Day 21: Recording Interview Episodes

Today we discuss how to record a podcast interview with guests, best interview practices, and creating pre and post interview recording checklists for yourself.

Steps for Skill Mastery:

1. Setup the proper recording environment
2. Have a pre-interview chat
3. Record your interview
4. Have a post-interview chat
5. Reflect on your interview

Step 1: Setup The Proper Recording Environment

First, make sure you have the proper recording environment setup so that background noise is minimized and you are ready to record your episode without distraction.

Some things you will want to consider are:

• Ensure there is nothing making noise around you (fans, computers, dogs, etc)
• Record in an area with dense surroundings.
• Remove things from arms reach distance that you may fidget with.
• Make sure the seating is appropriate.

Activity: Make You Environment Recording Ready

Get your space ready for recording by checking the things to consider above.

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This is something you want to do every time you interview someone to ensure you have the best recording environment.

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Step 2: Pre-Interview Chat on Interview Day

When it comes time for your interview, your guest will meet you on whatever platform you chose on Day 13. Before you actually get started with the interview you will want to have some brief pre-chat banter with them so you are both comfortable with each other.

Some things you may want to ask in a pre-interview chat are:

• How are you today?
• Your audio sounds great, how is mine?
• Tell them about your audience before hitting record
• Give them expectation of time and ask if that is that ok
• How do you pronounce your name?
• Is your phone and notifications on your computer turned off?
• Any questions for me?

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Activity: Create a Pre-Interview Checklist

Create a short set of questions to ask each guest right before you start interviewing them on interview day.

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Now you're ready to start the interview.

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Step 3: Interview Your Guest

Now you are ready to record your interview. Open your interview research document you created before and use it to help guide your interview.

Below are some tips from top podcasters to help you with your interview.

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Activity: Record Your Interview

Record the interviews you scheduled in the previous lessons.

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Now let's discuss what you should do after the interview is over.

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Step 4: Post Interview Chat

After you get done interviewing your guest, spend just a few brief minutes letting know it was a great episode and if you would like to connect further in some way. Remember to build on the genuine connection you just had during the interview and be respectful of their time.

Some things you might do in a post interview chat are:

• Let them know the interviewed rock
• Give them an idea of the publish date
• Tell them you will email them all the links when its published
• Ask if there is anything else you can do for them
• Thank them for their time
• Don’t ask for specific connections to other people as it will diminish the connection you just had

Activity: Create a Post-Interview Checklist

Create a short set of questions to ask or statements to tell each guest right AFTER you interview them on interview day.

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Now that your interview is over, let's reflect on how you did.

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Step 5: Reflect On Your Interview

Now that you have recorded your interview with your guest, let’s reflect on how you did. Remember to not be too hard on yourself in the beginning. With practice you will become a professional interviewer, but part of that practice is reflecting on how you did, what went well, and where you can improve.

Activity: Reflection

Answer the following questions:

1. What was your favorite part about you interview?
2. What were your guest’s comments about your interview?
3. How prepared did you feel for the interview?
4. What were some additional questions you wish you asked?
5. What are some things you want to improve on your next interview?
6. Any additional thoughts about your interview?

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Practice and reflection will help you on your journey to becoming a pro podcaster.

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.