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Podcast

How To Improve Your Next Podcast Interview – PTC 340

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On this episode, I want to teach you how to create powerful podcast interviews like the pros. There are a few adjustments you can make to create a better interview.

REASONS

There are many reasons we interview guests on our podcasts.

  • They are content experts
  • They know more than we do
  • Guests add depth to the conversation
  • Interviews can expose your show to others
  • Interviews can cross-promote your products
  • Guests add additional content to your show

If you are like me when I started, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed. I felt like I was a kid playing dress-up. Did I really belong with the professional interviewers? I wasn’t big time. Impostor syndrome was definitely kicking in.

You can learn how to be be more confident and create a better interview.

  • We can avoid making fools of ourselves
  • You can battle the impostor syndrome
  • We can look smarter by surrounding ourselves with smarter people

With just a few adjustments, you can take your podcast interview to a whole new level. Here are 7 tweaks you can make this week to deliver a better interview.

BIO

1. You give their bio, not the guest.

When you open the episode, it is your responsibility to provide your audience with the background of your guest. You know what the audience needs.

Your guest is not familiar with your ideal target listener. The guest doesn’t know what your audience needs to know to put the conversation in context.

If you start the questions with “tell us a little about yourself”, you guest has no idea where to start. She might begin with growing up in a small town and working in her mom’s store. What does this have to do with your show?

Introduce your guest with the details your audience needs to understand how the conversation will benefit them. Give your audience a reason to listen. Why did you invite your guest on the show? Begin there.

STANDARD

2. Avoid the standard questions.

If you want your interviews to stand out, ask unique questions. Avoid all of the standard questions every other interviewer asks.

There are times when the guest will send you a list of potential questions. When you follow the script, you become common.

Use those questions to create some great questions of your own. Standard questions result in standard answers. If you want a better interview, ask better questions.

SET UP

3. Set up the question and then ask.

Last week I made a trek to pick up my daughter from college and bring her home for the summer. On that 3-day drive, we were able to listen to quite a few podcasts.

On one particular show, the host was interviewing a former wrestling star. The host is a big wrestling fan.

Each time the host would ask a question, he would follow it with a bunch of framing. He would ask something like, “How do you find places to hold your seminars?” It was a solid question for the interview. Unfortunately, he followed it with a bunch of examples and what he would do to find speaking opportunities.

When you follow your question with a bunch of framing, your guest forgets the question. Your listener forgets, too.

Set up the question. Tell a little of your story. Then end with the question.

LESS YOU

4. A little of you and a lot of them.

That brings us to the fourth tip. Tell your story, but only a little bit.

This is a fine line. You want to demonstrate a little of your authority. But, you want to make your guest the star.

Give a little bit of yourself. This should only be 2 or 3 sentences. Your story could be part of your framing.

Shine the spotlight on your guest. When they look good, you look good.

LISTEN

5. Listen to the answers and ask great follow-up questions.

So many podcasters are too concerned with their list of questions. They want to get through each question on their sheet.

Stop worrying about your list and listen to the answers. When you listen, you will come up with great follow-up questions. That is where the magic lies.

You really only need a few great questions. Use follow-up questions and you have a better interview.

YES/NO

6. No yes/no questions.

The sixth tip … You want to avoid yes/no questions.

Questions that can be answered with yes or no, or can be answered with one or two words, the momentum of your interview dies. The conversation comes to a screeching halt.

As open-ended questions that allow your guest to elaborate.

STORIES

7. Get your guests to tell stories.

That leads into the final tip. Get your guest to tell stories.

Everything interesting is about people. When your guest tells stories, you develop a plot. It’s a beginning, middle and end. Your interview becomes engaging.

When your guest tells stories, your listener gets emotionally involved. As humans, we have learned through stories for centuries.

Stories will transform your interviews in a powerful way. You will always have a better interview when you use stories.

Here is an episode of Podcast Talent Coach to help you with your stories: SECRETS TO AN EFFECTIVE PODCAST INTERVIEW – PTC302.

LIST

If you want to supercharge your interviews, grab my 17 Ultimate Podcast Interview Questions. Get it at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/interview.

We interview to give more depth and voice to our content. The goal of these questions is to create inspiration and connection between the listener, the interviewee and you.

Your guests will begin telling you stories you haven’t heard them tell any other interviewer. You will hear things from your guests like “This was a really fun interview.” You will be unique and stand out from the crowd. 

