Operational and growth strategies for mental health leaders.
Being prepared for a podcast interview can help you come across as confident, knowledgeable, and engaging. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare:
Prepare your key messages
- Identify 3-5 main points you want to communicate
- Develop brief stories or examples that illustrate these points
- Practice articulating them concisely
Technical preparation
- Test your microphone, headphones, and internet connection
- Find a quiet room with minimal echo
- Position yourself in a comfortable, distraction-free environment
Speak clearly and conversationally
- Avoid industry jargon unless appropriate for the audience
- Use a natural tone rather than a rehearsed presentation voice
- Vary your pace and intonation to maintain listener interest
Be an active participant
- Listen carefully to questions before responding
- Build upon the host's questions rather than pivoting to prepared talking points
- Ask clarifying questions if needed
Tell compelling stories
- Include personal anecdotes that relate to your main messages
- Structure stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Keep stories concise and relevant
- Rambling or giving overly long answers
- Checking your phone or multitasking during recording
- Being too promotional rather than providing value
- Failing to adapt to the conversational flow