1. Research Your Guest:

• Before the interview, thoroughly research your guest. Understand their background, expertise, achievements, and any recent work or projects they've been involved in. This will help you tailor your questions and make the conversation more engaging.

2. Prepare Well-Structured Questions:

• Craft well-structured and open-ended questions. Avoid yes/no questions, as they can lead to short, uninteresting answers. Encourage your guest to elaborate and share insights. Consider asking "how" and "why" questions to delve deeper into the topic.

3. Create an Outline:

• Develop an outline or script that outlines the key points you want to cover during the interview. This helps you maintain focus and ensures that you don't miss essential topics.

4. Establish a Rapport:

• Start the interview with some small talk to help your guest feel more comfortable. Building a rapport can lead to a more open and engaging conversation.

5. Active Listening:

• Practice active listening throughout the interview. This involves fully concentrating on what your guest is saying without interrupting. Nodding, paraphrasing, and asking follow-up questions can demonstrate your engagement.

6. Follow the Flow of the Conversation:

• While an outline is helpful, be flexible and willing to follow the natural flow of the conversation. Sometimes the most engaging moments occur when the conversation takes an unexpected turn.

7. Empower the Guest:

• Encourage your guest to share their experiences, insights, and stories. Give them space to express their thoughts, and avoid dominating the conversation.

8. Avoid Jargon and Complex Language:

• Keep your questions and explanations clear and free of jargon. This ensures that your audience can easily follow the discussion.

9. Manage Time Effectively:

• Be mindful of the interview's duration. If you have a limited amount of time, use it efficiently and stay on topic. If the conversation is going long, consider wrapping up gracefully.

10. Ask for Personal Stories and Anecdotes:

• Personal stories and anecdotes often make for engaging content. They help the audience connect with your guest on a more personal level.

11. Embrace Silence:

• Don't be afraid of short pauses in the conversation. Sometimes, silence can give your guest time to think and share deeper insights.

12. Handle Controversial Topics with Sensitivity:

• If your interview touches on controversial or sensitive subjects, approach them with empathy and respect. Create a safe space for discussion, and be prepared to handle difficult moments gracefully.

13. Edit Thoughtfully:

• In post-production, edit the interview thoughtfully. Remove any unnecessary pauses or tangential discussions, but ensure the conversation remains coherent.

14. Practice and Seek Feedback:

• Interviewing is a skill that improves with practice. Record mock interviews or practice sessions to refine your technique. Additionally, seek feedback from trusted peers or listeners to identify areas for improvement.

Remember that engaging interviews require a balance between preparation and spontaneity. By doing your homework, asking thoughtful questions, and actively listening, you can create engaging and informative podcast interviews that resonate with your audience.