The Ultimate Podcast Interview Checklist

We have put together the ultimate podcast interview checklist that every podcaster should have and do to be prepared when interviewing a guest.

Before Performing an Interview

1. Identify Topic for Discussion – Ask yourself what topic you are going to discuss for the podcast. 
2. Would the interview be on camera, in person or by phone – Prepare yourself for the type of interview that you are going to do.
3. Ask yourself if you are the right spokesperson – Think if you are the right person to do the interview.
4. Know your organization and competitor news – Do research about your company and your rivals.
5. Familiarize yourself with the key trends – Know the important trends around the industry.
6. Create FAQS and make your answers easy to understand – It is very important to be prepared so that don’t end up blank.
7. Plan ahead for those difficult questions – It is better to be ready. Don’t get caught off-guard with those tough questions thrown at you.
8. Verify the place, date and time so you will not miss the interview – Double-check where the interview would take place and when is it going to start.      *PRO TIP: “Research the person interviewing you and find mutual points of connection. Ask about their main goal for the interview to let them know how serious you are about making this the best interview possible.” – Lewis Howes (School of Greatness Podcaster and contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine)
9. Recognize at least 3 key concepts – Narrow down your messages to at least 3 key points so that it is easy to remember.
10. Utilize analogies at whatever point conceivable – If you have a chance, explain ideas by comparing it to something that is familiar.
11. Place statistics within reach – You might need statistics during the interview so don’t forget to have it in your hands or near you always.
12. Practice makes perfect – There is no harm in practicing over and over again so that you can better equip yourself for the interview.
    *PRO TIP: “I use a couple of words for my key points so they trigger the factoid or piece of information and don’t come out sounding contrived or rehearsed. The last thing you want is to sound like you’re reading a press release.” – Lizzie Bermudez (Emmy-award winning TV host, online video creator, and contributor to Pop Sugar and ABC-TV Bay Area Life)

During the Interview

1. Dispose of diversions – Get rid of those disturbances. Like for example removing change from your pockets. Also, don’t forget to turn off your phones. 
2. Know when to stop talking – You don’t want to end up saying something you wish you didn’t.
3. Non-verbal communication – Use body language effectively by speaking slowly, smiling more and making eye contact.
4. Talk in short sentences – Don’t talk more than a minute without taking a break.
5. In the event that you can’t answer or theorize on an inquiry, give a reaction with a crossing over-explanation to get back on track – Don’t be afraid if you cannot answer a question.
6. Inquire about the next stages – Know what would be the next steps.
7. Never lie – Do not ever lie in the interview. It is better to keep quiet than to tell a lie.
8. Always remember that the mic is always on – Keep in mind that the microphone is always on.
9. There is no need to use jargon – Just be yourself. Remember that you have your own style.
   *PRO TIP: “I believe that everyone has their own rhythm and style.” – Rev. Kenneth V. Blanchard, Sr. (host of Black Man With A Gun)
10. Try not to talk adversely about a competitor – Saying something bad about your competitors would do you no good.
11. Never ever say “no comment” – You want the conversation to be flowing smoothly.
    *PRO TIP: “I like to break down the questioner and responder roles. Try and make it like a natural conversation. I want them to feel like we are sitting in my living room over a cup of coffee. You get their most authentic selves that way.” – Meredith Sinclair (Vlogger, columnist at Chicago Parent and a regular contributor to the Today Show)

After the Interview

1. Don’t forget to say thank you and ask if there are any clarifications – Express your gratitude for the opportunity.
2. Don’t forget to have a duplicate of the article, video or podcast.
3. Do not complain – You do not know what will come up. Things can change. 
4. You can make a request to revise any real deception – If there is wrong information, you can ask for them to correct it.
   *PRO TIP: “Never, ever ask if you can review the entire article or edit the article being written about you before publication. That’s unethical.” – Jennifer Jolly (Consumer Technology Journalist for the New York Times, USA Today and the Today Show)
5. Spread it on social media – Share it on social media and don’t forget to tag the interviewer.
   *PRO TIP: “Amplify the publicity you just received. Add a link to the interview on your website, share it in your customer newsletter and display the article or a photo of you being interviewed, in your offices.” – Elena Verlee (Award-winning PR influencer and founder of Cross Border Communications, an international PR agency)