How to Ask Good Interview Questions for a Podcast
A Comprehensive Guide
Creating a successful podcast often hinges on the quality of your interviews. Engaging guests with thoughtful questions not only leads to compelling content but also establishes your podcast as a go-to resource in your niche. If you're looking to enhance your interviewing skills, here’s how to ask good interview questions for a podcast.
1. Do Your Research
Know Your Guest
Before the interview, take the time to research your guest. Understand their background, achievements, and areas of expertise. This knowledge allows you to tailor your questions and show genuine interest, which will put your guest at ease.
Familiarize Yourself with Their Work
Listen to previous interviews or read articles featuring your guest. This helps you identify what’s already been discussed, allowing you to steer clear of repetitive questions and delve deeper into uncharted territory.
2. Start with Open-Ended Questions
Encourage Storytelling
Open-ended questions prompt guests to share more than just yes or no answers. Instead of asking, “Did you enjoy working on that project?” try, “What was your favorite part of working on that project?” This invites your guest to elaborate and share engaging stories.
Examples of Open-Ended Questions:
“Can you tell us about your journey to where you are now?”
“What challenges did you face when starting out, and how did you overcome them?”
3. Follow Up Thoughtfully
Listen Actively
Be present during the interview. When your guest shares an interesting point, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. This shows you are engaged and allows for deeper conversations.
Examples of Follow-Up Questions:
“That’s fascinating! Can you elaborate on how that experience shaped your perspective?”
“What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation?”
4. Balance Personal and Professional Questions
Create a Connection
While it’s essential to cover professional topics, incorporating personal questions helps humanize your guest. This balance fosters a deeper connection between the guest and the audience.
Examples of Balanced Questions:
Professional: “What strategies do you use to stay productive?”
Personal: “What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work, and how do they influence your creativity?”
5. Keep It Conversational
Encourage a Natural Flow
Your podcast should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. Use a relaxed tone and encourage your guest to express themselves freely. This will lead to more engaging and authentic discussions.
Tips for a Conversational Tone:
Use humor when appropriate to lighten the mood.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to the topic, inviting your guest to respond.
6. Prepare a List of Questions but Stay Flexible
Have a Plan
Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to ensure you cover key points. However, remain flexible enough to deviate from your script based on the flow of the conversation.
Use a Mix of Question Types
Incorporate a variety of question types, such as:
Descriptive Questions: “Can you describe your creative process?”
Hypothetical Questions: “If you could start over, what would you do differently?”
7. End with Impactful Questions
Leave a Lasting Impression
Wrap up the interview with questions that invite reflection and insight. This could be about future projects, lessons learned, or advice for listeners.
Examples of Impactful Questions:
“What legacy do you hope to leave in your industry?”
“What’s the one piece of advice you would give to aspiring professionals?”
Conclusion
Asking good interview questions is a skill that can significantly enhance the quality of your podcast. By doing thorough research, using open-ended questions, listening actively, and maintaining a conversational tone, you’ll create engaging and memorable content for your audience.
