By Dave Purdy, Publicist — Otter PR
When the sound of nothing flows over the airwaves, listeners turn to a different station. That’s why dead air time is the bane of any radio show or podcast host’s existence.
In my own experience as a host, I’ve learned how to keep the banter going to hold listeners exactly where they are. By interviewing guests effectively, on-air personalities can nurture a positive, engaging experience that builds trust, credibility, and a loyal audience.
Below, I explain the art of interviewing for a great radio show or podcast.
Research, research, research
The first step is to research your guest thoroughly. Before the interview, gather information about their background, expertise, and accomplishments.
The more time you spend on this phase of the process, the more prepared you will be during the interview itself. Doing this due diligence will help you ask relevant and engaging questions, as well as help you avoid saying something insensitive during the interview.
Prepare an outline
The next step is to prepare a structured outline, but resist the temptation to write out every word in a script — this will only inhibit you. Instead, create a clear outline of words or phrases to prompt your memory during the interview, and make sure to include key topics and questions.
Doing this will ensure a smooth flow of conversation and help prevent awkward pauses, making it easier for you to rein in any unproductive tangents. That said, some tangents make for fascinating listening, so if your guest starts to go off in an unexpected but hilarious or informative direction, it can be worth abandoning your prepared outline to make time for this kind of digression.
Start with a warm introduction
Start the interview itself by giving your guest a warm introduction. In addition to sharing some highlights from your guest’s background, use a warm delivery that communicates enthusiasm to them and your listeners. This sets a positive tone, helps the audience connect with the guest, and encourages the guest to connect with you.
Avoid asking the wrong questions
Avoid yes-or-no questions. One-word answers can lead to a pause of dead air as the host waits for the guest to elaborate, but the guest stays silent because they’ve already answered the question.
In addition, don't ask biased questions. These can cause the guest to feel uncomfortable, and they won't be able to provide their best interview.
Finally, try not to ask all the same questions your guests have answered in previous interviews, since they’ve probably come up with stock replies. If you can ask them new questions or more specific ones, you can hope for more off-the-cuff, authentic, and interesting answers.
Ask the right questions
Asking open-ended questions encourages your guest to provide detailed and thoughtful responses. Use these to uncover their insights, experiences, and opinions.
While it’s always a good idea to ask some questions about what your guest is doing now and their future plans, don’t underestimate stories from their past. In particular, audiences usually love to hear how they overcame obstacles successfully or navigated turning points in their lives.
Employ active listening
Try not to worry too much about what you’re going to say next while your guest is speaking. Instead, be present, pay close attention to their responses, and actively listen. Trust yourself to respond spontaneously in the moment itself. This will enable you to ask follow-up questions that delve deeper into their answers, creating a more engaging conversation.
Avoid dominating the conversation. In particular, don't interrupt your guests or speak over them while they are talking. This is likely to annoy them, and it can also make it difficult for your listeners to understand what’s being said.
Maintain a conversational tone
Rather than trying to perform for the audience, strive to maintain a conversational tone. Treat the interview as a conversation rather than a rigid Q&A session by engaging in friendly banter, sharing personal anecdotes, and establishing a relaxed atmosphere that encourages the guest to open up. Cracking jokes can help lighten the mood and relieve any stress they might be feeling.
Some guests will not react well to teasing, however, so be cautious with this approach. Establishing this more informal atmosphere is also important because listeners want to feel like they are getting to know the true person behind the guest’s official bio or public persona.
Silence can be good
Don’t be afraid of letting some silence fall, and don't rush the conversation. Allow for natural pauses and give your guests time to collect their thoughts. Sometimes, their most profound insights come after a thoughtful pause. When people speak slowly and deliberately, it also tends to make them sound more authoritative.
A win-win approach
Mastering the art of interviewing is a win-win for everyone involved. By following these tips, you can fill your airwaves with fun, entertaining content that captures and holds listeners’ attention. You’ll also build meaningful connections with the guests themselves, ensuring their continued support into the future. By shining the spotlight on others, your own star will glow brighter.
— Dave Purdy is a publicist at Otter PR. He spent many years in radio broadcasting as a DJ, traffic reporter, news anchor, show host, and producer, and sold radio and digital advertising for a couple of years. Purdy made the transition to public relations in 2018 and specializes in getting great radio and podcast interviews for his clients. His clients have been featured on ABC Radio, Westwood One, Bloomberg Radio, and many more.
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