How can you introduce a podcast guest with impact? A good guest introduction can set the tone for your episode, spark curiosity in your listeners, and establish your credibility as a host. In this article, you will learn four tips to write and deliver effective podcast guest introductions that will make your audience want to hear more.
Before you write your guest introduction, you need to do some research on your guest. Find out their background, expertise, achievements, and personality. What makes them unique and relevant to your podcast topic? What value can they offer to your listeners? What stories or insights can they share? You can use various sources, such as their website, social media, previous interviews, or books, to gather information. You can also ask them directly for some key points or highlights that they want you to include.
The medium of podcasting is INTIMATE - so firstly don't read your intro, know it and introduce them like you would at a party. "I'm thrilled to introduce you to <insert guest name>, because I learned about <specific example> from them and I am so curious about <insert specific example>, and you won't believe what they did when they <insert specific example>...make me (the listener) feel like I just met your close friend at a party and you hope we like each other.
In a perfect world, knowing your guest would be great. But many of you podcast on the fly. You go to places or events and meet interesting people you would love to interview but do not have the time to research them. Simply use the Who, What, Where, When, How and Why questions to get you through the interview. Never ask your guest who they are, or to introduce themselves. You introduce them and then ask these six questions. It works every time and will make your interview flow. When they give you a compelling answer, follow up with it. Make it a interview and not an interrogation.
Pesquisa é a principal etapa pré-produ??o de qualquer qualquer podcast, e conhecer a fundo a biografia do convidado é primordial para que os ouvintes tenham em mente o nível de autoridade está naquela mesa, e claro, isso dará ao host insumos para abordar com confiante e propriedade todos os pontos possíveis aguardados pelo público naquela entrevista. Além disso, se você faz uma apresenta??o da biografia com propriedade e entusiasmo, o participante verá o cuidado que teve em saber mais sobre seu trabalho antes da grava??o e se sentirá prestigiado, o que fará você, host, tê-lo na m?o já na abertura.
As a listener, the name, company, role, title doesn't stick unless I'm already aware of the person or company. The best way would be an interesting story that is relevant to the episode. If I don't have that I keep it really simple and move on. The whole resume reading gets in the way of the episode flow.
If you have the luxury of doing some research on a guest that would be ideal. But doing too much research doesn’t allow you to organically learn about who they are and keep the interview spontaneous, engaging, and flowing. Be yourself, genuine, and sincere. That’s what makes you unique and interesting.
Another important factor to consider when writing your guest introduction is your audience. Who are they and what are they interested in? What are their pain points, challenges, or goals? How can your guest help them solve their problems or achieve their aspirations? You need to tailor your guest introduction to your audience's needs, preferences, and expectations. You want to show them why they should care about your guest and what they can learn from them. You can also use some hooks, such as questions, statistics, quotes, or anecdotes, to grab their attention and curiosity.
I don't agree with this point. Your audience knows YOU, and are interested in what YOU talk about. Your guest should be someone who YOU want to know more about, and feel like engaging in conversation with. If you get so focused on what your audience wants, you are doomed to failure. Focus on what interests you for a guest on your podcast and you will have a great, passionate interview that your audience will enjoy.
Starting a podcast is a way to express and share your interests, goals and voice. I believe people following a podcast engage because they resonate with the host(s). If you cater everything to the audience you lose yourself, the genuine connection, and allure of the reason people started following you in the first place. Yes, it’s important to grow naturally and change organically, but attempting to contort yourself into something your audience “wants” is not.
When introducing your guest, keep it concise and clear. Aim for a 30 to 60 second introduction that starts with a catchy opening that introduces your guest and the topic of your episode. Provide some brief and relevant background information about your guest, such as their credentials, achievements, or projects. Highlight the value propositions or benefits they can offer to your listeners, such as tips, advice, or insights. End with a smooth transition that invites them to join the conversation and sets the stage for your questions.
No, no, no, no! Keep the intro to your guest brief. See the example below. If you spend so much time talking about your guest, their story, their credentials, achievements in the introduction, what are you going to talk about in the interview? Never, ever tell the guests story. Ask them questions that let them tell their story and let the audience discover what a great guest you have.
Once you have written your guest introduction, it's time to practice and deliver it with confidence and enthusiasm. You want to sound natural and conversational, not scripted or robotic. Record yourself and listen to how you sound. Are you engaging, friendly, and professional? Do you use the right tone, pace, and volume? Additionally, edit and revise your guest introduction if needed. Are there any unnecessary or redundant words or phrases? Are there any grammar or spelling errors? Practice with a friend or colleague and ask for feedback. Do they understand who your guest is and why they are on your podcast? Do they feel interested and excited to hear more? Following these four tips will help you write and deliver effective podcast guest introductions that will make a positive impression on your listeners and your guest. Ultimately, this will increase the chances of creating engaging and valuable podcast episodes that will grow your audience and your authority.
Use bullets for your intro, just be yourself and be natural. You’re having a conversation, not giving a lecture. By all means practice your delivery to get comfortable, but don’t read your intro verbatim.. You’ll sound like Siri, or worse a 1980s robot.. “Would you like to play a game…?”
I don't recommend writing your intro down. This is what makes you sound robotic and scripted. Make quick notes to guide you instead. For example: Kevin Oats Owner of Best Boats int wrote book called "Safest boats for exploring" compelling story about boat safety. wants to share tips. It will translate to this when spoken: Hello and welcome to the Bing's world podcast where I take kitchen table topics and make them relate to you. Today I have Kevin Oats, owner of Best Boats international. Kevin has written a book called "Safest boats for exploring", something we all love to do. Kevin has a compelling story about boat safety that prompted him to write this book. Kevin, welcome to Bing's world. Your intro will flow naturally.
Avoid describing your guest with "Superlatives". The sure sign of an amateur. Let the audience decide if your guest is the most incredible, or amazing person. These AI articles tend to give poor podcasting advice. To learn more about interviewing and podcasting, reach out to me here on LinkedIn and discover my one day podcast academy. You will learn more in that one day, than a semester in school. And the classes are fun too.