It is my 17 Ultimate Podcast Interview Questions. Get it at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/interview and start building your better interview.

If you don’t have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

Podcast

Interview Secrets – PTC 331

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This week many listeners sent me their questions when it comes to creating a great interview. On this episode, you’ll get those answers to make your podcast interview more powerful and engaging.

Here is the first question.

I need help with getting interviews, when I send invites I don’t get any response.

– Stephen Aiken

There are three steps to getting great guests. You need to have confidence, fish a lot, and get in their shoes.

This just came up on a coaching call the other night with one of my laser coaching clients. He was also finding it difficult to get potential guests to respond.

Your first step is to have confidence. Remember, you podcast is valuable exposure to your guest. Even if you have 100 listeners, that is still an audience of 100.

Do you think your guest would like the opportunity to get on stage at a conference in front of 100 people? Probably so. If that is the case, why wouldn’t they want to get on a podcast in front of 100 people?

On top of that, your podcast will be around for years as long as you keep producing. You may only have 100 this month. Two years from now, that could easily be 500 or 1,000 downloads. The long tail has massive potential.

Smart guests understand this. They play the long game.

Next, fish a lot. Ask a lot of people and expect a lot of those people to say no. Your podcast isn’t at the top of their priority list. The more you ask, the more you will hear no. It also means you will hear yes more often as well.

You also need to ask repeatedly until they say yes or no. No reply does not mean no. It simply means they didn’t reply. Your e-mail may have been overlooked or lost in the mix. Maybe they forgot to reply. It could be their assistant lost the request.

Ask again and again. If after 7 tries they finally say no, you’re still in the spot you are right now. You have lost nothing. If you want the interview, keep asking.

Finally, put yourself in their shoes. When you send the e-mail to ask, start with the benefit to them. They don’t care how long you’ve been podcasting or where you grew up. Your potential guest wants to know how the interview will benefit her.

Start your ask e-mail with what you love about your guest and how you share the same audience. Explain how getting in front of your audience would be a benefit to them. The benefit isn’t now. It is the long play. Smart marketers understand.

Do you have suggestions for types of questions to ask or not to ask?

– Daniel Fellows

During the actual interview, it is more compelling for the listener when you have a conversation rather than a “question/answer” session. Get your guest to tell stories by asking them questions that lead them in that direction.

Everything interesting is about people. If you are simply teaching facts, you will lose the attention of your listener. Get them emotionally invested by using stories. Put them in the moment.

My list of 17 Interview Questions help you do that. You can download that list at PodcastTalentCoach.com/interview.

During your conversation, avoid questions that elicit one-word answers. “Did you enjoy that?” “Yep.” “How many units did you sell?” “1,234.”

When your guest answers with one word, it kills the momentum of the conversation. When they answer “yes”, you then need to figure out how to ask “what did you enjoy about it” or “how did you sell that many”. This just turns the conversation into a lot of start and stop.

Structure your conversation to create a story arc. It should have a beginning, middle and end. Lead your listener somewhere.

Remember that your listener will take away one big thing from the conversation. Decide what that will be before the conversation begins. Then conduct the interview to get to that one big thing.

When it comes to giving an interview, I often struggle with the correct articulation for what I do and how I do it, especially when I’m not expecting it.

– Desiree Bolin

Be ready to answer this question at any given moment. People may ask you what you do when you’re at a conference, when you’re networking or during an interview. Prepare it now.

Your answer to “what do you do” should not be I’m a podcaster or I’m a business coach or I’m a virtual assistant agency.

When people ask you what you do, use this framework. “I help ____ do/be ____ so they can ___.” I do not tell people I am a podcast coach. I help coaches and info experts transform their information into entertainment so they can attract their ideal clients with their podcast.

If you are a virtual assistant agency, you might say, “I help small business owners find assistants to help with the busy work so they can spend more time with clients and building their business.”

It is inevitable that you will be asked this question multiple times. Focus on the benefit to your ideal client. Keep working it until you get something you really feel describes who you help.

The next isn’t really a question. This is just great insight from my friend Dan Woerheide of Pro Growth VA and the Pro Growth podcast.

I actually enjoy my conversations with people as interviews. I focus first on the “topic” of discussion, maybe we’re talking about what it looks like to finally make the shift into entrepreneurship or maybe it’s the challenge of creating your first podcast.

