How to Host a Podcast to Grow Your Business - Part 3 (of 4)

Here are some basic rules you need to know before you turn on your mike:

1. Don’t try to wing it

   Know your content. If you have a guest on your show, research them. Who are they? Why should people listen to them? Are they an author? If so, make sure you read enough about their book by reading it or at least a detailed summary so you are familiar with their book/s. If you don’t have a guest on the show, research your topic. Look for the aspects of the topic that peak your interest. If you’re interested, then you will be excited to talk about it and your audience will want to listen.

2. Write a script

   This goes along with not winging it. Write your introduction. I recommend that unless it’s a famous celebrity, you accentuate the topic and then use your guest as the person who will support the discussion on the topic. If you do have a guest who is recognizable by most of your audience, then go ahead and build up your guest.

Here is an example of the script I wrote for my interview with Ken Kragen. I am only showing segment 1 of 2 segments, but notice that I also write my “tease.” The “tease” is how you’ll promote what’s coming up next, so your audience will stay through the break (if you have a break):

What to do After You Turn on Your Mike

It’s time. You’re prepared and ready to put on a show. You know your content. You’re passionate about your topic. Now to execute your hard work.
Here are some things to think about when you crack the mike:

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Phil Donahue Show

1. Be yourself!

   Don’t try to sound like some DJ or parody of a radio host. Use your regular speaking voice and don’t be afraid to give it all you got. That doesn’t mean you have to scream into the mike. It just means you should talk like you normally would if you were having a conversation with someone who is sitting across the table from you.

2. Speak to ONE person

   Remember that people won’t listen to you in a group. It’s a very intimate situation. Just you and your listener. Imagine your ideal client or best friend sitting across from you.

3. Have lots of energy

   People sometimes get shy when the mike is on. Yes, you should be yourself, but you need to bump up the energy. Radio or audio podcasts are the “theater of the mind.” Here’s a tip: When you THINK you have a lot of energy, bump it up a notch. Tap into your strong, confident voice and let it go. Don’t be shy! This is your stage. Your platform for sharing your message with the world.

4. LISTEN when conducting an interview

   My dad is a world-renowned Square Dance caller. Yes, you read that right. Years ago, he was featured on the Phil Donahue show. Before the show started, Phil gave him the most important advice that applies to both show Host and Guest. He told my dad to simply listen to the question carefully before answering. Don’t try and anticipate the question, and don’t be thinking of an answer before the question is asked. So, when you are interviewing a guest, listen carefully. Most often the juiciest stuff is what happens between the questions you have on your script.

5. Have fun! 

   Remember to have fun. When your show ceases to be fun and just becomes an obligation, it’s time to stop. It will be a waste of your time, because your listeners will feel it. If they think you’re not interested, they’ll find a new podcast to follow.

Practice, Practice, Practice

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. Well, that’s the same for your show. Don’t expect to be a star right away. It takes time for your show to gain traction. But do every show like it’s the most important show you are ever going to do. Assume every listener is a new listener and someone who could be your ideal client.

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