Strategies for Effective Podcast Interviews

Conducting interviews on podcasts has become a very common technique to increase the quality of content and attract more listeners , but to achieve this, proper preparation is required. By following a structure, questions, and key phases, we will increase the possibility of achieving success with them. In this Podzay article , we will give you the keys and tips necessary to conduct quality interviews on your podcast.

How to do the best interview for your podcast: PEP Method

To achieve a good interview, it is important to follow some key points that will help you achieve your goals . Learn the 5 strategies for effective podcast interview to achieve a successful interview:

1. Your Objectives : Before starting the interview, define your objectives clearly, what you want to achieve with the interview.
2. Research and get to know the guest : You must learn how to find guests who add value to your podcast . Do some prior research on who they are, what they do, and what they can contribute to your program.
3. Plan your content and questions : Discuss your main topics with guests that you will cover during the interview and create a list of questions so you don’t miss any important details. Also share the list of the questions with guests.
4. Negotiate the context of the interview : Discuss with the guest about the context of the interview.  Whether it will be in person or virtual or it will be recorded on video or audio only.
5. Structure the interview : Discuss  the interview model with the guest you are going to follow, whether it will be structured, semi-structured or unstructured.
6. Apply the “PEP” method : The PEP method is a strategy to achieve long-term goals and objectives that is widely used in interviews to achieve a long-lasting and successful podcast.

The “PEP” method refers to a strategy to achieve long-term goals and objectives , this technique focuses on persistence , focus and preparation , and can be applied to any type of goal, whether personal or professional.

Structure of an Interview Podcast

There are three types of interview models that can be followed in a podcast interview: structured , semi-structured , and unstructured . The structured model is the most rigid, hard and follows a set of predetermined questions, while the unstructured model allows the conversation to flow freely.

1. Structured Model

The structured podcast interview model has all the questions you want to ask pre-formulated and rigorously follows the structure that has been set out from the beginning.

2. Semi-structured model

When we do a podcast interview, using the semi-structured model, we prepare a series of topics we want to talk about before the interview, and these are raised during the conversation.

3. Unstructured Model

By opting for an unstructured podcast interview model, we simply maintain a fluid conversation , without having previously asked the questions, but the entire interview revolves around a specific topic or person.

Since it is an interview in which we “improvise” the questions as the conversation progresses, it is very difficult to know how long it will last , which makes it not the best option when doing an interview.

Phases of a podcast interview

Please note that if you cannot physically meet with the interviewee, you must learn how to record quality podcasts remotely .

Making sure that the quality of your program is not influenced by the presence or absence of the interviewee, will help you create a powerful brand image that grows over time.

To carry out a successful interview, it is necessary to follow certain key phases that guarantee the success of the podcast . Learn the key phases to conduct a podcast interview:

Phase 1: Preparation before the interview

Before conducting the interview, it is essential to do a good preparation . To do this, we must research the guest and plan all the content that will be discussed during the recording.

This includes preparing the questions that will be asked, but also researching and knowing the interests of the guest, his background and experience in the topic that will be discussed.

Phase 2: Presentation at the beginning of the podcast

The first step of a podcast is to introduce the topic to be discussed and some initial concepts about it.

You can also include elements such as a curtain, a characteristic greeting or introducing the members to the audience. This will help create an appropriate atmosphere for the interview.

Phase 3: Conducting the interview

During the interview, it is important to maintain an open and receptive attitude towards the guest’s answers, letting him or her speak and asking additional questions if necessary.

It is also important to make good use of the recorder and check that it is working properly before starting the interview.

Phase 4: Editing and post-production

Once the interview is over, it is necessary to properly edit the audio to eliminate noise and improve its quality . In addition, elements such as music or sound effects can be added to help make the content more interesting.

Phase 5: Promoting the podcast

It is important to properly promote your podcast to reach as many listeners as possible. This can include creating a website, posting on social media, collaborating with other podcasters, or promoting on podcasting platforms.

How to schedule podcast interviews

If you’re a podcaster, you probably know how difficult it can be to coordinate schedules with your guests to schedule an interview. Luckily, there are platforms that can help you schedule podcast interviews effectively.

Podcast interview scheduling platforms allow you to schedule interviews effectively, reducing the time you spend trying to coordinate schedules with your guests. Take note of the main podcast interview scheduling platforms and choose the one that best suits your case.

Platforms to schedule Podcast interviews

There are many podcast interview scheduling platform options , each with its own features, but all of them will help you simplify your podcast interview scheduling process. Here are some of the most popular platforms:

1. Calendly

2. Google Calendar

3. Anchor

4. Zoom