What do you do if your podcast interviewee is unresponsive or uncooperative?

If you get nervous in your own podcast the interview is becoming an argument and your audience is not there for that. Staying calm is good, and it's easier when you have made the pre-interview work. During the interview it's probable that you'll have to speak more than you expected, and there's nothing wrong with that when necessary. Maybe you have to guide the conversation for a while and from then on it goes right. Don't confuse being calm with being lazy: you have to stay the conversation on track and you are going to do it. Some times what you perceive as "non colaborative" is simply that your guest is a bit lost. For this, the best tool is talking before the interview and explaining whatever you consider useful.

Research your guest thoroughly to anticipate gaps and have backup talking points. Actively listen and use mirroring to gently nudge them to participate. If the answer falls flat, don't be afraid to rephrase the question or share a related anecdote to spark their interest. And why worry, if you're recording the podcast, you can always edit it to make it better with retakes.

Dealing with unresponsive or uncooperative interviewees might be frustrating. Staying calm is key. People have their reasons for being unresponsive, so it's essential not to take it personally. A polite follow-up message can often do the trick.

Staying calm is key when your guest goes silent or isn't cooperating. Remember, it's not always personal. Maybe they're dealing with something tough or just busy. Sending a friendly follow-up message is a good move. During the interview, if they're not playing along, keep cool. Guide the conversation gently back on track. Your listeners will notice your pro attitude, and it might even help the guest open up. Patience and professionalism pay off in podcasting.

Pre-interview planning is your secret weapon. Outline clear questions and discussion topics to keep the conversation flowing. Plus, have some backup questions and interesting anecdotes ready. These act as conversation lifesavers, filling any unexpected silence and keeping your listeners engaged, even if your guest isn't at their most chatty. I sometimes also try to offshoot and talk to the guest about topics that they're comfortable talking and once they are in the groove, I try bringing the conversation back on track. Practice will surely help!

Having a roadmap of questions and topics gives you a safety net if your guest goes off track or becomes unresponsive. It's like having a GPS for your conversation. And don't forget about backup questions! They're like spare tires for your episode, ready to keep things rolling smoothly. Being prepared puts you in the driver's seat, ensuring your audience gets the valuable content they tuned in for. Believe me, it's a game-changer!

If you encounter unresponsiveness or uncooperative behavior of your guest during the interview, maintaining clear communication is paramount. Politely acknowledge any difficulties and express your expectations regarding the flow of the conversation. Clearly outline the importance of their engagement and seek their input on how to proceed. Effective communication in the moment can help diffuse tension and steer the interview back on track.

Flexibility becomes particularly crucial when facing challenges mid-interview. Stay adaptable and be prepared to pivot your approach if needed. Consider alternative questions or topics to keep the dialogue moving forward, while also being attentive to cues from the interviewee. Flexibility allows you to navigate unexpected obstacles while still delivering a valuable and engaging episode.

Communicating effectively in the moment can help diffuse tension and get the interview back on track. Don't hesitate to stop the conversation and ask your guest how they feel. Make sure they feel comfortable and confident to open up to dialogue. Remember that you can always edit any moment between the two of you that the audience doesn't necessarily have to know about.

As I mentioned earlier. Use post production to make the conversation better. - Snip out long pauses, awkward silences, or redundant information - Use smooth transitions or sound effects to create a natural flow, even if the interview itself was choppy. - Consider adding narration to bridge conversational gaps or provide context for edited sections.

If your podcast isn't covering exclusively something very current, there is no reason not to have a buffer of several episodes. What if the guest is responsive and you get a bad cold? Make a buffer of 3-4 episodes, and plan for hard to get guests long ahead, check from time to time, and wait until they do decide to come.

Reflect on the current interview experience as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Consider the underlying factors contributing to the interviewee's behavior and how you can address them constructively. After the interview, take time to debrief and analyze what went well and what could be improved upon. Use this feedback to refine your interviewing techniques, enhance communication strategies, and better prepare for future episodes. Additionally, consider reaching out to the interviewee post-interview to address any lingering concerns or issues and foster a positive relationship moving forward