How to Be a Good Podcast Guest & Leave Listeners Wanting More
Picture this: You’re sitting in front of a microphone, the host cues you up, and within moments, you’re speaking to an audience of fully engaged listeners, ready to absorb every word.
This isn’t just any podcast appearance – it’s your chance to share your expertise and make sure your podcast appearance is unforgettable.
I’m here to help show you exactly how to be a good podcast guest. We’ll cover everything from nailing the pre-interview prep to crafting a killer intro that grabs attention in the first 30 seconds.
You can expect the best tips to help podcast guests keep the conversation flowing smoothly, answer questions in a way that resonates with the host’s particular audience, and leave the podcast with not only a great podcast interview but a bunch of new fans, too.
Get ready to show up, show off, and leave podcast listeners wanting more. This is your time to shine – let’s make it count.
How to Be the Best Podcast Guest
If you want to be a great guest on a podcast, it’s all about preparation, being yourself, and knowing how to provide value. If you get the pre-interview prep right, nail your intro, and keep the connection alive after the show, you’re setting yourself up for more podcast guest opportunities, increased visibility, and more business.
What Makes a Good Podcast Guest?
When a podcaster is selecting guests to be interviewed on a podcast, they’re looking for specific qualities that make the episode enjoyable to record and engaging for their audience. Here’s what podcasters look for:
1. Authenticity
People connect with real stories. Think of someone like Brené Brown, who connects with listeners by sharing personal stories about vulnerability and courage. Your listeners want to hear you – not a rehearsed script.
2. Energy
Ever listened to a podcast with a guest who’s enthusiastic about their topic? That’s contagious! Take Gary Vee, who brings high-energy conversations that excite the audience.
3. Clarity
A great podcast guest explains complex ideas clearly. Simon Sinek is great at simplifying leadership principles into digestible pieces anyone can understand.
4. Engaging storyteller
People remember stories, not just facts. Malcolm Gladwell is an expert storyteller who weaves facts into compelling narratives that engage listeners from start to finish.
5. Preparedness
A podcast guest who has prepared their talking points is always more valuable. Look at Marie Forleo – her popular podcast interviews are always seamless because she knows her content inside and out.
6. Relevant expertise
Your knowledge should align with the podcast’s audience. Mel Robbins, known for her insights on motivation and personal development, tailors her messages to fit the audience of each podcast she appears on.
7. Confidence with humility
Confidence is crucial, but humility goes a long way. There’s a reason Tony Robbins is the perfect example: confident in his methods but humble enough to listen and adapt to the conversation.
8. A sense of humor
Humor can make your message stick. David Sedaris is a guest who can balance valuable insights with light-hearted humor, making his podcast interviews enjoyable without losing depth.
9. Relatability
Your audience wants to feel like they’re talking to a mate. Rachel Hollis connects by sharing her personal struggles, which makes her relatable and approachable to listeners.
10. Call to action
Every great podcast guest leaves the audience with something to think about. Whether it’s a tip, new habit, or a challenge, like James Clear in his interviews, who leaves listeners motivated to take action.
What podcasters look for in guests
So, what exactly do podcasters look for when selecting their podcast guests? Here are ten factors that make a guest stand out:
1. Strong pitch
Your pitch on your speaker one sheet should focus on how you will add value to the podcast audience. For example, if you’re a fitness coach, instead of saying “I help people get fit,” say, “I help busy professionals lose weight without spending hours at the gym.”
2. Good energy
Hosts look for guests who bring a fun and engaging dynamic to the show. Oprah Winfrey has a natural energy that resonates with listeners, making her a go-to for podcasters looking to engage their audiences.
3. Clear, actionable takeaways
Hosts want their listeners to gain something useful from their podcast episode. For example, Chase Jarvis often has guests who share real, actionable advice for entrepreneurs to use immediately.
4. Engaging personality
A big part of podcasting is personality. Lewis Howes brings a great balance of deep knowledge and a relatable, engaging personality that makes for an entertaining interview.
5. A unique angle
Bring a fresh perspective to the table. Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal and the original “Girl Boss,” shone the light on a new perspective on entrepreneurship that wasn’t just about business tactics – it also emphasized the personal journey of being a female entrepreneur.
6. An existing audience
Podcasters often want guests with a built-in audience. Guests like Pat Flynn who already have a strong presence can help boost the podcast’s reach when shared across their platforms.
7. Media experience
A show host wants someone comfortable with the format. Jay Shetty is an excellent guest because he’s not only knowledgeable but has years of experience with media and understands how to speak effectively.
