STARTNG A PODCAST OR WANT TO ATTRACT MORE GUESTS? MEDIA TRAINING 101

BY JENNIFER NASH

As a PR professional I have the innate ability to jump into an interview without giving it much thought…whether am the one interviewing someone or being interviewed. So it came as a surprise when I was complemented for being a good guest and indeed interviewer on my Spotlight NetTv show. Therefore, I thought best to should share some useful tips.

We all know, interviewing experts in your area of interest is the best way to draw your ideal audience to your platform. Spotlight has 10 Media Training 101 tips to help you conduct an interview like a pro

Fortunately, that means you don’t need a broadcasting degree to conduct a compelling interview! A little preparation and practice will make you sound like a professional.

As podcasting becomes more popular, interview skills are becoming important to people who never thought they would need them As I said, interviewing experts in your field of interest is a great way to drive traffic to your own spaces.

Fortunately, that means Fortunately, that means you don’t need a broadcasting degree you don’t need a broadcasting degree to conduct a compelling interview. to conduct a compelling interview.

HERE ARE 10 PRESCRIPTIONS TO NAIL YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW:

1. Set your goals.

Setting the goals for your interview should be the first step. Create a general outline of what you want to discuss and what the end result should be. This will guide your questioning and help your guest know which direction to take. Keep it flexible enough to allow for surprising twists and turns. Be prepared to course correct back to your main goal if you get sidetracked Check out my own ‘Cue Sheet’ here

2. Research Your Guest.

Do secondary research on your guest as much as possible. Carry out a ‘mini-background’ check like listening to their previous interviews. Practice makes perfect – so get conversant on their topic areas and be in-theknow of any controversies or trendy topics in your guest’s field of expertise. For example read their latest book. Research products they’re plugging. The additional research will help you ask the questions that haven’t been asked before. That’s your cracker! It’s what will make you memorable to your guest and get them to go from unknown to unforgettable!

3. Inform Your Guest

Knowledge is power Ensure your guest knows who your audience is and what type of content they'd expect. Give your guest an overview of questions you’ll ask, however, don’t give them the full spill. Hold some back for authenticity –nothing beats genuine reactions! Make sure to the share your ebbs and flow of the conversation, like time, length, and format of your podcast and the tone of voice you want go with Remember to be clear about when and how they can insert their product and how they can plug-in a call to action.

4. Chillax Your Guest

While it is not always possible to conduct the interview in their territory in our new normal, let them pick the platform i.e. Zoom vs Google meet – wherever possible. Always log in earlier beforehand to chat to them, this will help them relax.

If it’s an on location in-person interview where they come to you, set the scene up with a comfy chair [but no any that makes them slouch in or recline too far back] – so, an easy upright seat is always better! Be sure to add a side table for a glass of water If you have a crew assisting with the production, be sure to Introduce them too.

5. Ease into the conversation.

Be human first Acknowledge their presence

Pay your guest a compliment. That’s the best form of an ice breaker. E.g. 'so excited you’re here! How are you doing today? What fun thing are you working on right now? The idea is to give the person opportunity be authentic and intentional to connect with your audience; while granting them a bragging opportunity about their work or themselves. If your guest is shy or the topic is too sensitive, tell your own similar narrative first to show empathy. The innate human behaviour to mirror you will kick in and your guest will feel the nudge and confidence to reciprocate with their story.

Here Are Some Statistics

BASEDONSURVEYRESULTSOF 30OFSPOTLIGHTNETTVGUESTS

80% 89% 91%

Guests found my interviewing skills made them more effective storytellers that helped them get a higher recognition than they expected.

Guests said they would come back as paying clients to guest again They received Return On Equity of their time which raised their profiles as experts

Guests received several positive reviews and requests for proposals after guesting on my show and even said they would recommend their friends /network to be guests too

BOOK A MEDIA TRAINING SESSION TO GET EXACT STEPS I USE TO GET MY GUESTS COMING BACK FOR MORE INTERVIEWS