The Art of the Interview: Tips for Engaging Your Guests
Hello, podcasters and content creators around the world! 🎙️ Whether you’re prepping your first guest interview or working toward becoming the next breakout host, interviewing is a foundational podcasting skill that can separate good shows from great ones.
At Podcast HQ in Hollywood, FL, we see it all the time — the most memorable interviews aren’t just about who the guest is. They’re about how the host shows up. If you're looking to improve your interview game, this guide will give you the tools and confidence you need.
Let’s dive in.
1. Do Your Homework
The goal: Make your guest feel known and understood.
Start with these steps:
Read their recent work, social media, or interviews
Watch any talks or YouTube appearances
Find at least one “hidden gem” fact to reference
💡 Beginner Tip: Don’t ask questions that can be easily Googled. Use your research to craft custom questions that dig deeper than the surface bio.
Example: Instead of “Tell us about your book,” try:
“In Chapter 4 of your book, you talk about burnout being a sign of misalignment. When did you first experience that personally?”
2. Create a Comfortable Environment
Your guest’s comfort = better stories + better energy.
In-studio:
Offer water or coffee
Give them a brief run-through of how things work
Let them hear a sample clip so they’re familiar with their mic/voice
Virtual:
Test tech ahead of time
Ask them to record in a quiet space
Reassure them that things can be edited if needed
The more relaxed your guest feels, the more natural and insightful your conversation will be.
3. Start with Light Conversation
Why it matters:
Icebreakers build rapport, especially for non-media-trained guests.
Ask how their day’s been
Make a casual observation (e.g., “That’s a cool mic setup”)
Share how excited you are to have them
🧊 Think of this as the “mic check moment” — low pressure, no expectations, just easing into it.
4. Listen Actively (and Intentionally)
Don’t treat your questions like a checklist. Interviews are conversations — not interrogations.
How to listen well:
Mute your mic if you tend to interrupt
Jot down timestamps or quotes for follow-up
Use verbal cues (“That’s powerful,” “Tell me more about that…”)
Beginner Trap to Avoid:
Don’t plan your next question while they’re still answering the current one. You might miss a great story thread!
5. Balance Structure with Flexibility
It’s smart to plan your topics ahead of time — but don’t be afraid to ditch the plan if something juicy pops up.
Suggested structure:
Soft opener
Context or backstory
Deeper, thematic questions
Reflection or “legacy” style question
Wrap-up
✍🏽 Pro tip: Have 3 solid backup questions ready in case the guest gives shorter answers than expected.
6. Avoid Over-Talking or Oversharing
It’s tempting to relate every guest story to your own — but resist the urge. Instead, ask amplifying questions:
“How did that moment shape your career?”
“What advice would you give someone in that situation?”
“What did you take away from that experience?”
🎙️ Your mic is there to highlight them, not narrate you.
7. Use Open-Ended, Story-Based Questions
The best interviews are built around stories, not just facts.
Try using:
“Can you walk us through…?”
“What was going through your mind when…?”
“How did that moment change things for you?”
Avoid:
“Was that scary?”
Instead:
“What was the scariest part of that experience?”
Open-ended questions invite vulnerability, honesty, and gold.
8. Mind Your Body Language and Vocal Energy
Whether you're on-camera or audio-only, energy translates.
Visual cues:
Nod when they speak
Maintain a relaxed, open posture
Smile naturally (yes, even during audio — it changes your tone!)
Vocal tips:
Avoid a monotone delivery
Modulate your pitch and pacing
Mirror the guest’s tone when appropriate (calm, excited, intense, etc.)
📸 At Podcast HQ, we coach our clients to visualize the listener on the other side — it helps your voice feel more connected.
9. Wrap Up Gracefully
How you end matters. Make your guest feel appreciated and give your audience a satisfying close.
Ideal wrap:
Thank your guest sincerely
Summarize 1–2 key takeaways
Let them plug what’s next (book, business, event)
Tease your next episode or offer a CTA for your audience
💌 Pro Tip: Let them know the release date and if they’ll get any clips or shareable content from your team.
10. Post-Interview Follow-Up
This step is often skipped — don’t let that be you.
After the recording:
Send a thank-you email within 24–48 hours
Offer any clips, links, or show notes they can share
If you loved the episode, consider inviting them back for a future topic
Building long-term relationships is one of the most powerful outcomes of podcasting. Don’t leave goodwill on the table.
BONUS: 5 Fresh Interview Techniques to Try
Want to go beyond the basics? Try these:
Rapid Fire Rounds – Add a 60-second challenge with quirky or deep questions.
Hot Take Section – Ask them to respond to an industry myth or trend.
“Run That Back” Moments – Pause mid-interview to reflect on something emotional or powerful.
On-the-Spot Scenarios – “What would you do if…?”
Audience Questions – Collect them ahead of time and credit the listener on air.
These add texture, surprise, and personality to your show.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing isn’t about sounding smart or getting through your notes — it’s about making space for powerful conversations to unfold.
With the right prep, mindset, and curiosity, you’ll not only elevate your interviews — you’ll build trust with your audience, respect with your guests, and a brand that stands out.
And remember: Every expert host started as a beginner. So keep practicing, keep evolving, and if you ever want feedback or a professional session, swing by Podcast HQ — we’ve got the mics (and support) ready.
