Interview with style.
So, you’ve just convinced a subject matter expert, a celebrity, or any other person for an interview who can fascinate your audiences apart from adding value to your channel. You fix a date and time, and now you’re elated because you’ve got a fancy streaming setup for yourself. Finally, the moment of the podcast interview arrives and you find yourself welcoming the guest to your show. However, much to your embarrassment, something terrible happens. The entire situation suddenly becomes tense turning yourself into a snowman sitting at a bonfire. You know, the goof-up could’ve been easily prevented if you hadn’t failed to follow etiquette and maintain professionalism. Remember, you're not just filling air time; you're crafting a narrative that showcases both you and your guest in the best light. So, keep it classy, or you might find yourself dining alone in the world of podcasting.
Selecting the best podcast software is essential for ensuring your remote interviews sound professional and engaging. You're not just picking a tool; you're setting the stage for the quality and success of your conversations. Yostream bridges the gap between you and your guest, no matter the distance, making it feel as though you're both in the same room. This isn't just about avoiding common mistakes when hosting a live podcast; it's about creating a seamless flow of dialogue that captivates your audience.
Imagine using software that allows you to edit as you go, seamlessly integrate music, and adjust audio levels for both you and your guest. This isn't just convenient; it's transformative. It empowers you to produce episodes that sound as if they were crafted in a professional studio, even if you're at your kitchen table.
Before you hit 'record' on your next remote podcast interview, it's essential to nail down a few key preparations. From setting the stage with the perfect ambiance to crafting the perfect questions, these essential tips will transform your podcast interview into a massive success leaving your audiences eager for a return visit.
Conducting a dry run guarantees you're not caught off guard during the actual interview, enabling you to iron out any technical or logistical issues in advance. It's much like rehearsing a play; you'll get a feel for the flow of the conversation, and you can tweak any awkward pauses or handoffs. This isn't just about testing your equipment, though that's essential. It's also about practicing your questions and seeing how they sound aloud. You'll discover whether you're asking too much too fast or maybe not enough.
Imagine this: you're in the middle of a great discussion, and suddenly, your software crashes or your guest can't hear you well. A dry run helps you identify such potential pitfalls before they happen in the real deal. You'll feel more confident, and so will your guest, knowing that you've both prepared thoroughly.
Selecting a peaceful location for both you and your guest is essential for reducing interruptions and ensuring your audience receives the best listening experience. When you're surrounded by quiet, both your focus and that of your guest can remain sharp, making for a more engaging and dynamic conversation.
You'll want to communicate the importance of a noise-free environment to your guest well before the interview. Encourage the guest to find a spot where the interview can’t be interrupted. This could be a home office, a secluded room, or any place where the guest feels comfortable and can speak freely without background noise.
Make sure you clearly outline the topics and expected duration of the interview. This helps in allowing your guest to fully engage and contribute effectively bringing the best insights to the table.
It's also respectful to discuss the scope of the conversation beforehand. This way, there aren't any surprises that could derail the flow of your interview or make your guest uncomfortable. Consider how you'd feel stepping into a situation without knowing what's expected of you—it can be unnerving!
After confirming that your guest is well-informed about the topics and duration, it's important to establish a specific time frame for the interview to respect both your schedules.
You'll want to take into account not just the length of the interview but also the best time to conduct it. It's essential to understand that your guest might be in a different time zone, which could impact their availability and energy levels.
When you select a time, make sure it's when both of you are likely to be at your most alert and focused. Early mornings or late evenings might work for some but could be less ideal for others. It's thoughtful to ask your guest for a few time options that would work for them, allowing them to feel involved in the scheduling process. This not only demonstrates respect for their time but also helps in establishing a collaborative tone right from the beginning.
As you prepare to host a podcast interview, maintaining a professional demeanor is essential for setting the right tone and ensuring a smooth interaction. Remember, the way you conduct yourself sets the stage for the entire conversation. You're not just the host; you're the leader and the guide.
First, consider your appearance. Even remotely, the visual aspect can influence the perception of professionalism. Dress as you'd for an in-person interview. This doesn't only affect how your guest perceives you but also how you feel about yourself during the interview.
Your environment matters too. Choose a quiet, well-lit space. A cluttered or noisy background can be distracting and might suggest a lack of organization or seriousness. Test your equipment beforehand to avoid any technical hitches that can disrupt the flow of conversation and detract from your professionalism.
Stay composed, regardless of any unexpected challenges or technical issues. Keeping a calm and steady presence reassures your guest and helps maintain a focused and engaging dialogue. Your demeanor should project confidence and respect, making your guest feel valued and at ease.
While maintaining a professional demeanor sets the stage, actively listening to your guest shapes the depth of your conversation. As you navigate the nuances of a remote interview, you mustn't be just hearing but understanding what your guest shares. This means tuning into not only their words but the emotion and context behind them.
It's about engaging with their narrative and asking insightful follow-up questions that show you're not just going through the motions. You'll find that the magic of a great interview often lies in the moments when you allow the conversation to breathe. Give your guest the space to express themselves fully without rushing to fill silences.
Well, it's simple; interrupting can disrupt the flow of thought and conversation, making your guest feel undervalued and possibly leading to a less coherent discussion.
Imagine this: your guest is diving deep into a fascinating story or complex explanation, and just as they're about to reveal an essential detail, you jump in. Suddenly, the moment is lost, and so is the listener's full engagement.
Your role as a host is to facilitate a space where your guests can share their insights and stories as seamlessly as possible. When you avoid unnecessary interruptions, you're not just being polite; you're being strategic. Allowing your guest to complete their thoughts without interjection can lead to revelations and insights that might never surface in a choppy dialogue.
After your guest has shared the insights, sending a Thank You note is a thoughtful gesture that can reinforce your professional relationship. It's not just about manners; it's an opportunity to make your guest feel valued and appreciated for their time and contribution.
A well-crafted Thank You note doesn't have to be lengthy. A few sincere lines where you express your gratitude and highlight a particular moment or insight from the interview that struck you can be very impactful. It shows you were genuinely engaged and valued the conversation.
With Yostream, you can host podcasts with ease and comfort since it is accessible even to those who aren't tech-savvy. You can easily invite guests with just a link, and customize your stream with logos, overlays, backgrounds, banners, etc., giving your podcast a professional look. You can maximize your audience engagement using multistreaming where your podcast can be streamed to different social media platforms simultaneously. While multistreaming, you can respond to comments on different platforms using a single interface and even highlight viewer comments in real-time.