Once you’ve pitched yourself or accepted a position as a podcast guest, it is very important that you put in the work to prepare and provide the best conversation possible. This ensures that you cover all your bases for being a great guest and making the interview flow more seamlessly! Here are a few ways I recommend preparing for a podcast interview:
Build Out a Media Kit for Hosts
Your kit should include social media and website links, bio, logos, and potential topics. I’ve created a full blog post about each of these items and why each one is important for your podcast.
Invest in a Good Microphone
A good microphone is needed when starting a new podcast because it is important to have good audio for your listeners, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re ready to invest in beginner gear, make sure you check out the exact gear I use for my own podcast recording in this article!
Wear Headphones
With any type of online meeting, your computer will put off audio waves from it’s speakers. Having headphones on eliminates any feedback that your mic may pick up from the speakers, ensuring that you’re providing the podcast host with the best sound possible.
Check Your Environment
Make sure there is nothing that will be distracting or making noise in the background to disrupt the podcast. You can create the best environment possible through the following:
- You are going to need a quiet place away from noise and distractions for the best audio quality for your listeners.
- Additionally, you’ll want to keep water close by in your environment! After talking for so long, your throat may start to get dry so having some water close by will help with that.
- Microphones tend to pick up noise around them, so if you have any alarms set or any other distracting noises from your devices, it can disrupt your podcast.
- If there are too many programs open on your computer, it can cause it to crash, to reduce that, make sure everything is closed that you are not using at the time.
Research the Podcast & Host
Listen to a few interviews on the show you’re about to be interviewed on. It is a good idea to listen to how the host interviews people so you can pick up different tips and tricks that will help you plan for your interview properly.
Additionally, you’ll want to ask questions beforehand about the outline or topic that the host has provided. This avoids any confusion during the interview.
Confirm Your Interview
If you haven’t heard from the interviewer ahead of time with the interview link or outline, it’s important that you reach out! You never know if they have forgotten, have you down for a different date, or there is confusion for some other reason. Reach out to your host beforehand eliminates the stress of having to find a super last minute plan and reminds them of their commitment.
Maybe you’re not quite to the interview stage and you’re still looking for the best guidance on how to pitch yourself for podcasts interviews! Having managed podcast pitches since 2017, I’ve seen every possible pitch type in the books! Check out episode 23 of Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin, where I share How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest!
I hope this has helped you prepare for a podcast interview as a guest. If you’re looking for more educational content around podcasting or want to build connections in the podcast space, come join Mic Check Society! Inside Mic Check Society, we periodically release new content, host virtual coworking sessions, Jump on monthly hot seat calls, and connect with the other podcasters inside our private Facebook group. Get more details about Mic Check Society below!
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