I recently had the opportunity to be on a podcast (more about that at the end). Now, I’m a typical introverted writer who doesn’t talk much so I did a massive amount of research on how to be a good podcast guest. Since I went through all the effort, I thought I’d share my findings with you. Podcasts are a great way to network and get word out about you and your books. If you haven’t thought about going on a podcast yet, it might be a great option to help with publicity. Let’s look at the best strategy for before, during, and after recording the show.
Before The Show
I’m an organized person, and I especially like to be prepared when I walk into a new situation. So, doing research before going on the podcast was natural to me. If you’re more spontaneous, you still need to prepare before the show. You don’t have to rehearse your talk or anything, but you need to know enough walking in that you keep the discussion interesting for the audience. If they like you, then there is a good chance you’ll be asked to do another episode.
Listen To Some Episodes
The first step is to listen to a few of the podcast’s episodes. You need an idea of the format, topics, and overall vibes of the show. If they are laid back and conversational, the last thing you want is to walk in and give a lecture on some topic. You also want to listen for any questions the host habitually asks guests. If you want to prepare answers to them beforehand, you can. If not, you should at least have the questions in mind so you don’t sit there in silence as you decide how to answer.
For example, the podcast Writing Excuses always gives a writing prompt at the end of each episode. The hosts will sometimes ask guests to give the prompt, and it’s awkward when one isn’t prepared and takes a long time coming up with a “good one” for the audience. If you listen to the show before going on, you can be prepared with a prompt just in case the hosts ask you to give one.
Read Reviews
Reading podcast reviews will give you a good idea of the audience. The comments will discuss what they like and don’t like. Read several so you can get a feel for what interests the listeners. By knowing they are science fiction readers, you can steer the conversation toward your books in that genre and only skim over the ones you wrote in fantasy. Again, you don’t have to prepare any material based on this research, but you’ll know how to steer a conversation so the audience enjoys the topics more.
Research The Host (And Other Guests)
Spend some time reading about the host’s background. Just like with the listeners, you can figure out what commonalities you have with the host and steer the conversation in that direction. The audience listens to the podcast for the host so you need to make sure you keep him or her engaged. Granted, steering the conversation is the host’s job. Some will actually send out a questionnaire to get to know you ahead of time and figure out what topics will be the best to discuss. However, if that doesn’t happen, you should have some ideas of common interests.
If you know there will be other guests on the show with you, spend a minute researching their backgrounds as well. Then you can bring up topics that spark conversation instead of waiting for the host to ask each of you a question. Not only will this make you look friendly, it also portrays you as knowledgeable and supportive of others in the field.
Prepare Three Stories
If you are an extrovert and talkative, this may not be as big of a deal for you. However, the principle is still sound. People listen to podcasts for a personal connection. They like to hear about the host’s and the guest’s lives. Having some stories ready to tell about yourself will give you a personal touch and draw in the audience. You don’t need to rehearse your stories, but have an idea of a few tales to tell.
One major story to have ready is your origin story. How did you get into writing? Everyone asks that question. Spend some time figuring out how to make that story engaging while also highlighting your credentials and experience. It shouldn’t be long, but you need to establish credibility and rapport with the listeners. Find a fun way to give your bio, and the audience will know you better and like you.
Have Audio And Video Ready
When you agree to go on a podcast, ask if it will be audio only or audio and video. You will need to prepare differently depending on the answer. If you are going to the host’s studio, you just have to make sure you dress well. If you are doing the show remotely, you’ll need the right equipment to look professional. I didn’t research all the technology since I recorded at the host’s studio so you will have to find your own equipment (I suggest Author Media’s website as a great resource for tech advice). Things to think about are: camera, mic, background, lighting, and a quiet space. The goal is to look and sound professional so the audience takes you seriously.
During The Show
Now that you’ve done a little research and prep work for the show, it’s time to record. My best advice is to just relax and be yourself. Like I said earlier, people like to listen to podcasts for how real the conversations feel. So enjoy yourself and forget there is a camera or mic. However, if you are like me and want to make sure you record a great episode, below are some pointers to please the audience.
Be Concise
People want to hear banter on podcasts, not monologues. Make sure you don’t take over the conversation and stop others from talking. It’s a conversation. Answer a question or tell your quick story, and then pause for someone else to fill the space. If the listeners wanted to just hear one person lecture, they’d listen to a class.
Ask Questions
Along with pausing for others to talk, ask questions. Yes, you are being interviewed, but podcasts are casual. You want conversations which means you need to show an interest in the host (and other guests). Asking questions encourages others to engage and creates banter. Banter makes a successful podcast.
Keep Upbeat
While recording, keep your energy up and positive. Even if the podcast is audio only, you should smile. There is something about the expression that makes your tone light and upbeat. You are essentially tricking your brain into staying positive. If you are happy and excited, your listeners will hear that in your voice and mimic your mood.
Reference Previous Episodes
If you can, reference a previous episode while you’re recording. It shows you have listened to and support the show, and it allows the audience to reminiscence about previous discussions they loved. Remember, the listeners are there for the host and you are just a guest. That doesn’t mean they won’t like you, but you know they love the show so use that to create camaraderie with them.
End With A Takeaway
The best way to make the audience remember you and feel like they got something from your episode is to give them something practical to do at the end. There is always the “call to action” where the host suggests listeners go buy your books, but that’s asking something from them. You want to give them something. If the audience are writers, give some practical advice. If they are readers, suggest a book in their genre that isn’t yours. Or, you can suggest another podcast they might like. If you are talking about something more practical, you can give them software or tech they should buy to help them do their projects. Make sure the listeners leave with a takeaway that will enhance their lives.
After The Show
Now that the recording it over, it’s time to do three more things. If you follow these steps, you will get the word out about yourself while also creating good rapport with the host for future connections.
Promote The Episode
First, you need to ask when your episode will be aired so you can promote it. Send out an email blast, make a few posts on social media, or tell your friends and family to listen to it. The more exposure you get the episode, the more the algorithm will promote the show online. This helps the host and also gets your name out there more.
Send A Thank You
After the recording, send a quick thank you to the host. It can be a simple email, but take the time to show your appreciation. The host took a chance bringing you onto the show. If you are grateful and easy to work with, you may get asked back. Even if you don’t though, your good character will recommend you to others.
Referrals
The last step to being a podcast guest is to ask for and offer some referrals. Give the host a name or two of others you think would be good guests for the show. Trying to find new people to appear on the podcast can be hard work, and the host will appreciate any suggestions. You can also ask for referrals about what other podcasts might be a good fit for you. Authors know and support one another any way they can, and podcasts work the same way. If they can refer you to another show, you will be more likely to get on it and create even more publicity for yourself.
Final Thoughts
I know these thirteen points feel like a lot, but they don’t take long to do and will greatly enhance your podcast experience. Networking is the biggest and best way to promote yourself as an author, and being able to reach another creative’s audience is an easy way to spread the word. I mentioned earlier that I was invited onto a podcast, and I want to encourage you to listen to the show. It’s called Creator’s Guild, and it’s hosted by two fantasy authors (Jared Lovelady and Christopher Howald) who just released their first book, A Flight From Shadows, in a new epic fantasy series. They read a chapter of their book and then launch into a discussion. Go give it a listen! (Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube)
And for anyone who’s curious, this strategy was successful for me. I’ve already been asked by Creator’s Guild to come back on their show. The proof is in the pudding, folks! It works!
Thanks for reading!
Write a tale
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