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How to organise and conduct powerful podcast interviews

Interviews have become one of the most dominant genres in the world of podcasting. At first glance, they may seem easy to conduct: you just need to ask questions and listen to the answers. However, organising and conducting a truly impactful interview requires a combination of skill, preparation and strategy. In this guide, we offer essential tips to make your podcast interviews memorable and effective.

1. Define the purpose of the interview

Before starting any interview, it is crucial to be clear about the purpose:

  • Clarity of purpose: Define what you want to achieve with the interview – do you want to inform, inspire, educate or entertain your audience? Having a clear objective will help you guide the conversation effectively.
  • Interviewee profile: Choose your guests based on the topic and purpose of the interview. Make sure their knowledge and experience is relevant to your audience.

2. Search and selection of presenters and guests

Finding the right presenters and guests is essential to the success of your podcast:

  • Presenters: If the podcast is for a company or brand, having a presenter who fits the image and tone of the project is essential. A good presenter should be charismatic, knowledgeable about the topic and able to connect with listeners.
  • Guests: Look for guests who bring value and diversity to your podcast. They can be experts on the topic, people with interesting experiences or people with a following that will appeal to your desired audience.

At our production company, we offer a search and selection service for presenters and guests, ensuring that you find the right people for each project.

3. The importance of the pre-interview

The pre-interview is a crucial phase to ensure a smooth and successful interview:

  • Advance preparation: Thoroughly research the interviewee and the topic to be discussed. Get to know their achievements, points of view and any relevant facts that might enrich the conversation.
  • Initial contact: Conduct a pre-interview to establish rapport with the guest, define the topics to be discussed and agree on the tone of the conversation. This also helps to reduce nerves and clarify expectations.
  • Scripting: Although the interview should be natural and flexible, having a script with prepared questions will help you stay on track. Include open-ended questions that encourage detailed answers and avoid monosyllabic responses.

4. Script writing

A good script is essential for a structured and effective interview:

  • Key questions: Prepare a list of main and secondary questions. The main questions should guide the conversation, while the secondary questions can elaborate on the most interesting points if it seems appropriate during the conversation.
  • Flexibility: Leave room for spontaneity. The best interviews are those that allow you to deviate slightly from the script to explore unexpected but relevant topics.
  • Notes and directions: Include notes on possible responses and directions the conversation may take. This will allow you to be prepared to follow the natural flow of the interview.

Our team of professionals is available to assist you in writing scripts, ensuring that your interviews are coherent and engaging.

5. Execution of the interview

The way the interview is conducted can make the difference between a good and an excellent one:

  • Active listening: Pay attention to the interviewee’s answers. Active listening not only allows you to ask better follow-up questions, but also shows respect and interest.
  • Stay in control: While it is important to be flexible, make sure you keep the conversation on track. If the interviewee strays too far, gently redirect the conversation back to the key issues.
  • Climate of trust: Create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. An interviewee who feels at ease will be more open and genuine in his or her answers.

6. Post-interview and editing

The post-interview is as important as the preparation:

  • Content review: Review the recording and select the most relevant moments. Edit to remove awkward silences, repetitions and any mistakes that may have occurred. Making a written transcript of the interview can be very helpful in this step.
  • Reflection and feedback: Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Seek feedback from both the interviewee and your team to further refine your technique.

7. Professional services

As well as assisting in the search for presenters and guests and script writing, at Idea Sonora we offer consultancy services to improve your interviewing skills. Our team of journalists and scriptwriters can work with you to develop a customised approach that enhances the quality of your interviews and ensures you capture and hold your audience’s attention.

Organising and conducting powerful podcast interviews requires planning, skill and careful execution. By following these tips and using our professional services, you can create interviews that not only inform and entertain, but also leave a lasting impression on your listeners and a desire to share them.

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