You’ve sent your pitch and gotten a yes! You booked a time for your interview using the host’s calendar link and now you’re about to record a podcast interview. How do you prepare? How can you show up as yourself minus any nerves or imposter syndrome? How can you share what you do without being a car salesman?
Know Your Topic
When you sent your pitch to the host, you selected some speaking topics that you felt might be a good fit for their show. Chances are that when they invited you on the show, they mentioned one or two of the topics that they wanted to talk to you about. To help you remember, you can make that note on your Trello card for the show. If you didn’t already, go back to the email invitation and refresh your memory on what topic you’ll be interviewed on. Do you have any stories that you want to share? Points that are relevant and you need to bring up? A freebie or download you want to mention to direct listeners to? Make a list of these things and tape it to your monitor. It doesn’t have to be written out in full sentences, just something that will jog your memory so that you don’t forget to bring it up.
Research The Podcast and Host
Before you sent your pitch, you should have also researched the podcast you were pitching to. It’s always great to go back and read the description of the show and your original pitch to recall what the show is about and who the target audience is. You’ll definitely get bonus points with the host if you reference another episode during your interview because it shows that you listened and did your homework.
I always recommend checking out the social media and website of the host as well. Get to know them as a person and not just a podcast host. This goes a long way when it comes to creating a genuine relationship with the host and it will also calm any nerves because you’ve gotten to know some potential personal details about the host…maybe you even have something in common!
What’s The Recording Platform?
Check out what recording platform will be used prior to the scheduled interview time. This is key in being prepared and alleviating any nerves because it ensures you’re ready to go. Is it zoom? Have you downloaded the latest update? Is it Riverside.fm? Do you have Google Chrome installed? Is it on Zencastr?
You can head to the platform and make sure your mic and headphones are properly plugged in and that you don’t need to download anything further. There’s nothing worse than needing to delay an interview because suddenly everything needs to be updated and your computer needs to restart!
Turn Off Your Devices
As you launch the recording platform and are ready to meet with the host, put your phone into airplane mode and turn off notifications on your computer. All of the dings and rings can be heard on the recording and it’s an extra step that needs to be edited out. This not only helps the host and their editor (if they have one) but it also eliminates any potential distractions from happening during the interview.
Rest & Water
It’s always a good idea to make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before your interview. Another tip is to ensure you’re hydrated. It’s easy to forget how tough it is to talk for 30+ minutes straight, so make sure you’re drinking water before your interview and have water ready for during the interview. Try to stray away from glass cups and metal straws since they can make a clinking noise during the interview.
Show Up As Yourself
Treat your podcast interview like you’re having coffee with a friend. Don’t try to be anyone else but yourself. Go in with the full intention of helping the listener learn from you. Don’t hold back when it comes to sharing what you know, how you do what you do and let others get to know you. This is what’s going to ensure you don’t sound like a car salesman! Be genuine!
Stay Calm
If you’re getting nervous, play some relaxing music, meditate or do breathwork. Yes, I know that sounds woowoo, but it can also help with those butterflies that often come up before meeting someone new or knowing that people will eventually be listening to your interview.
Download my Podcast Guesting Checklist to show up with confidence while ensuring you’re a guest that gets invited back!
