Podcast Interview Questions: 10 Essential Questions for a Great Interview
As a podcaster, one of the key elements to a successful episode is having engaging interview questions that will spark insightful answers from your guests. Crafting podcast interview questions may seem simple, but it requires careful consideration and preparation to make sure your guests feel comfortable, engaged, and willing to share their experiences.
One important thing to keep in mind when drafting podcast interview questions is to tailor them to your specific guest and topic. Researching your guest beforehand and understanding their background, achievements, and interests can help you come up with thoughtful questions that will get them talking.
It’s also important to make sure your questions are open-ended and allow for follow-up questions, rather than simple yes or no responses.
Another aspect to consider is the flow of your questions. Start by asking more general or easy questions to warm up your guest, then delve into more specific or personal questions. Avoid asking questions that are too sensitive or invasive, as it could make your guest uncomfortable and hinder the conversation.
By carefully considering your podcast interview questions, you can create a dynamic and engaging dialogue that will captivate your audience and leave them eagerly anticipating your next episode.
Crafting the Perfect Icebreaker Questions for Podcast Interviews
As a podcaster, starting a podcast interview can sometimes be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for new podcasters. Solid preparation and crafting an engaging opening for your podcast interview are the keys to kickstarting a successful conversation with your guest.
While the questions for the podcast interview depend on the niche and subject area, expert interviewing skills will allow you to make the most of the limited time frame and draw insightful and entertaining responses from your guests.
Here are a few practical tips to help you craft the perfect icebreaker questions for your podcast interview:
Start with Personal Questions
One of the best ways to build rapport with your podcast guest is by asking a few personal questions. Avoid asking generic questions that they might have answered numerous times in other interviews.
Try to come up with specific questions that reveal things about the guest that you know your listeners would be interested in hearing about. Personal questions help in creating a connection and a relaxed environment between you and your guest.
Focus on Current Events and Pop Culture
Current events and pop culture are excellent icebreakers. Podcast guests are often enthusiastic about topical and trending stories.
By starting with a question that involves current happenings, you are signaling to your guest that you are up-to-date and knowledgeable about the industry.
Don’t be afraid to make it Fun
Fun questions (within limits, of course) can bring a relaxed and eye-opening moment to your podcast interview. Humor can help take the edge off and set the tone for a more relaxed, conversational interview.
You could ask something like, “If you could have dinner with a celebrity who would it be?” or “What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?” Humor can also give your listeners a peek into the guest’s personality.
Wrap Up With Open-Ended Questions
By wrapping up the podcast interview with open-ended questions, you can elicit thoughtful, insightful, and candid responses from your guest. Open-ended questions draw out longer, more thoughtful answers that give your listeners a more profound insight into the guest’s views and opinions.
You could ask thought-provoking questions like, “Where do you see the future of the industry in the next five years?” or open-ended questions about the guest’s background and life experiences.
In conclusion, crafting the perfect icebreaker questions is a vital aspect of starting a successful podcast interview. Starting with some personal questions, incorporating current events and pop culture, adding a fun element, and wrapping up with open-ended questions will give you a headstart towards a great podcast.
Getting Better at Podcasting with Better Guest Questions
By putting in the work and preparation upfront, new podcasters can overcome the initial anxiety and get the conversation going, resulting in an engaging and captivating podcast interview.
When it comes to digging deeper into your guest’s area of expertise, there are several key podcast interview questions that can help you uncover useful insights. For example:
What inspired you to start working in this field?
This question can help give your listeners a better understanding of your guest’s background and motivation, which can help contextualize the rest of the interview.
Can you walk us through your process when approaching [specific task or goal related to their work]?
By asking for a step-by-step breakdown of how your guest approaches a specific task or goal related to their area of expertise, you can help your audience understand the intricacies of the field and what goes into achieving success.
What do you think sets your approach apart from others in your field?
This question can help your guest share their unique perspective and approach, which can help set your podcast apart from others in the same niche.
What’s a common misconception about [their area of expertise] that you’d like to correct?
This question can help your guest dispel common myths or misunderstandings surrounding their area of expertise, giving your listeners a clearer picture of what it’s all about.
Of course, these are just a few examples of the types of podcast interview questions you can ask to help get a more in-depth understanding of your guest’s expertise.
By doing your research ahead of time, staying engaged during the interview, and asking smart, thoughtful questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating compelling content that resonates with your audience.
Personal Experience Questions: Understanding the Guest’s Journey
- What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
- Can you tell us about a particularly challenging or defining moment you’ve experienced in your career?
- What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
- How have you evolved in your career, and what prompted those changes?
- Tell us about a failure or setback that ended up leading to growth or success.
- Who has been your biggest mentor or source of inspiration in your life and career?
- In what ways do you incorporate your personal values into your work?
By asking personal experience questions like these, you give your listeners a chance to learn more about your guest’s life and career path. Moreover, you can present your guest as a human being with a personal story and journey just like anyone else, rather than a robotic figure within their field.
It is normal to adjust the questions to the style of your podcast and the type of the guest you are interviewing, but remember these podcast interview questions might bring stories and experiences that might be meaningful to the audience.
Background Questions and Personal Topics for Each Guest
When it comes to conducting a successful podcast interview, the questions you ask can make all the difference. Along with asking background questions and ones related to the guest’s expertise, hypothetical and opinion questions can help you delve deeper into the topic and explore new ideas.
In this section, we’ll discuss some effective hypothetical and opinion questions to add to your arsenal.
- In your opinion, what is the main challenge facing the industry today?
- Can you give an example of a situation where you had to think outside the box to come up with a solution?
- If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
- What’s your take on the future of the industry?
- What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the industry?
Remember to phrase your questions in a way that will elicit a thoughtful response from your guest. A good strategy is to start with open-ended questions that encourage your guest to expand on their ideas. You may also want to do some research beforehand so that you can ask informed follow-up questions.
Additionally, keep in mind that hypothetical and opinion questions can be especially useful if you’re looking to have a more thought-provoking and engaging conversation. Not only do they allow guests to showcase their critical thinking skills, but they can also help you uncover new angles and insights that you may not have considered before.
Incorporating hypothetical and opinion questions into your podcast interviews can help you explore new ideas and engage your guests in a deeper conversation.
By asking open-ended questions and doing your research beforehand, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your interviews.
Always Have a Variety of Questions Ready for Each Guest
As a podcaster, it’s important to be prepared with a variety of interview questions to keep the conversation flowing. One type of question that can be particularly engaging is in-the-moment questions that react to current events. These questions not only keep the conversation timely but also show your guests that you’re up-to-date on what’s happening in their field.
So, what are some podcast interview questions that can help you react to current events? Here are a few ideas:
- How has the recent [insert relevant event] affected your work in [insert guest’s field]?
- What’s your take on the recent [insert relevant trend or development]?
- How do you think [insert relevant topic] will impact [guest’s field] in the future?
- Can you give us any insider information on the upcoming [insert relevant event]?
- In your opinion, what’s the biggest challenge/opportunity facing [guest’s field] right now?
Asking these types of questions can help keep the conversation fresh and engaging. In addition, they can also help position you as a thought leader in your field, as your guests will appreciate being interviewed by someone who understands the latest trends and developments.
When asking in-the-moment questions, it’s important to strike a balance between being informed and being respectful. Make sure you do your research on the topic at hand, but also be careful not to ask anything that could be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate.
Overall, incorporating in-the-moment questions into your podcast interviews can be an effective way to keep the conversation relevant and engaging. By doing so, you can create a podcast that listeners will want to tune into week after week.
