How to Be a Perfect and Converting Podcast Guest Speaker

Introduction

Being a guest on a podcast is an incredible opportunity to share your expertise, connect with a new audience, and generate leads, sales, and clients. However, to make the most of this opportunity, you need to be strategic, authentic, and well-prepared. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your podcast appearances are engaging, memorable, and converting.

The Three Foundational Elements of a Successful Podcast Guest Appearance

1. Become Known to the Host and Audience

You'll first need to make yourself known to generate interest and business from your podcast appearances. This means sharing your story in a way that resonates with the audience and connects to the solutions you offer.

How to Become Known:

Tell Your Story Authentically: Share your journey, including the challenges you’ve overcome and how they’ve shaped your expertise. Make it relatable and inspiring.

Connect the Dots: Clearly explain why your story makes you the perfect person to solve the audience’s problems. Don’t assume they’ll connect the dots for you.

Speak to the Heart: People make decisions based on emotion. Craft your story like a well-written poem or novel, make it touch their souls, and bypass their skepticism.

What NOT to Do:

Don’t Act Like a Secret Agent: Avoid being vague or mysterious about who you are, what you do, and why you’re qualified to help. The audience will disengage if you hide details or act like you’re guarding a secret.

Don’t Assume They’ll Figure It Out: Don’t expect the host or audience to piece together your expertise or value. Spell it out clearly and confidently.

Don’t Be Clinical or Detached: Avoid telling your story in a dry, emotionless way. If it feels like you’re reading a research paper, you’ll lose their interest.

Don’t Overshare Irrelevant Details: While authenticity is key, avoid sharing unnecessary or overly personal information that doesn’t tie back to your message or expertise.

2. Build Trust with the Host and Audience

Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. Without it, your audience won’t feel comfortable engaging with you or your services.

How to Build Trust:

Be Punctual: Show up early for the podcast. Being on time demonstrates professionalism and reliability.

Be Prepared: Research the host and their show. Understand their audience and tailor your message to align with their interests.

Use Quality Equipment: Invest in a good microphone and lighting (if video is involved). Ensure your environment is free from distractions.

Tell a Powerful Story: Share a concise, heartwarming, and authentic story that demonstrates your expertise and builds rapport.

3. Make Them Like You

People are more likely to engage with someone they like. Show genuine appreciation for the host and audience, and let your passion and care shine through.

How to Make The Host Like You:

Show Gratitude: Acknowledge the gift of their time and attention. Be genuinely thankful for the opportunity to share your message.

Be Passionate: Let your enthusiasm for your work and your audience’s success come through in your voice and words.

Show You Care: Express your belief in helping others and making a difference. People are drawn to those who genuinely care about them.

The Single Biggest Achilles Heel: Your Message

The most critical element of your podcast appearance is your message. If you don’t get this right, you will permanently sabotage your success. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.

Why Your Message Matters:

It Lives Forever: What you put out on the internet and in the podcast universe lives forever. If your message is weak or unclear, it will haunt you indefinitely.

You Only Get One Shot: Podcast hosts and potential clients will vet you by checking out your past appearances. If your message doesn’t impress them, they’ll write you off forever.

Hosts Are Becoming More Selective: In 2022, 1 out of 10 hosts vetted guests by reviewing past appearances. Today, it’s 8 out of 10. You must stand out to get on top shows and attract ideal clients.

So now that we know that a good message is essential, What Makes a Great Message?

Your message must be inspiring, emotionally resonant, and action-oriented. Here’s what a great message looks like:

1. It Speaks to a Real Problem: Your message should address a pain point your ideal client has and badly wants to solve.

2. It Resonates Emotionally: It should move your audience emotionally, inspiring them to take action.

3. It’s Simple and Direct: Avoid complexity. Your message should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

What Makes a Poor Message?

Sadly, most messages fall flat. Here’s what to avoid:

1. It’s Too Intellectual: If your message is more about logic than inspiration, it won’t connect emotionally.

2. It Doesn’t Address Pain Points: If it doesn’t speak to your audience’s struggles, they won’t care.

3. It Meanders: A message that rambles without a clear point will bore and frustrate your audience.

How to Craft a Dialled-In and Beguiling Message:

Focus on Your Ideal Client: Understand their pain points, desires, and challenges. Tailor your message to speak directly to them.

Be Inspiring, Not Just Informative: Share stories and insights that ignite emotion and drive action.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Refine your message until it’s polished and powerful. Test it with trusted friends or colleagues to ensure it resonates.

The Structure of a Perfect Podcast Guest Appearance

1. Start with Your Story

Your story is your hook. It helps the audience relate to you and builds trust. Keep it concise, authentic, and inspiring.

Tips for Crafting Your Story:

- Practice it multiple times to ensure it flows naturally.

- Focus on the key moments that shaped your expertise.

- Tie your story directly to the solutions you offer.

2. Address Pain Points

Identify 3-5 major pain points your ideal client faces. Share stories that illustrate these challenges and how you’ve helped others overcome them.

How to Address Pain Points:

- Use relatable examples that make the audience think, “That’s me!”

- Show empathy and understanding for their struggles.

- Highlight your unique approach to solving these problems.

3. End with a Strong Call to Action

A strong call to action (CTA) is crucial. It’s the reason you’re on the podcast—to get people to take the next step with you. Never skip this step!

How to Craft a Strong CTA:

Be Clear and Direct: Ask people to book a call with you or visit your website. For example, “If you’re ready to take the next step, book a free consultation call with me today.”

Create Urgency: Encourage immediate action by offering a limited-time bonus or incentive.

Make It Easy: Provide a simple link or instructions for how they can connect with you.

Checklist for Preparing for Your First Podcast Talk

Before the Podcast:

• Research the Host and Show: Understand their style, audience, and common topics.
• Prepare Your Story: Write it out and practice it until it feels natural.
• Identify Key Pain Points: Choose 3-5 pain points your ideal client faces and prepare stories to illustrate them.
• Test Your Equipment: Ensure your microphone, lighting, and internet connection are working properly.
• Eliminate Distractions: Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the recording.
• Plan Your CTA: Decide on a clear and compelling call to action that aligns with your goals.

During the Podcast:

• Arrive Early: Be ready at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• Be Authentic: Speak from the heart and let your passion shine through.
• Stay Focused: Stick to your key points and avoid rambling.
• Engage with the Host: Show genuine interest in their questions and comments.
• Deliver Your CTA: Confidently guide the audience on what to do next.

After the Podcast:

• Thank the Host: Send a follow-up email expressing your gratitude.
• Promote the Episode: Share the episode on your social media and with your network.
• Engage with Listeners: Respond to comments and questions from the audience.
• Track Results: Monitor how many leads or bookings resulted from your appearance.

Best Practices for a Converting Podcast Appearance

1. Be Concise: Avoid long-winded answers. Keep your responses clear and to the point.

2. Be Relatable: Use language and examples that resonate with the audience.

3. Be Memorable: Share unique insights or stories that set you apart from other guests.

4. Be Action-Oriented: Always guide the audience on what to do next.

5. Be Consistent: Ensure your message aligns with your brand and values.

6. Be Meticulously Prepared: Treat your appearance like a TED Talk. Every word should have a purpose, and your message should be dialed-in to captivate the host and audience.

Conclusion

Being a successful podcast guest is about more than just showing up. It’s about connecting with the audience, building trust, and leaving a lasting impression. By following the steps and checklist in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of every podcast appearance and turn it into a powerful tool for generating leads, sales, and clients.

Now, go out there and share your story with the world! And remember, always end with a strong call to action—your future clients are waiting to hear from you.

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