Interview podcasts are one of the most engaging formats, allowing hosts to bring in experts, industry leaders, and fascinating personalities to share their insights. However, conducting a great podcast interview requires skill, preparation, and the right environment. This is our guide on Interview Podcast Tips – How to Conduct a Great Conversation.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best interview techniques, preparation tips, and why recording in a professional studio like Paragon Creative Studios can make all the difference.
1. Research Your Guest and Topic
A well-researched interview results in deeper, more engaging conversations. Before hitting record:
✅ Study your guest’s background – Read their books, articles, or past interviews.
✅ Understand their expertise – What are they known for? What insights can they offer your audience?
✅ Prepare talking points – Have a clear structure, but allow flexibility for organic discussions.
🎙 Pro Tip: Paragon Creative Studios provides a professional setting where guests feel comfortable, helping them open up and share their best insights.
2. Prepare Engaging Questions
Avoid basic or repetitive questions. Instead, aim for:
- Open-ended questions – Encourage detailed responses instead of yes/no answers.
- Unique angles – Ask something they don’t usually get asked.
- Follow-up questions – Listen actively and dive deeper where needed.
Examples of great questions: ❌ Generic: “Tell me about your book.” ✅ Engaging: “What inspired you to write this book, and what’s one thing readers often misunderstand about it?”
3. Make Your Guest Comfortable
Interviews flow better when guests are relaxed. Set a positive tone by:
- Greeting them warmly and explaining the recording process.
- Letting them know they can pause or rephrase their answers.
- Using casual small talk before jumping into questions.
📍 Recording in a professional studio like Paragon Creative Studios creates a distraction-free environment, helping guests feel at ease.
4. Master the Art of Listening
A great interviewer isn’t just about asking good questions—it’s also about active listening. Avoid interrupting and instead:
✅ Pause before jumping to the next question – Give your guest time to expand.
✅ Acknowledge their responses – Use phrases like “That’s fascinating—can you elaborate?”
✅ Adapt the conversation – If they bring up an unexpected topic, explore it!
🎙 At Paragon Creative Studios, we provide soundproof recording rooms where you can focus entirely on the conversation—without background noise distractions.
5. Control the Flow of the Conversation
Great interviews are structured yet natural. Here’s how to balance both:
- Start with an engaging question – Avoid asking for their full background upfront.
- Keep answers on track – If a guest goes off-topic, gently steer them back.
- End with a strong closing – Ask a final insightful question that leaves listeners with value.
🔹 Example Flow:
- Hook – Start with an attention-grabbing question.
- Main Discussion – Cover key talking points.
- Final Takeaway – End with an inspiring or thought-provoking conclusion.
6. Optimise Sound Quality for a Professional Interview
Even the best content won’t hold listeners if the audio quality is poor. Ensure your podcast sounds professional by:
- Using high-quality microphones (dynamic or condenser mics work best).
- Recording in a soundproofed space to prevent echo and background noise.
- Using pop filters and shock mounts to eliminate harsh sounds.
🎙 At Paragon Creative Studios, our professional recording setup ensures your podcast interviews sound polished and engaging—without the hassle of setting up your own equipment.
7. Engage Your Audience Post-Recording
Your job isn’t done once the recording stops. Keep your audience engaged by:
✅ Creating teaser clips – Share short soundbites on social media.
✅ Adding timestamps – Make it easy for listeners to jump to key sections.
✅ Encouraging audience interaction – Ask listeners to share their thoughts or submit follow-up questions.
8. Bonus: The Case for Video Podcasting
Many successful interview podcasts now include a video component. Video interviews:
- Boost engagement – Visual storytelling enhances connection.
- Increase discoverability – YouTube is a powerful search engine.
- Repurpose content – Short video clips can be used for social media.
📹 Paragon Creative Studios is fully equipped for video podcasting, so you can record your interviews in both high-quality audio and video.
Final Thoughts
A well-conducted interview can elevate your podcast, build credibility, and attract a loyal audience. By following these tips—and recording in a professional setting—you’ll ensure your podcast stands out.
🚀 Book a session at Paragon Creative Studios today and conduct your next interview in a professional, distraction-free environment!