Interviewing guests who aren’t accustomed to being recorded can be a unique challenge for podcasters. These guests often bring fresh perspectives and engaging stories, but their inexperience with recordings might make the process a bit daunting for both of you.
Don’t sweat it, though! With the right approach, you can help your guests feel at ease and ensure your interview flows as smoothly as a seasoned speaker’s. Here’s how to do just that.
Making Your Guest Comfortable
Pre-Interview Prep
A little preparation goes a long way. Reach out to your guest before the recording day with a friendly email or call. Explain the process, discuss the topics you’ll cover, and answer any questions they might have. This prep talk can ease a lot of nerves.
Send a Question List
Consider sending a list of questions or key points you plan to discuss during the podcast. This helps your guest prepare mentally and reduces on-the-spot pressure.
Tech Check and Tutorial
Technical difficulties can intimidate first-time guests. Run a quick tech check before you start recording. Show them the basic equipment setup if they’re in-studio, or if it’s remote, guide them on how to use the recording software. Keep it simple and reassuring.
During the Interview
Start with Easy Questions
Kick off the interview with some light, easy questions. This can be something as simple as asking about their day or their interests. It’s like a warm-up exercise before the main workout.
Maintain a Conversational Tone
Keep the vibe conversational and friendly. Use a tone that suggests the two of you are just chatting over coffee. This can make the guest forget the mics and cameras and just focus on the conversation.
Monitor Body Language
Pay attention to non-verbal cues. If your guest seems tense or nervous, make a reassuring comment or crack a small joke if appropriate. Sometimes acknowledging the situation openly can lighten the mood.
Offer Encouragement
Throughout the interview, give positive feedback like “That’s a great point,” or “I love how you explained that.” Encouragement can boost your guest’s confidence in real-time.
Wrapping Up
Review and Reassure
Once you’ve wrapped up, thank your guest for their time and share how excited you are about the episode. If they’re worried about how they did, reassure them. Let them know they did a fantastic job and mention a few highlights from the discussion.
Post-Interview Follow-Up
Send a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation. Include information on when and how the episode will be shared. After it airs, send them a link to the episode and encourage them to share it with their network.
Interviewing guests who are new to recordings doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With thoughtful preparation and a friendly approach, you can turn their podcast debut into a delightful experience for both of you. Remember, the most engaging interviews often come from genuine interactions and a comfortable atmosphere.
Have you ever interviewed a novice guest on your podcast? What tips can you share to help other podcasters in similar situations? Drop your thoughts and stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you navigated these interviews!
Tulip Podcast Manager 🎙️ Bojana Lalic 
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