How to Become a Great Podcast Guest
Being a guest on a podcast is a powerful way to build your brand, connect with a wider audience, and share your story. But, like any other opportunity, it requires some preparation and skill. In this guide, I’ll share how to nail your interview, impress your host, and maximize the experience. With hundreds of podcast episodes under my belt, I’ve learned some crucial tips that can help you stand out.
Let’s break it down into two main parts: your setup and how to communicate during the interview.
Key takeaways:
Prioritize Setup: Good lighting, clear sound, and a clean backdrop are essential for a professional appearance—invest in a solid microphone and position yourself near natural light for best results.
Keep It Conversational: Treat the podcast like a conversation rather than a monologue, keeping answers concise and engaging with the host's questions.
Show Genuine Emotion: Infuse your responses with personality and emotion—authenticity captivates listeners and builds connection.
Prepare for Common Questions: Be ready to share your story and adapt to the flow of the conversation, while also asking the host questions to create a dynamic discussion.
Be Yourself: The key to a memorable podcast guest appearance is staying true to who you are—authenticity will leave the biggest impact on your audience.
The Importance of a Good Setup
One of the first things to consider when preparing for a podcast interview is your setup. No, you don’t need a fancy, expensive rig, but a few tweaks can make a huge difference in how you appear on camera.
Lighting Matters
If you only have a webcam, make sure you’re positioned close to a light source. Natural light is best, so face a window if possible, but don’t have it behind you—it can create harsh shadows. If you have extra lighting, bounce it off a wall to soften the light and illuminate your face evenly.
Upgrading Your Camera
For those with an Apple computer, you can use your iPhone’s back camera as a webcam, which will give you a better picture quality than the built-in webcam. If you’re ready for a more professional look, I use a Sony mirrorless camera, which delivers sharp and high-quality visuals. However, starting with your iPhone or webcam is perfectly fine.
Sound is Key
If there’s one piece of equipment worth investing in, it’s a good microphone. Clear audio is crucial for any podcast appearance. I started with a basic $100 mic, and now I use a $700 Shure mic, but you don’t need to start at the top. A solid mic will also come in handy for Zoom meetings, webinars, and other calls.
Backdrop and Setting
Another element to consider is your backdrop. Having a clean, visually appealing background can make a big difference. You don’t need to overthink it—just make sure the area behind you isn’t cluttered. Avoid blank walls or virtual backgrounds, as they often feel impersonal. Even setting up in a clean corner of your living room can give your setup a polished look.
How to Communicate Effectively as a Guest
After nailing your setup, the next challenge is how to act and communicate effectively on the podcast. Speaking in front of a camera can be nerve-wracking, but focusing on the conversation can help ease those nerves.
Make it a Conversation
Think of the podcast as a conversation with a friend, not a monologue. Keep your answers concise, and don’t go off on tangents. Let the host guide the conversation, and if they ask follow-up questions, lean into them. This creates a more engaging dynamic and keeps the audience interested.
Be Engaging and Show Emotion
A great way to captivate your audience is by showing genuine emotion. Whether it’s excitement, passion, or humor, bringing personality into the conversation is key. If something excites you or has had a huge impact on your life, share that enthusiasm. Listeners will be drawn to your authenticity.
Prepare for Common Questions
Most podcasts start with baseline questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What’s your story?” Be ready to share a bit about who you are and what got you to where you are today. At the same time, be flexible—let the conversation flow naturally and don’t be afraid to ask the host questions too.
Bonus Tips for Podcast Guests
There are a few extra tips that can help you stand out as a podcast guest. First, if you have a point you want to emphasize, say it clearly and mark it as a key takeaway. This not only helps the audience focus but also signals to the host and editors that this is a highlight-worthy moment.
Another tip is to remember that podcasts, like YouTube shorts, often have shorter segments. If there’s a chance your response might be used in a shorter clip, try to keep your answer within 59 seconds.
Be Yourself
Above all, the most important advice is to be yourself. The host invited you to be on their podcast because they’re interested in you and your story. Don’t try to be someone else or force a narrative. Authenticity is what will resonate most with the audience.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned on How to Be a Great Podcast Guest
Being a great podcast guest is all about preparation and authenticity. From setting up your environment with proper lighting and sound to engaging in meaningful conversation, the key is to be relaxed, be yourself, and communicate effectively.
Good lighting, a quality microphone, and an appealing backdrop will improve how you appear on video, while concise answers and genuine emotion will keep the audience engaged. By preparing for common questions and staying flexible in the conversation, you’ll be able to contribute to a dynamic and interesting episode.
At the end of the day, being a successful podcast guest is not about having the most expensive gear or delivering a perfect speech. It’s about creating a conversation, sharing your story, and being real. Follow these tips, and you’ll not only impress your host but also leave a lasting impact on the listeners.
If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share them with someone preparing for their own podcast appearance!
