How would you address a guest who continuously goes off-topic during the interview?

1 Stay Prepared

Being well-prepared is your first line of defense against off-topic tangents. Before the interview, outline the key points you want to cover and share them with your guest. This not only helps you stay on track but also gives your guest a clear understanding of the interview's direction. If they do start to veer off-course, gently steer them back by referencing the agreed-upon topics or asking a question that relates to the main subject matter.

2 Listen Actively

Active listening is crucial when interviewing. It involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively 'hearing' the message of the speaker. By doing so, you can pick up on cues that indicate when a guest is about to go off-topic and subtly guide them back without interrupting their flow. This technique helps maintain a natural conversation while keeping the discussion relevant.

3 Redirect Politely

When your guest goes off-topic, it's important to redirect the conversation politely. Use phrases like "That's interesting, but let's get back to..." or "Before we dive deeper into that, I'd like to touch on...". This approach acknowledges the guest's thoughts while firmly guiding them back to the subject at hand. It's a delicate balance between being assertive and courteous, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

4 Balance Flexibility

While it's important to keep the interview on topic, sometimes an off-topic discussion can be valuable. Be flexible and use your judgment to decide if the tangent is worth exploring or if it's best to steer back to the original topic. If the new direction seems engaging and relevant to your audience, it might be worth a short detour. The key is to balance the planned structure of your podcast with the organic flow of conversation.

5 Establish Rapport

Building rapport with your guest can make it easier to manage the conversation. When there's mutual respect and understanding, it's less likely that your guest will feel offended if you need to intervene and redirect the discussion. Establishing a good rapport before and during the interview ensures a smoother experience for both you and your guest, and by extension, your listeners.

6 Conclude Strongly

If a guest consistently strays off-topic, it's essential to conclude each segment of the interview with a strong, on-topic statement or question. This reinforces the main points you want your audience to take away from the episode. Summarizing key ideas or asking for final thoughts on the main topic can help bring the focus back and provide a satisfying end to your podcast episode.