Podcast production
How to prepare guests for interviews with a brief that clarifies expectations and conversational direction.
When inviting guests for a podcast interview, provide a concise briefing that outlines goals, boundaries, and the desired conversational arc, so they feel prepared, confident, and able to contribute meaningfully from the start.
July 16, 2025 - 3 min Read
Preparing a guest for an interview begins well before the recording day. It requires clarity about the episode’s purpose, the target audience, and the specific outcomes you want from the conversation. Start with a short, friendly overview of why this guest was chosen and what unique perspective they bring. Offer a high-level outline of topics and an approximate timeline, emphasizing that flexibility matters but that certain talking points should be touched upon. Reassure them that questions may evolve, yet the core goals remain constant. This initial briefing reduces anxiety, builds trust, and sets a collaborative tone for a productive, authentic dialogue.
A strong guest brief also includes practical logistics that impact performance. Share the recording schedule, time zone considerations, and platform details, along with any equipment expectations—headphones, mic proximity, and stable internet. Clarify who will be moderating, how the interview will unfold, and when breaks can occur. Provide a sample question path to illustrate the conversation’s direction without locking the guest into a rigid script. Encourage the guest to prepare a few personal anecdotes or concrete examples to enrich the discussion, ensuring the dialogue remains human and engaging rather than mechanical.
How to shape the guest briefing for clarity and comfort.
In outlining expectations, emphasize the episode’s educational or entertaining aims, the tone you want to strike, and the pace of the conversation. Let guests know whether you prefer concise answers or room for elaboration, and how much room there is for follow-up questions. Clarify any sensitivities or boundaries—topics to avoid, words to steer away from, or areas that require extra care. By highlighting these guardrails, you give guests permission to speak freely within a framework. A well-structured brief helps prevent off-topic rambles and ensures the guest’s expertise aligns with your show’s format.
The conversational direction should be described through a thematic arc rather than a rigid script. Share a narrative thread that connects questions and invites storytelling. Explain how you want to balance expertise, experience, and personal voice, so the guest feels permission to reveal insights and vulnerabilities. Include cues for transitions between segments, such as moving from discovery to practical takeaways or from broad concepts to real-world applications. When guests understand the flow, they can pace themselves, anticipate shifts, and contribute more naturally.
Crafting tone and boundaries for a confident, safe interview.
A robust brief includes a clearly stated objective, a mini agenda, and a list of suggested prompts. Present questions in order of importance, from broad framing to deeper dives, so guests can prioritize what matters most to the conversation. Provide optional follow-up prompts in case a topic feels thin or requires expansion. Include a disclaimer that some questions may be adapted or omitted based on the guest’s comfort and the episode’s evolving needs. This flexibility prevents awkwardness and demonstrates respect for the guest’s rhythm.
Include logistical tips that empower performance without micromanaging. Recommend a pre-call check to test audio, lighting, and recording software, and suggest a relaxed warm-up question to settle nerves. Offer a quick outline of who speaks when and how to signal a transition, helping the guest navigate the dialogue smoothly. Remind them that pauses are normal and that thoughtful pauses often yield richer responses. A prepared, relaxed guest is more likely to articulate nuance, humor, and insight, making the episode more memorable.
Techniques to ensure smooth delivery and engagement.
Tone is the invisible backbone of a great interview. Explain whether the show leans analytical, narrative, or conversational, and ask the guest to mirror that tone in their delivery. If the format favors storytelling, encourage concrete anecdotes and specific examples; if it is interview-driven, emphasize crisp, evidence-based responses. Boundary guidance should cover sensitive topics, off-limit areas, and any legal or ethical considerations. By setting expectations on tone and boundaries, you reduce improvisational risk and help guests feel safeguarded, which in turn fosters honesty and richer storytelling.
Beyond safety, the briefing should celebrate the guest’s expertise. Acknowledge how their unique experiences illuminate the episode’s themes and inspire listeners. Provide a few “sparks” tied to current events or industry trends that can anchor the conversation, but invite the guest to bring their own angles. Encourage them to highlight practical takeaways, recommended actions, or lessons learned. When guests feel valued and understood, they engage more deeply, offer fresh perspectives, and contribute memorable moments that resonate with audiences.
Finalizing the brief to maximize performance on recording day.
Preparation is a performance skill as much as a technical task. Suggest practicing with a friend or recording a dry run to observe pacing, breath control, and naturalness. Recommend focusing on clear articulation, avoiding filler words, and maintaining steady eye contact with the camera or microphone. Remind guests to breathe, smile where appropriate, and pause to let ideas land. A calm, confident delivery invites listeners to stay with the conversation, recall key points, and feel connected to the guest’s authenticity.
Engagement thrives when questions invite dialogue rather than interrogation. Train guests to view prompts as invitations to expand on a concept rather than as a checklist. Encourage them to connect ideas with stories, metrics, or tangible outcomes. Add moments for clarifying questions from the host and listeners, which can deepen understanding and interactivity. A guest who treats queries as collaborative puzzles rather than tests will likely contribute richer, more dynamic content and leave the audience inspired.
The final brief should be a concise document the guest can reference easily. Include a one-page summary with the show’s purpose, listener takeaway, episode structure, and a short bio for context. Attach the sample questions and outline, plus the agreed-upon boundaries and tone. Provide contact details for the production team and a reminder about the scheduled time and platform. A well-packaged brief signals professionalism and respect, reducing back-and-forth on the day of recording and allowing the guest to focus on delivering value.
After sending the brief, offer a follow-up opportunity for questions and a quick recap call if needed. Encourage the guest to share concerns, suggestions, or preferred topics, demonstrating openness to collaboration. A brief that invites dialogue—rather than rigidity—fosters a sense of partnership. On recording day, ensure the host and producer are aligned, the tech is functioning, and the guest feels supported. With thoughtful preparation, interviews unfold smoothly, producing insightful, relatable content that resonates with listeners.
