We’ve talked about being a guest before starting your own podcast show; now, let’s talk about being a guest for the first time on a podcast. I’m going to share some tips to help you ease into this world of podcasting.
Regardless of how this opportunity came to you, whether you sent a pitch or you were invited on the show these tips will help you prepare and will be a guide for you as you try something new and exciting as podcasting!
Here we go.
Be on Time
If this is an in-person interview, try to be there at least 20 minutes before. Traffic can be unpredictable. Look up the address on Google Maps to see how far it is from your destination. You can also check the traffic patterns for the time of your interview. Google Maps will provide an estimate of how long it will take to arrive. This should give you an idea of what time to leave to arrive about 20 minutes before your scheduled time. Lastly, if you’ve not been there before, you may not know the parking situation. So this gives you plenty of time to figure it out.
For virtual interviews, ensure you’re technically prepared at least 10 minutes before the scheduled recording time. This includes setting up your camera, conducting a microphone check, and wearing your headphones if you prefer. Once you’re all set, log in to the interview platform and get ready to start.
Remember, technically doesn’t always work the way it’s supposed to, so make sure that if anything isn’t working, you communicate with the host with enough time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run into technical issues or my guests, and we start recording later than planned. It happens sometimes, but if we prepare beforehand, we can avoid late recording times.
Ask Clarifying Questions
Every host has their own way of getting things ready for guests for their show. Some will schedule a pre-show meeting to discuss the flow of the show, talking points, freebies, etc.; some have a guest package they will send you with all the information, and others have their assistant reach out. But if anything doesn’t make sense, please DO NOT ASSUME; ask questions!
It is always better to ask questions, regardless if you think it’s a dumb question (it’s not a dumb question, I promise) than to assume – especially since this is your first time being a guest on a podcast. And asking that question may help the host provide more clarity to other guests in the future; you never know.
Communicate! Communicate! And Communicate!
Communicate AS SOON as you know you need to reschedule the recording. Unless it’s an emergency and it happened the day of – please communicate with the host as soon as you know you cannot make it to the recording. Time is precious and valuable and cannot be gained back. Once you know you cannot make it, reach out to the host and let them know. You’ll be able to reschedule, and they might be able to have another guest fill your original spot.
The host should send a confirmation email to clarify the date, time, and platform of recording, if you don’t receive this email the day before, reach out to the host to confirm. For example, I sent out questions via email to my guests about two days before our scheduled recording time, and in that email, I tell them the time and date. I use Calendly to schedule, and Calendly sends out email reminders also. And I’ve still had guests either log in to Zoom the day after we were scheduled or no show at all. Please communicate with your host!
Promote The Episode Once It’s Live
Okay, this tip is for after the interview, and you don’t HAVE to do this, but it’s common courtesy. Once the host tells you that your episode is live, promote it with your audience. This shows your audience that you are also providing value in podcasts. And it can drive traffic to that podcast. If you ever decide to launch your own podcast and have guests, you’ll want them to do the same with their episodes.
And since this is your first time being a guest on a podcast – start a list of shows you’ve been on to add to your media kit, or even a playlist on Spotify to share.
Conclusion on Being a Guest
The most important thing to remember is to have fun and be yourself. Podcasting is like having a conversation with a friend (if the host is good 😉 and if it is a pre-recorded show, like most podcasts are, and you mess up, it’s okay; you’ll get the chance to restate your answer. Usually, editors, if the hosts aren’t editing themselves, will edit to make sure you shine!
With Love, Heidy
Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”
Other Posts You May Enjoy:
