Law Podcasting Episode 28 – Interview Format Podcasting

  Be present with the interview and answers, not distracted trying to figure out the next question. -- Gordon Firemark       In this episode, I share some thoughts on interview format podcasts.  Why and how they work, how to get the interview, and how to conduct effective interviews.   Hello everybody and welcome back to another solo edition of the Law Podcasting Podcast. In this episode, we’ll be talking about interview format podcasting. Interviews are great because: Give you a reason to contact the subject where you’re not perceived as selling, or asking for their business… You can contact thought leaders, business executives, owners, etc, and have a reason to be in touch that isn’t threatening…. Interview subjects will share their episodes with their social media followers, etc… And that helps grow your audience, and influence. Interview format is among the easiest to prepare and conduct. You’re engaging in a dialogue, so you only have to hold up a portion of the conversation, while the subject does most of the talking about a subject he or she is already an expert in. You can be perceived as a “peer” or “equal” to the subject… And if you’re asking smart questions, you’ll be viewed as an expert too. (Marc Maron interviewed the president. Not a peer, but certainly an influencer). Interviews can be a little like testimonials… (this podcast, for example)…. Get the interview First decide what kinds of people you want to have on the show By Job? By industry By aspect of your overall game plan for your show. Just Ask People are gracious Strokes their ego They get to give back Have a system in place: Maybe it’s your administrative assistant handling things Maybe its a VA Maybe it’s a podcast producer you’ve hired. My system: Textexpander snippets for the Ask, confirmation, reminder and thank+ The Invitation Be direct Be specific about the ask (date, if necessary) Be clear - Give a bit of background and links to you your show Describe who else you’ve had on the show.. Demonstrate that they’re in good company. (if not enough yet, say so) Describe in general terms the subjects you’ll want to discuss. Ask them to confirm availability… And then book the appearance. Calendar - scheduling tools Benefits - efficient, effective, less back and forth, availability is shown, and they select what works for them Drawbacks - impersonal, ask them to jump through hoops You could have a surprise - if you don’t build in a system for prep. Confirm the interview booking - explain your process, how you’ll connect, (where you’ll record), all the logistics. It makes sense to explain your editorial philosophy, too. Will you be editing the interview, or is it a live-to-drive kind of thing? If editing, will they have input? Be sure to follow up with detailed instructions.., even sample questions, if you’re so inclined. I always ask for a bio or introduction and a photo of my interviewee, so I can get them into the show notes... Prep - (be sure to schedule some time for prep_ Review the person’s bio, background, etc. Review./read any relevant writings or articles, etc. Review anything the interviewee has provided for you. Plan the “flow of the show” - What do you want to draw out of the interviewee? What takeaways are you going for? Day before./day of - confirm again… Briefly. How to actually conduct the interview Be linear if possible. Don’t jump around too much. Origin story Journey Motivations Feelings Transformation Arrival Real conversationBe Structure Flow Prepared questions? During the interview… Be present with the answers, try not to be distracted trying to figure out the next question. It’s a conversation.. Trust yourself to keep it moving… Take notes of interesting statements, thoughts, etc. (time code/elapsed time can help). Finish the interview, stop recording, thank and sign off.