But then I don’t prepare like many do. I focus on the conversation, listen intently and I’ve been lauded for my ability to present my thoughts establishing me not only as a great host, but as a thought leader for my audience.

Rather than rely on the answers from well placed questions (read well designed and a laborious effort of preparation), I rely on input, advice and a healthy dose of my own two cents to make for a great interview.

So my “struggle” would actually be why put all the time and effort into planning an interview, when a great conversation lends itself to break all the barriers.
– Dan Woerheide

That is fantastic insight from Dan. A few well-crafted questions that get your guests to tell stories combined with a high level of curiosity and the ability to be a great listener will produce a wonderful conversation.

The late, great Larry King would say he never read the book of his guest. He wouldn’t see their movie or learn about their story. Larry didn’t want to know more than his audience. During the interview, he wanted to ask the questions his listener would be asking.

Larry didn’t want to suffer from the curse of knowledge. He didn’t want to know too much and miss asking a powerful question or leaving his listen in the dark.

When your interview becomes a conversation, you’ve created magic. Have fun with it.

Thanks for all the great questions. If you have a question or need help with your podcast, you can e-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Podcast Interview Tips – Episode 252

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Interviewing people is an art. If you do it well, you demonstrate your authority in your space while allowing your guest to become the star of the show. In this episode, I want to provide you a few podcast interview tips that will help your interviews become stronger.

As I coach podcasters with their interviews, we work to find a way to transform the interview from a question-and-answer session into a real conversation.

If you step back and think about the types of content that really attract and engage people, there are few things more powerful than a story.

Storytelling is the interactive art of using words and actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination. It brings your content to life in the theater of the mind of your audience.

CLIENT QUESTION

One client came to me looking for help with his interviews. When he would interview a guest, it was almost like an interrogation. It was question, answer, question, answer. “What niche are you in? Who built your website? How long have you been leading the organization? How do you set up your equipment?”

A line of questioning with very specific correct and incorrect answers does nothing to encourage the listener’s imagination.

However, I can engage that imagination if I tell you about a time when we were on a cruise off the coast of South America. On that vacation, my 10-year-old daughter was able to visit the Mayan ruins near Cozumel. It was a hot day unlike any heat I had ever experienced before. Any shade we could find was good shade.

We had the chance to go in these huge shelters made of stone. Our Mayan tour guide explained the Mayan calendar as we hiked the tree-lined trails that connected the various sites. He explained why everyone thought the world would end when we reached the end of the Mayan calendar and why the facts proved that wasn’t true.

Stories like that are much more engaging than “how do you hook up your equipment?”.

There are a few ways in addition to stories that can supercharge your podcast.

PODCAST INTERVIEW TIPS

1. Avoid the multiple choice and yes/no questions.

Allow your guest to expand her answer with stories.

2. Use great questions that set the guest up to tell stories.

There are ways to help your guests tell stories. When you lead with “tell me about a time when …”, “what is the craziest thing …” or “what did it feel like when you …”, you allow your guest to tell you about one specific moment in time. This is where great stories start.

You can download my 17 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions Ever for free online at PodcastTalentCoach.com/interview. This list is built in a way that will allow you to use these questions with any person you interview.

3. Start with the best question you have.

You can’t catch up to a slow start. People want great content right from the start, or they are looking for something more entertaining. Lead with the most engaging question you have. We can always go back and revisit how your guest got started and their backstory.

4. There is no need for the transition.

Just ask the next question. There is no need for a set up. Treat your interview like a cocktail party conversation. If you were having a conversation at a party, would you ever say things like, “The next question I would like to ask …” or “Let’s move into your you got started …”? No. Normal people don’t talk like that. Use questions that you would use in regular conversation.

5. Help the guest provide useful info for your listener.

You are the host of your show. You know what your listeners need and expect. Lead you guest down the path that will help them provide that information.

6. Treat the listener as if they are the 3rd person in the conversation.

As you interview your guest, pretend your listener is sitting right there with you. When you need to clarify something your guest said, say it right to that 3rd person. If I am interviewing Joe, and he makes reference to a chapter in his book, I can say, “Joe has a great book out. If you want a copy, go to my website dot com slash joes book and get the link right there.”

When I use sentences like that, it is clear that I am talking to you and not Joe. I don’t have to say, “Hey listeners, if you want to get Joe’s book …” The use of “listeners” is much less personal and connecting than if I just talk to you as if you are sitting at the table with the two of us.