8. Quick to respond
Podcasters appreciate guests who respond to their emails promptly and are flexible with scheduling. Melanie Perkins, CEO of Canva, is known for being timely and responsive with podcast opportunities.
9. Social proof
Guests who can provide examples or testimonials of their expertise make a bigger impact. For instance, Brendon Burchard often brings in real-life stories from his coaching programs, demonstrating his methods’ effectiveness.
10. Willingness to promote the episode
After the interview, sharing it on social media is a must. Amy Porterfield is an excellent example of a guest who not only delivers valuable insights but also promotes her podcast appearances across her social media, email list, and podcast. Her willingness to promote ensures that both she and the podcast host gain exposure, creating a win-win for everyone involved.
What Do Podcast Guests Do?
Podcast guests are storytellers, value-givers, and connectors. Your job? To show up with knowledge, experience, and personality, making the conversation engaging and memorable.
When you’re booked as a guest, you’re there to:
- Share your expertise: Whether it’s tips, strategies, or lessons learned, your insights should educate and inspire the audience.
- Create connection: Podcasting is personal. Listeners want to feel like they’re part of a genuine conversation, so keep things warm and conversational.
- Promote subtly: It’s not about hard selling. Instead, weave in mentions of your work naturally while focusing on giving value first.
At the end of the day, your goal as a podcast guest is to leave listeners thinking, “That was worth my time.”
How to nail the pre-interview prep
Before the mic even turns on, your pre-interview prep is where you set yourself up for success. This is your chance to shine without stumbling through your words. So, how do you prepare for a podcast interview?
1. Know your audience and the show’s vibe
Take a moment to understand the audience you’re speaking to. Is the show aimed at fitness junkies, or are they more into business tips? Each podcast audience has different interests, and the more you know about them, the better you’ll be at tailoring your message.
2. Get clear on what you want to share
The best guests know what they’ll want to contribute to the conversation. Think about your top three talking points or ideas that will provide the most value to the audience. What can you teach them? What can you share that’s fresh and exciting?
3. Prepare for a conversation, not a monologue
Don’t over-prepare scripts – just prepare the ideas you want to hit and let the chat flow naturally. The more you relax and engage with the host, the more authentic the conversation will feel – and that’s what keeps listeners coming back for more.
Making your intro count
The first 30 seconds of your intro can set the tone for the entire interview, so make them count. This is your chance to quickly get listeners excited about who you are and why they should keep listening.
1. Start with something unique
Don’t just say, “Hi, I’m [name], and I’m a [title].” Everyone does that. Instead, give a quick, interesting hook.
Example: “I’m a former pro soccer player turned coach who’s worked with thousands of entrepreneurs to help them build six-figure businesses while surfing on the weekends.”
That tells listeners exactly who you are and gives them a reason to stick around.
2. Make it relatable
The best introductions make you feel like you’re chatting with an old mate, even if you’re hearing it for the first time.
“I’ve helped coaches turn their passion into a six-figure business – all while balancing family life and traveling the globe. I’m here to talk about how you can do the same without burning out.”
3. Get to the good stuff quickly
You don’t want to drag out your intro. Hit the highlights – who you are, what you do, and what listeners will learn from you.
For example: “Today, I’ll share how you can scale your coaching business without the stress and why creating a high-ticket offer is the way to do it.”
How to Engage and Connect with the Host During the Interview
Podcasts are conversations. The dynamic between you and the host can make or break the episode, so engaging well is vital.
- Build rapport with the host: Take time to get to know the host and establish a natural flow of conversation. The best interviews happen when there’s a real connection.
- Stay on track: Stick to your main points, but keep the discussion lively. Remember, the host’s job is to guide the conversation, but it’s your job to keep it interesting.
How to Handle Tough or Unexpected Questions
Many podcast guests get thrown a curveball now and then, so how you respond can either make or break your moment. The key is to stay cool, keep it conversational, and use these strategies to navigate the unexpected without missing a beat.
- Clarify if needed: If the question seems unclear, don’t hesitate to ask the host for clarification. It’s better to understand and take time to think than stumble through.
- Admit what you don’t know: If you’re genuinely unsure, own it. Say something like, “That’s a great question – I’d have to dig deeper to give you a solid answer.” Authenticity goes a long way.
- Inject humor when appropriate: A lighthearted response can ease tension and show your personality while you formulate a thoughtful answer.
- Pivot when needed: If the question takes an unexpected turn, gently steer the conversation back to your expertise or the topic at hand. You can acknowledge the question briefly and transition smoothly, for example: “That’s an interesting point, but let’s focus on [relevant topic].”
