Hosting your own podcast show can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re just starting out.

So in this blog, we’ve prepared 7 tips to help you become a better speaker, engage with guests, and connect with your listeners.

1. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Whether you’re doing a solo episode or you’re having a guest, preparation is key. As the saying goes by Benjamin Franklin “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”-

If you’re doing a solo episode, you can prepare a script or talking points for that episode and practice before you hit record. This will help you stay on track with your topic and have an organized content flow.

If you’re doing a guest episode, you can provide them with a brief explainer or a practice session, prior to the interview. You can even send them your questions in advance so they can prepare their answers.

Realistically, not all guests will be accustomed to the podcasting process so getting them familiar with how it works will help them to get ready for the recording.

2. Be Authentic

Being yourself is the key to gaining your audience’s trust.

So don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and to speak from your mind and your heart. Nobody wants to listen to somebody who is pretentious, vague, and out-of-touch! You’ll be surprised to know that listeners are subscribing to your unique perspective, so be honest and let your passion shine through.

Loosen up your guest by introducing them and asking simple, personal questions or sharing funny stories. From there, you can keep this energy going throughout the recording session.

Just remember, your audience can sense it when you’re “faking” it, so avoid forcing laughter or switching between personas.

3. Use Stories To Share Tips and Information

Your listeners are tuned in to your podcast for different reasons—to learn something new, be inspired, or be entertained, but most people get bored when there is too much information. So avoid lecturing your listeners and use stories instead when sharing or explaining a topic.

For better engagement, it’s best to reformat your content by segmenting the information, so you’ll get your message across more effectively and with greater impact.

4. Always Keep Your Audience In Mind

A great way to start is to imagine you’re talking to one person. Avoid using the terms “listeners” or “ladies and gentlemen” when talking to your audience. Remember, podcast listening isn’t a collective experience for your audience so you need to be addressing them individually.

Try speaking in the present tense, as though you’re having a conversation with them. This way, you’ll create a more personal connection—which, in time, will build their trust in you.

By putting yourself in their shoes, you can also think about what they'd like to know, ask, or clarify and act on this immediately.

5. Read The Room

This is especially applicable if you have guests for an episode. You’ll have to guide the conversation in a way that satisfies both your guests and listeners.

Here are just some ways to conduct a fun recording session:

• Make sure that everybody in the room gets the chance to speak. Guests especially like it when they get to plug in their work!

• Don’t shy away from debates, for they’re about the best thing you’ll get out of multiple speakers! As always, just keep it clean, orderly, and comprehensive.

• Read the room—or, in other words, ensure that your guests stay comfortable. After all, an “awkward silence” is a mood-killer!

• You can establish cues or decide on your program flow beforehand in order to facilitate a smooth transition between discussion topics.

6. Show Appreciation

A good host knows how to send off their guests—and how else should you do this, other than to send them a simple thank you email, but if you have a budget, why not send them a gift? Who knows, with a great impression, maybe they’ll spread the word or become a series returnee!

It’s also important to show your appreciation to your listeners. Be it their subscription, feedback, or engagement, know that listeners provide you with the most support, so give them some credit.

At the end of every episode, don’t hesitate to say your thanks or even give them a shout-out. Believe us, this will mean a lot to them!

7. Review Previous Episodes

Publishing isn’t the end of it. You should always strive to improve by revisiting your past work.

Things like outtakes, audience reviews, and recording errors are just some of the things you can pick up from. Moreover, you can also rehash old segments for future episodes!

Becoming a great podcast host won’t happen overnight! It takes practice, preparation, consistency, as well as being aware of yourself, your guest, and your audience. Happy podcasting!