Interview Techniques for Podcasters

Interviews are one of the most popular podcast formats because they offer variety, expert insights, and engaging storytelling. But hosting a great interview is an art form that requires more than just reading questions off a list. To get valuable content from your guests and keep your listeners tuned in, you need structure, active listening, and the ability to adapt in real time.

Whether you’re interviewing guests remotely or in a podcast studio in Dubai UAE, these techniques will help you create conversations that resonate and stand out.

Do your homework before the recording
A powerful interview starts long before you press record. Research your guest thoroughly. Understand their background, achievements, and recent projects. Listen to other interviews they’ve done to avoid repeating common questions. Look for gaps or angles others missed, this is where your conversation becomes memorable.

Use LinkedIn, their official website, and social media to gather insights. Prepare 10 to 15 questions, but stay flexible. The goal is to guide a dynamic conversation, not run through a checklist.

Ask open-ended questions that spark storytelling
Closed questions lead to short answers. Open-ended questions invite depth. Instead of asking “Did your startup launch go well?”, ask “What was the biggest challenge you faced during your launch, and how did you handle it?” Encourage guests to describe emotions, lessons, and turning points.

The best interviews feel like genuine conversations, not interrogations. Use natural follow-up questions like “What happened next?” or “How did that moment change your direction?”

Set your guest at ease before and during the session
Start by warming up off-mic. Explain the flow of the recording, how long it will take, and reassure them it’s a relaxed space. If you're using a professional studio session booking in Dubai, offer water, adjust their mic, and chat casually before you begin.

During the interview, respond with cues like nodding, light laughter, or comments like “That’s fascinating” to keep the energy natural. A relaxed guest shares more openly and authentically.

Keep the conversation balanced
As the host, your voice matters too, but don’t overshadow your guest. Let them speak without interrupting, but don’t be afraid to steer the conversation if it drifts. Use smooth transitions like “Let’s go back to that earlier point” or “Can you give an example of that in your own experience?”

Listeners want a balance between the guest’s insight and the host’s perspective. Your role is to lead, guide, and frame the value of the discussion.

Always follow up after the episode goes live
Once the interview is published, tag your guest in social media promotions. Send them a thank-you message and a direct link to share. Make it easy for them to distribute the episode to their network. If they had a positive experience, they are more likely to share and return for future collaborations.

Strong post-interview etiquette also helps you build relationships in your niche, leading to more guest recommendations and invitations for you to appear on other shows.

Mastering interviews is not just about asking questions, it’s about building a connection in real time, creating space for great stories, and knowing how to draw out insights that your listeners genuinely value.