Commandment #6: Thou Shalt Learn To Give Good Interview
Welcome back to The PBP.fm Show! In this episode, I’m joined by Brandi Spaich, one of our talented new team members at Push Button Podcasts. Brandi has been working behind the scenes on the post-production side for about a year now, and she’s stepping in to co-host and bring her vibrant personality to the show.
Today, we tackle the 5th commandment of podcasting: Thou Shalt Learn To Give Good Interview. For those following our series, you know we’ve covered a lot of ground, but this topic is crucial for anyone serious about making an impact with their podcast.
Why Good Interviewing is Crucial
Interviews are an art form. They require a delicate balance of making your guest shine while keeping the conversation engaging for your audience. In business podcasts, interviews can drive revenue through strategic partnerships and client acquisition. When you make your guest look good and produce content that your audience enjoys, it can open doors for future business relationships and attract more listeners.
The Philosophy Behind Good Interviews
A key principle we discussed is learning to be ignorant and curious. This doesn’t mean pretending to be uninformed but rather approaching each interview with genuine curiosity. Your role as host is to ask the questions your audience would want to ask if they were in the room.
Another vital concept is the mutual exchange of stories. Humans connect through storytelling. When both the host and guest share stories, it creates a dynamic and engaging conversation, unlike a dry Q&A. Think of it as a fireside chat where everyone around the fire wants to lean in and listen.
Techniques for Engaging Interviews
Knowing when to interject without interrupting is another skill we explored. Look for natural pauses or lulls in your guest’s speech. Use these moments to ask follow-up questions or clarify jargon that might be unfamiliar to your audience. One effective structure to keep in mind is the “What, Why, How, Now” formula: What is the topic? Why is it important? How can it be done? What’s the next step?
Towards the end of the interview, focus on providing value through the “Now” phase. Share stories, case studies, or examples to drive home points discussed. This not only solidifies the information for your listeners but also enriches the overall content.
Call to Adventure
At the end of the interview, offer your audience a call to adventure. You can have a soft call, encouraging them to subscribe and join the next episode, or a hard call, guiding them to a resource or next steps outside the platform. Every episode should aim to take your audience on an ongoing journey.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Interview Skills
If you want to become a great podcast host, mastering the art of the interview is essential. By applying the principles and techniques we covered, you can make your guests feel valued, engage your audience, and create memorable content that drives business growth.
Join Brandi and me as we delve deeper into the nuances of good interviewing. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help you take your podcasting skills to the next level.
AND MORE TOPICS COVERED IN THE FULL INTERVIEW!!! You can check that out and subscribe to YouTube.
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