Written by: Lisa David Olson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Whether you are preparing to launch a book, your own podcast, or your new business of knitting skirts for dogs, podcast shows help your brand to be ‘seen’ online. Now that you are applying to be a guest, let’s ensure you have what it takes to be the one invited back for more!
I’ve had a podcast nearly three years, and I also guest on other shows. I adore being interviewed because there are times I’ve heard myself say something in a new way. That’s why I keep paper and a pen nearby, to capture fresh thoughts. You never know when a host will lead you to respond with a thought that could be your next keynote or book!
Let’s prepare you for the podcast that is in your future. If you aren’t sure how to find a show that is seeking new interviewees, check for groups on social media. I have had a lot of success through Facebook. There are other groups around that charge a fee, and I've tried those as well. Let your friends, family, and clients know you are seeking to be a guest. Cast the net wide.
Once you land that interview, go through this checklist to prepare to be a stellar podcast guest:
Ask the host or show’s assistant how long the interview goes and if it will be in audio only or also video. If video too, set up lights in front of you so you are not a dark silhouette on their screen. Also, ask if you are allowed to mention your products or services. Then get them links ahead of time, for their show notes, as well as your bio and professional headshot (photo of your shoulders and adorable face).
Homework – listen to a few of the show’s episodes. This way you get a feel for the host’s style, and you can refer to an episode if it works in your conversation. This is great for the host’s listenership. Then make sure to leave a review. This is how shows are ‘seen’ online. It’s respectful to do your prework and leave a review in exchange for the exposure you may get from being their guest.
Make sure you are in a quiet space. I always lock my office door to keep my dog out. She will try to get my attention or bark at something scary (like a baby bunny or a leaf in the wind) and ruin the audio. This goes for keeping out cats as well. Yes, kitties are not usually as noisy, but for some reason, cats jump up and then flash their parts to the webcam. No one wants to see Mr. Fluffy’s fanny.
An external microphone is a great investment if you plan on continuing to guest on podcasts, and it’s also nice to have for the increase of zoom meetings. It doesn’t have to be a big mic that blocks your face on-screen. Mine is a small one that I clipped onto a cell phone stand and it sounds great and isn’t in view. If you don’t have an external mic, let the host know, and make sure to sit close to the mic source on your phone or laptop. That is not ideal, but it’s better than sitting far away and having that tunnel vibe going on. I once had a guest who used the built-in mic on her earbuds, and we had to start the recording over because that tiny mic picked up the sound of it brushing on her shirt.
Why do people wear headphones? Is it to look totally, like, hip? Well, possibly, but the technical reason is to reduce any echo or feedback from the sound coming in through your device. When the other person speaks to you, it picks up on your mic and can affect the audio. Headphones for both the guest and the host is best to keep the audio clear.
It’s important to keep your answers as if the show is audio only. This means if you hold up your book, instead of saying, “This is my book cover”, you will instead say, “I’m holding my book up and the cover design is red with an upside-down rainbow and the title reads... “. This way if the host uses an audio clip, or only posts audio even though you were told it would be video, it’s better for listeners. And keep in mind, some audience members may be sight impaired, so you are being proactive with keeping the information more obtainable for the audience.
Silence your cell phone and close out all other apps or devices that are open on your computer or cellphone. This will stop alerts from sounding during the interview (we’ve all heard this happen). It also seems to help the connection, too. I once had a guest from Germany (I’m in the United States – in Minnesota) whose connection was not working well. She suggested I check if I have other windows open on my device. And I did, so I closed them out and we were able to record the show. I am grateful that she knew that hack.
I’ve been a performer and speaker for over two decades. This next tip is about your voice. Keep room temp or warm water nearby. Not soda or anything with sugar in it. Sugar will make you have to clear your throat because it creates a coating. Don’t have ice in your drink because of the sound and cold is not great on the throat for speaking. It’s nice to have a soft coaster to set your glass down to avoid the ‘clunk’ that can occur.
K.I.S.S.: Keep It Short, Sweetie. Don’t have long answers when responding. Leave room for the host to interject questions and set the pace of the episode. At the same time, if you want certain information shared, be sure you are clear before the recording. Be careful not to speak when the host is talking, because that is an editing nightmare. You have the perfect sentence to pull out but then both of us talk together and it’s ruined.
After the show is uploaded and live – share the heck out of it! Post on all your social media platforms and add it to the list of appearances on your website. Tag the host, tag the show, and share a fun or interesting quote if the host doesn’t do that. Guests who do this are seen as the elite people who do the work and help a show grow. Also, leave a review for their show if you didn’t do so before you were a guest.
Let me know which tips resonated with you, and of course, tell me what I may have left out. I love to learn, and I appreciate the hundreds of podcasts I’ve been fortunate enough to guest on. If you know any genuine weirdos, send them my way for my podcast, called Stranger Connections with Lisa David Olson. Oh, and leave a review, won’t ya?
Lisa David Olson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lisa David Olson is a Business Humorist, speaker, author, podcaster, TEDx Speaker, speaker trainer and performer who shares how humor saved her life. Her interactive style and improvisation-for-real-life flair demonstrate how humor is a genuine connector. Olson’s two decades of improvisation and performing are pivotal to coaching workplace teams or play-shops for adults.
