Podcasts are a fantastic way for hosts and guests to introduce their audiences to new people and ideas and spread the word about the great work they are doing.

Whether this is your first podcast or you are a seasoned guest, here are 7 best practices to make the experience seamless and enjoyable for all.

Do Your Homework

This seems pretty self-explanatory, however, there are a surprising number of guests who are not aware of the format of the podcast they are making a guest appearance on. If you are a guest on a podcast show, you’re being promoted by the podcast and you’re being put in front of new audiences. That’s an honor!

Do yourself and the podcast host a favor and prepare by listening to the other kinds of guests the host has had on the show, what kinds of questions the host normally asks, and how you might be able to differentiate yourself.

Provide a Bio and Head Shot

Make sure you are putting your best foot forward and provide your own photo, bio, and contact details.  Do not expect the podcast host to find this information!  Unless you have a speaker page with exactly what you want shared, someone will have to troll through the internet and find your details and the information presented may be outdated or inaccurate.

Choose Your Talking Points Well

Podcast interviews are usually fairly short (15–30 min.). You really only have time to make 2-3 points well. Trying to cram more ideas only confuses your message and makes it difficult for listeners to follow. Instead, identify your most important points ahead of time, and keep coming back to those in the interview.

Prepare Your Answers To Questions

If you have the interview questions beforehand, prepare your responses. Remember podcast interview are discussions so you probably won’t get to all of the questions as the conversation may head in different directions. This is where your main talking points are key – keep focused on those points to ensure your message gets across and you and your host have a great conversation.

Check Your Tech

Do not head into an interview without testing your equipment first. Best practices include a good microphone (do not use the built-in microphone on your laptop), headphones (to ensure the interviewer’s voice doesn’t echo back through your speakers), a good internet connection and a quite room. It is a good idea to reboot your device before the interview to ensure you are getting the best performance. And … don’t forget to mute your notifications – phone, email, social media etc.

Be Yourself

The podcast is a conversation! Speak how you normally would. Be authentic – don’t adopt a different style or mannerisms. You will be more focused on your speaking style than what you’re saying. Your ideas are what is important and why you are a guest on the podcast in the first place!

Follow Up

If you are to provide and information for the show notes (links to resources or your offer) do so quickly.

When the episode is release, share the link with your social networks, post on your website, and send to your mailing list. Be sure to ask the host how and when you can get that link and whether there is any restrictions on your own distribution.

Most Importantly

Have fun, be relaxed, and let your brilliance shine!