What Not to Say on a Podcast
Podcasts thrive on great conversations, but even the best guests can slip up with a poorly chosen word or tone. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to say. Here’s how to ensure your time behind the mic is memorable for all the right reasons.
- Keep inside jokes to a minimum: Unless it’s directly relevant to the audience, avoid niche references that might leave listeners feeling like outcasts.
- Steer clear of negativity: Bad mouthing competitors, colleagues, or the industry as a whole can come across as unprofessional. Keep it positive and constructive.
- Avoid filler talk: Keep your answers to the questions concise and to the point – rambling can lose your audience’s interest fast.
- Sensitive topics and taboos: Avoid controversial or sensitive topics unless the podcast specifically addresses them. Steer clear of anything that could alienate or offend the host’s audience.
Mistakes Podcasters and Guests Make
Even the best conversations can hit a snag when someone drops the ball. From a guest going off-topic or a host asking lackluster questions, these missteps can derail a podcast’s vibe. Let’s look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistakes to avoid for guests
- Overloading with jargon: Speak in a way that the audience can easily connect with, regardless of their expertise.
- Skipping the host’s homework: If the interviewer sent you prep questions, previous show notes, or interesting topics, make sure you’ve reviewed them and you’ve listened to past episodes so you’re not caught off guard.
- Failing to engage with the audience: Talk to the listeners, not just the host. Drop relatable anecdotes or offer actionable takeaways.
Mistakes to avoid for podcasters
- Interrupting too much: While excitement can lead to jumping in, give your guest room to shine. The best hosts know when to listen.
- Forgetting to establish a clear intro: A strong opening that sets up the guest and topic ensures the audience knows what’s coming.
- Rushing the conversation: Don’t sacrifice depth for time. Thoughtful pauses and follow-ups can elevate the entire experience.
How to Leave a Lasting Impression with Listeners
Podcast appearances are your chance to stick in people’s minds long after the episode ends. More than what you say – it’s about how you make them feel, what they learn from you, and the connection they walk away with. Here’s how to make sure listeners remember you:
- Share a memorable story: Use storytelling to illustrate your expertise or a key point. A compelling story helps listeners connect with you on a deeper level and makes your advice more relatable.
- Ask questions that spark thought: Don’t be afraid to ask questions for the audience to reflect on, inspiring engagement and deeper consideration of your message.
- Provide a gift or freebie: Offer a free resource like a guide, checklist, or discount code that ties into the topic you discussed. This not only provides value but gives listeners a reason to follow up with you.
- Create a signature sign-off: Leave listeners with a catchphrase or powerful closing line that reflects your message and makes you unforgettable.
- Engage with listeners post-episode: Encourage listeners to tag you on social media with their takeaways or questions. Responding personally builds trust and keeps the conversation going.
How to Follow Up After the Podcast
Your job doesn’t end when the recording stops. Following up helps solidify the connection and ensures long-term value.
Thank the host and keep the relationship alive
After the show, send a message to express your gratitude. Not only does this build a good relationship, but it also keeps the door open for future podcast collaborations.
Promote the podcast episode
Share the podcast episode with your audience on your website, social media, or email list. Tag the host, share behind-the-scenes moments, and ask for feedback from your followers. This way, you’re continuing the conversation and inviting more people into your world.
Use Your Podcast Appearance for Maximum Exposure
Your episode is packed with value that can be sliced, diced, and reshared in countless ways, amplifying your reach long after the mic is off. Here’s how to make every second count.
Ideas to repurpose your podcast content
Your podcast appearance is just the beginning – get creative, monetize your podcast, and let it keep working for you.
- Turn it into a blog post: Expand on key points from the episode to create a detailed article.
- Clip and share highlights: Use short video or audio snippets on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
- Design quote graphics: Turn memorable quotes into graphics to promote the episode on social media.
- Create an email series: Share insights from the episode in bite-sized emails for your list.
- Record reaction content: Add commentary or behind-the-scenes takes on the episode for more engagement.
Ready to be a Podcaster’s Favorite Guest?
Being a great podcast guest is a blend of preparation, personality, and practical advice. When you show up confident, authentic, and prepared to offer value, you’ll not only make a lasting impression but open the door to more opportunities for your next interview and expanded visibility.
So, if you’re wondering how to be a good podcast guest, keep your energy high, stay on point, and always engage with your audience and host, and you’ll ensure that every podcast appearance is a step toward greater success.
Tired of waiting for the right invite? Sign up for free on Talks.co today to connect with podcast hosts and guests who match your vibe, pitch without the awkwardness, and land interviews that let your expertise shine. It’s your time to step into the spotlight.
