As a podcast host, have you ever gotten so wrapped up in a conversation with your guest that you forget you’re recording a podcast? This is a significant problem, but being strategic about how you end your podcast interviews is still essential.
After all, you put a lot of effort into your guest’s introduction, so don’t leave your listeners hanging with an awkward ending. Keep reading for my best tips on ending your podcast interviews.
Make an Interview Plan
Before you start recording, plan what you want to discuss with your guest. Ask yourself these questions:
- What do I want my listeners to learn from him/her?
- What can this guest offer that my listeners haven’t heard on my podcast before?
- What do I want my listeners to do after listening to the episode?
Once you figure out the intention of your interview, it’s easier to plan how you want the conversation to go. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to a strict list of questions and not let the conversation flow naturally, but having a plan will help guide the interview in the right direction. It’ll also help you know when to naturally end the interview after meeting your objectives.
Four Ways to End a Podcast Interview
You can use just one of these methods or mix and match all of them in an episode:
- Recap the episode: give a brief overview of the most helpful insights your guest shared
- End with a call to action: direct your listeners to your show notes, course, etc
- Plug the guest or offer the opportunity to connect with them: share their social media handles and website
- Create a custom sign-off for your show: your guests will love hearing your signature sign-off phrase at the end of every episode
More Podcast Tips and Tricks
Now that you know how to end your podcast interviews, get to recording! Sign up for my newsletter today for more insider tips and tricks to podcasting in your inbox.
