is respectful and upbeat. Treat your host like a respected friend. While offbeat humor is accepted and even welcomed, steer clear of words or topics that could be perceived as an affront to your host. The most successful podcasts are those in which the host and the guest are clearly enjoying themselves — ones which the listener could enjoy for hours. Such an engaging atmosphere will not be possible without a gracious attitude on the part of you — the guest. At the end of the show, never, ever forget to thank your host with genuine gratitude for this opportunity. Most hosts have many interesting guests to choose from and you want to make sure that if they chose you once, they would gladly do so again.