If you would like to read the entire four part series, start here.
In this post, I will give tips on how to be an awesome podcast guest while on the show.
Show Your Genius
As I have said before, we all have genius to share. How you show up can make a huge difference to whether people will tune in and listen or get distracted by another podcast or the myriad of other content we can consume.
Tips to be the Best Guest
- Show up on time. Nothing gives a host a panic attack like a guest who shows up late. If your host asks you to come a few minutes early, do so.
- Focus on answering the question at hand. If something interesting pops up, say, ‘we could talk about that a bit later’, which cues the host to make a note. If there is time, the host will probably circle back to that idea.
- Keep your answers short and on topic. The audience wants concise answers that are still complete. Don’t drone on or get off topic. You will lose your audience, I promise that. I have seen it happen to some of my most brilliant guests.
- Know your message. Stay on point.
- Tell stories. Give a fact or a bit of information and then tell a story or anecdote to demonstrate it.
- Don’t sell. Don’t sell. Don’t sell. Give value instead. As a host, I always end with an opportunity for my guest to promote something or tell my audience how to get in touch with them. Ask the host prior to the interview if you are not sure.
- Go with the flow and don’t worry about making mistakes. Keep your sense of humor. Be human.
- Think of your interaction with the host as a conversation, not an interview. Your host may be as qualified as you, or not. Respect the host for their expertise. Speak to the audience like they are new to the topic, yet highly intelligent.
- Use your host’s name. Keep it personal.
Keep Practicing
Don’t worry if on your first podcast you don’t get it right. Keep going! Work on one thing at a time. With practice you will become an excellent podcast guest.
The Good Guest Guide
Author Nation has a podcast kit for authors, that includes a guide, templates for emails, and a podcast tracker. Join to access that and all of our resources.
Or if you’d like a checklist to help you with many more promotion ideas, download the Author Nation Promotion Checklist.
Next in the series: What to do after a podcast interview.
Let me know what you thought in the comments or add a tip of your own.
– Keep writing
Melody Ann
Author Nation is your go-to resource for becoming a successful nonfiction author, from planning to promotion and everything in between. Download the resource for the stage you are in.