How to Be an Exceptional Podcast Host

Compared to other mediums, podcasting is slightly different since content is not generated by the host alone.

Come to think of it, when you have a blog, you get to write the content yourself.

When you run a YouTube channel, it’s you who has to talk to the camera and deliver information and insights.

With a podcast however, you get to host the show but that’s only one part of the equation.

Your guest will make up the other half.

Whether you like it or not, how your listeners perceive your show will not rely merely on what you can deliver alone but on the kind of interaction you’ll have with your guest.

Case in point: even if you’ll be able to deliver valuable and informative content, your listeners won’t be able to appreciate it much if you sound tight, fake, and robotic.

On the other hand, if you are able to build rapport and create good vibes, your listeners will enjoy your interaction more.

In other words, you’ll be giving yourself a competitive advantage if you are able to polish your hosting skills to perfection.

The following tips should help you effectively achieve said objective:

Make your guest feel at ease

It will be extremely hard to create a light and enjoyable atmosphere when your guest is anxious or nervous. That being said, consider it your job to make your guests feel comfortable and at ease at all times.

Ideally, they should feel so at ease that they forget it’s a recorded conversation. One surefire way to calm their nerves would be to send your interview questions to them ahead of time.

This method can accomplish a few key things.

It helps them prepare mentally, it gives them sufficient time to think about the answers and insights they’d like to share, and it gives them the opportunity to outline their answers, among other things.

Encourage storytelling

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to podcasting than just sharing information. If you dish out nothing but information alone, people can zone out, however beneficial the information you are sharing may be.

Fortunately, you can effectively keep people captivated by getting your guests to share interesting stories and anecdotes.

To say stories are powerful is an understatement.

Stories can arouse people’s curiosity, it can draw them in, it can keep them glued. And that’s just for starters.

With that in mind, don’t shy away from using stories to impart lessons, tips, and other key takeaways and encourage your guests to do the same.

Be transparent and authentic

Unless acting is something you are truly exceptional at, you can bet life and limb your listeners will be able to tell if you’re being authentic or not.

If they sense you’re merely putting on a show, it will be hard for them to trust you. So, spare yourself from all the trouble and just be as authentic as you possibly can and your listeners will love you more for it.

Give your guests a chance to get their plugs in

In some cases, a guest has a book, product, or service they want to promote aside from just wanting to share tips, information, and insights with your audience.

Give them the opportunity to get their plugs in so they’ll feel valued and appreciated.

Afterall, it’s the least you can do for them for taking time out to be part of your show.

Did we miss out anything? Share with us podcast hosting tips you swear by!

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