Do you want to become a fantastic interviewer?
If you’ve invited an amazing guest onto your podcast, it’s only natural to want to get the very best out of them and really uncover their story for both you and your listeners. The interview podcast format is still more popular than ever, and a conversation with an inspiring guest on your podcast can be illuminating. But how do you make the most of your interviews, peeling back the layers and getting to know your guest’s journey on that deeper level?
Here are our 3 tips on doing just that:
1. Don’t over or under prepare
Of course, for any interview, it’s essential to do your research. Behind every great interview is a thoroughly researched guest, with all the necessary context and background information under your belt. This means that you already have the answers to your questions, and have the knowledge to push further and get that extra detail that no one else has uncovered yet! Plus, there will always be topics that your guest will want to talk about, so be sure to familiarise yourself with what these are.
But – while prep is key to providing structure to your interview and making sure you’re prepared, don’t rigidly stick to a set agenda. In a really great interview, you’re reacting to your guest in the moment and responding to their flow. You may even go off on a tangent, diverting from what you have written down. So, make sure you have enough information to carry you through your interview, but don’t be TOO rigid that the conversation feels unnatural. It’s like the Goldilocks Effect – not too much, or too little!
2. Ask the right questions
A common rule in interviewing is avoiding questions that elicit a ‘yes/no’ answer – closed questions – and instead asking open questions that move beyond routine answers and really dig deep. Thoughtful questions that encourage guests to reflect and peel back the layers are always sure to keep things interesting and in flow, and get you the answers that you and your listeners are after. Ask them what was going through their mind, what a certain experience meant to them, – open ended questions like these can elicit a response on any subject, and tend to produce the best material for your podcast.
However…don’t be afraid of the simple questions! Sometimes it’s your job to ask the questions that listeners may be wondering, but don’t have the opportunity to ask – no matter how obvious. One instance of this is the simple question, “Was it cold?”, asked to producer Orla Doherty about filming in the deep ocean on Blue Planet II: The Podcast. This seemingly obvious question prompted a vivid description of Orla’s experiences, really putting the listener in her shoes – or in this case, flippers. Remember, don’t try to be too clever, and keep it simple!
3. The power of listening
Never underestimate the power of sitting back, listening hard and giving your guest the space to talk. This allows them to paint that vivid picture of their story at their own pace, setting the scene and encouraging you and your audience to connect to their experiences. If you don’t fear the pauses, and avoid jumping in at every opportunity, so will they! Aim to tune in to your guest, responding appropriately and noticing their tone of voice and body language. This will really put them at ease, encouraging them to open up in their own time, and allowing you and your audience to sit back and learn something new.