7. Have 4 or 5 great questions prepared, but listen to the answers for great follow-up questions.

The quickest way to turn a great conversation into a bad question and answer session is to follow a list of prescripted questions. Know where you want to go and what you want to accomplish in the conversation before it starts. Gather a handful of great questions that will help you get there. Actually listen to the answers your guest gives you. Those answers provide great leads for your next great question.

If the line of questioning hits a dead end, look at your list, pick another question and start again. Let the conversation flow.

Bonus: Slow down and say your name with a little more pride. It is your brand. Embrace it. Be confident with your name and the name of the show.

 

Would you like some help with your interviews and more podcast interview tips? Take advantage of my FREE podcast strategy session. Get details at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/coaching.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

7 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions Ever – Episode 189

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7 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions Ever – Episode 189

Powerful Podcast Interviews
Copyright: iqoncept / 123RF Stock Photo

[DOWNLOAD: 17 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions Ever]

How do you make your podcast unique when every interview asks the same questions and sounds the same? Use storytelling through powerful interview questions.

Storytelling can transform your podcast.

People do business with those they know, like and trust. Stories let people get to know you through the things you reveal in your stories. Listeners learn what you like, value and believe. Your stories help develop that likability and trust.

Stories help you connect, motivate and inspire.

They do the same for your guests. If you would like to get unique answers from your guests and create powerful podcast interviews, download my 17 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions Ever. They are free for you at PodcastTalentCoach.com.

 

AVOID THESE

There are a few questions you should avoid.

“Tell me a little bit about yourself.” This questions is a time waster. It also tells the audience and your guest you didn’t do your homework. You should know your guest and provide the important background information necessary for this episode.

“Did you enjoy (blank)?” Yes/no questions receive yes/no answers. Find ways to turn yes/no questions into open-ended questions.

“Was it A or B?” Questions that require one word answers do the same as yes/no questions. There is nowhere for the guest to go with the answer.

 

POWERFUL QUESTIONS

Here are 7 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions ever from that list. Use these to generate fantastic stories.

 

1. Tell me about a time you _______.

This question generates great stories. It is also personal and helps your guest reveal things about themselves.

 

2. How did all of this get started?

This question generates great stories. It is also personal. This question can provide inspiration to your audience.

 

3. What is the craziest thing you’ve seen in this business?

This story creates some amazement.

 

4. When did you realize you had a passion for ______?

This questions makes a personal connection between your guest and listener. It also provides inspiration for your listeners.

 

5. What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to ______?

This questions provides inspiration for your listener. It also gives them advice to tackle their own problems.

 

6. What did it feel like when you ______?

This question allows your guest to connect emotionally with your audience.

 

7. If you could do it over again, what is the first thing you would do?

This is a great question to help your audience learn where to start. This question also helps your audience take action.

 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

If you interview guests on your podcast, I want to help you transform those interviews into powerful conversations. I want to help you create unique content that will stand out from all other podcasts in your niche.

I am putting together a workshop for a small group of podcasters. This workshop will teach you the intricacies, tips and tricks to create powerful podcast interviews.

This process was developed over my 30 years of radio.

Whether you are brand new to podcasting or have been creating podcast interviews for years, this workshop will be the place to be. It will be the place to gain confidence in yourself, defeat the impostor syndrome, look smarter by surrounding yourself with smart people, and avoid making a fool of yourself by developing powerful podcast interviews.

You will learn how to create amazing content using powerful podcast interviews.

This isn’t just theory. I have been in radio for 30 years and teaching broadcasters and podcasters for over 20 years. I have interviewed some of the biggest artists in music, including Lady Gaga, Blake Shelton, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Eric Church, Mariah Carey, the Samples, Big & Rich, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Dave Mustane of Megadeth, Nelly and others.

Stations I have programmed have dominated the market. My own show has been top of the ratings for years straight. Podcasters I have coached have used my training to drive their shows to new heights.

I am now combining all of that interviewing knowledge into a workshop. This will be a small group of a couple dozen dedicated podcasters who want to learn what took me 30 years to perfect.

I’m really excited to get it started. The workshop will be ready in a couple weeks.

In the meantime, download my 17 of the Most Powerful Interview Questions Ever. They are free for you at PodcastTalentCoach.com.

 

Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.