Hello Empowered Wayers :-)
A friend of mind asked me how I get prepared to be a guest on a podcast. Her question made me realize that I have some actionable tips to share.
Remember: you are a guest on their show. It’s like you’ve been invited to someone house for dinner. You don’t start telling them how to serve the meal or dominate the conversation (or you won’t get invited back).
Podcasters are the same - you have been invited to their house to speak to their audience. Be respectful and courteous to the host - after all, it’s their show.
Take some time to read about the host’s business - why did they start the podcast? What is it they want their audience to know? When you can interject these tibits of informaiton into the interview, it reflects well on the host (and they love it!).
Remember: It’s always a great idea to listen to several episodes, to get a feel for how the host conducts interviews. Some hosts will allow you to talk for 3-5 minutes before they interrupt; others will interupt before you have spoken two sentences. Either way, go with the flow.
Remember: Listening to previous episodes will also give you an idea of the type of questions the host usually asks. Take notes and asnwer these questions before you are interviewed. The host may send you a list of questions ahead of time, but I always like to hear how the questions are asked while on the air.
Remember: The host asked you to be on the show because you have something valuable to share with their audience. Show your passion and your personality - this is a conversation that is entertaining and educational. The more excited you sound, the more engaging your voice. The more engaging your voice, the more you engage the audience.
Remember: have several key stories ready to share on the podcast. Identify the point of the story, and practice telling it with only the necessary details. The last thing you want to happen is to get lost in your story and lose the audience.
How to Become a Guest on a Podcast
Research your topic and identify the most popular podcasts. Reach out to them and describe what you can bring to their audience.
Set up a profile on Podbooker.com. It’s free and it allows you to send interview requests to shows that cover your area.
You can see my profile here. Notice that I shared the links to podcasts to showcase myself as a guest. I can also search on the platform and find podcasts in my areas of interest, then send them a “Pitch Request.” When the host contacts you, you will receive an email. Then you jump back on Podbooker and arrange the details.
Summary
Be prepared to answer known and unknow questions. Get a feel for the host’s style. Learn more about what they do, so you can reflect it back to them (hosts love this).
Be engaging by showing up as yourself. Your passion for your work and your ability to communicate it is why you are on this show.
Be grateful by thanking the host for the opportunity to share your passion.
Please share your thoughts and ideas on this topic below.
To your prosperity,
Kathryn
How to be a good Podcast Guest