For an extended audio version of this post, including the mistakes I made when I first started my Podcast production, you can listen here.
How to be a great Podcast host?
This question is incredibly important, because the success of your Podcast will depend on YOU. You the host, the creator, the storyteller, the mastermind behind your production.
Today I will share 5 tips on how to be a FANTASTIC host – and these tricks can be applied to any Podcasting format no matter if interview style or solo show!
These quick tips will make you go into your next recording with confidence and ease.
If you want even more guidance on how to facilitate great interviews, how to brief podcast guests and set the atmosphere for a really enticing, intimate conversation that your listeners will love – no matter if you record in person or via online recorder across countries you should definitely check out my Podcasting programme at www.hashtagimpact.com/courses. This course includes – among many other video tutorials – quick and easy voice warm-up exercises and microphone technique to make your voice shine too!
1) The first and most important thing: be confident in your own voice!
Not just the sound of your voice, but be confident in your unique angle, your point of view, your personality and also your imperfections. They will make you stand out.
Need a confidence boost when it comes to your voice? Then you will love our storytelling special with Award-winning journalist Angie Lau. Find it here.
2) Do your research before the recording.
Look into your guest, or if its a solo show, research the topic you want to address.
3) Make sure you know what you want to achieve with this episode.
What should the listeners learn, what should they feel? What do you want them to do?
4) If you do an interview-style show: Create an inviting atmosphere for you and your guest.
Ideally, you want to create an atmosphere that makes them feel so relaxed as if they are in their own home. Be ready at the scheduled time and greet your guest with a big smile. and if you do a solo recording, schedule that in your calendar, turn all other notifications off, this is your recording time. Put your full focus on it.
5) Listen intentionally to your guest.
Listen with an open ear and heart and don’t stick to a script or questions you prepared, but follow their lead, ask follow up questions and see where the conversation takes you.
These are just some quick tips to get you started, I am going much more in-depth with my students over at my Mentorship Programme Start Your Podcast Make an impact where I have special training on exactly that topic, how to be an outstanding host.
About the Author:
Regina Larko launched her first Hong Kong based audio show #impact – A Podcast about stuff that matters, highlighting the work of social enterprises and Non-Profits in 2017. Besides #impact, she also hosts OFF THE RECORD – Podcasting with #impact and A Zero Waste Journey Podcast. Regina mentors new Podcasters to give them the confidence, tools and resources they need to find Podcasting success with her Online Mentorship programme Start your Podcast. Make an impact.
