Ten Considerations to Become a Repeat-Invitation Podcast Guest

It’s estimated that there are more than 2 million podcasts currently being produced. Podcasts have catapulted in popularity in recent years attracting listeners from all walks of life and providing content that runs the gambit from current news and events to true crime entertainment.

While traditionally targeting broadcast media, radio shows, print and online publications, podcasts are additional media marks that PR professionals can align their clients with. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with a very targeted audience that suits your particular industry, whether that’s discussing the importance of monitoring health and gathering medical data for astronauts during deep-space missions, or evaluating why implementing ESG programs in the energy industry is essential to future business growth.

Landing a coveted podcast guest spot is a tremendous accomplishment, however getting that follow up invitation to continue the conversation for another episode is the ultimate win. Here are 10 considerations to become a repeat-invitation podcast guest.

1. Don’t think of your podcast as an interview – it’s a conversation. The power of that conversation will be the back-and-forth exchange. Refer to your host by his or her name. Podcasts are about authenticity and personal connection. Before the tape begins to roll, ask the host what name they would like to be called, and similarly, tell the host the name you would like to be called.
2. Get a feel for the host’s conversational pace and style by listening to at least two previous podcasts; also look at the host’s website and social media posts to see what’s on their mind lately and use that as your icebreaker.
3. Prepare two or three positive outcome case studies which you can use as “proof points” through the podcast.
4. Short colorful answers: aim for 30 second responses. Remember that a podcast is a dialogue, not a monologue.
5. Ask the podcast host good questions and ask their opinion to get them involved/invested in the conversation and the topic.
6. If the podcast is taped and not live, you can tell the host you would please like to restate your last response for improved brevity/clarity. 
7. Use visual and active language when you can. Paint a scene for the listener with your words that will allow them to have a mental image of the situation. 
8. Slightly slow your usual speaking pace to avoid using um, ah and you know. You know?
9. At the end of the podcast, make your call-to-action. What do you want the audience to think, feel or do and how do they get further information?
10. Choose a good location with no background noise and minimize distractions. Use a landline – if you still have one!

Additional considerations:

• Drink water before the podcast, not during. And gum? Don’t even think about it.
• Put your phone on silent, or even better, turn it to airplane mode. There are still alarms that can go off when your phone is on silent.
• If the podcast is only audio feel free to have notes on your desk to keep track of your key messages and real results to reiterate your proof points. Keep in mind – some podcasts include video. If that’s the case, treat it like an on-camera interview. Look directly into the camera and don’t forget to smile!

By following these suggestions hopefully you can become a podcast regular, elevating our company’s brand and generating a greater awareness for your organization.