Bringing guests and interviewees to your studio adds some spice to your podcast and is likely to draw more crowds. This is especially true if the guest you bring has an appealing personality or is a known figure in the area you are talking about. Interviewing is a skill that should be mastered while bearing in mind that a good interview is like a good review; it informs and entertains the listener. Some important guidelines for interviewing guests include:
Give them a basic idea of the topic you want to discuss
When reaching out for a potential guest, make them know the topic you want to discuss beforehand. This does not mean that you should give them a written copy of what will be discussed, as that may sound too rehearsed and fake. Just let them have a basic idea of what is to be discussed so that they come prepared.
Have the right equipment
Depending on the number of guests, you will have to ensure you have a unilateral microphone that captures the voices effectively. You do not want a situation where there is volume variation and distractions as you converse. There might be situations where you will need to give the interviewee a lapel mic so that their voices are projected well.
Moderate the interview to ensure equal time
This is especially important if you have more than one interviewee. There will always be that one person who by their very nature will want to dominate the interview. If you are the host, control the panel and have an equal share of participation. If it is just you and the interviewee, balance it out so that none of you talks much more than the other.
Think like the audience
No matter who you are interviewing, be it a celebrity or someone new in the game, you have to ask yourself what the audience would like to know about them. Always bear in mind that you are representing the audience so your questions must address some of the things people have been wanting to ask but have not gotten an opportunity.
Go for enthusiastic interviewees
Even though it might not be possible to do this with all your interviews, always try as much as possible to have charismatic guests. Go for people with a good sense of humor who can send people laughing. Your interviewee should have some passion for your subject of discussion to justify why you brought them to the show.
Ask open-ended questions
Do not push your interviewee into a situation where they get away with a simple “Yes” or “No” answer. Always ask open-ended questions that give them room to expand and explore the subject you are talking about.
