Hello, friends! Rob here. Since I started podcasting in 2013, I’ve hosted and been a part of nearly 1,000 podcast episodes. I’ve seen a multitude of hosting styles and further, I’ve seen what’s effective and what’s not. Here are four quick tips to help you become a better podcast host!

Tip 1: Be Authentic

Have you ever met someone who has a complete personality change when the microphone goes on? Don’t be that guy!

One of the most important qualities of a great podcast host is authenticity. Your audience wants to feel like they are having a conversation with a real person, not a scripted robot. When you are authentic, you build trust with your audience, which leads to increased engagement and loyalty.

To be authentic, try to speak in a conversational tone and be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not, and don't be afraid to show your personality. Share personal stories and experiences to connect with your listeners and make them feel like they are part of the conversation.

Tip 2: Prepare, but don't over-prepare

No one wants to listen to a pre-scripted show where everyone’s lines are determined beforehand. It’ll be boring and people will turn it off.

While authenticity is key, preparation is also crucial. You want to be well-prepared for your podcast episodes, but you don't want to over-prepare and come across as stiff or rehearsed.

To prepare for your podcast episodes, create a rough outline of the topics you want to cover and any questions you want to ask your guests. Research your guests and their backgrounds so you can ask informed questions that will lead to interesting conversations.

Think bullet-points!

However, don't write out every word you plan to say. Instead, use your outline as a guide and allow for flexibility in your conversations. The best podcasts are the ones that feel natural and flow smoothly, so be open to going off-script and following the conversation wherever it leads.

Tip 3: Be a Good Listener

If you are hosting a show with guests and co-hosts, note that the show is not about you. I’ve seen countless shows where the host tries to take over and “big-time” their guest. Please don’t do that.

Being a good podcast host isn't just about talking; it's also about listening. When you are interviewing guests, it's important to actively listen to what they are saying and respond thoughtfully.

Make eye contact with your guests and give them your full attention. Don't interrupt them or try to steer the conversation in a different direction. Instead, let them speak and ask follow-up questions to show that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say.

If you are doing a solo podcast, it's still important to be a good listener. Pay attention to your audience's feedback and respond to their questions and comments. Encourage your listeners to share their thoughts and experiences with you, and show them that you value their input.

Tip 4: Embrace Feedback

Finally, to become a better podcast host, you need to be willing to embrace feedback. Your audience is your best source of feedback, so listen to their comments and take them to heart.

Everytime I do a show, I ask my production team for feedback on how I did, what I could’ve done better, and anything I missed. Why? Because I am not perfect and I want to keep getting better. It’s important to be able to separate the constructive feedback from the deconstructive feedback. Don’t listen to people on YouTube who are nameless and faceless and just looking to be mean.

Ask your listeners for feedback on your podcast, either through social media or email. Take their feedback seriously and use it to improve your podcast. If you receive negative feedback, don't take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

You can also ask for feedback from other podcast hosts or industry professionals. Join podcasting communities and attend events to meet other hosts and learn from their experiences. Take courses or attend workshops to improve your skills and gain new insights.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a great podcast host takes time and effort, but with these four quick tips, you can take your podcast to the next level. Remember to be authentic, prepare but don't over-prepare, be a good listener, and embrace feedback. With these tips in mind, you can create a podcast that engages your audience, builds trust, and leaves a lasting impression. So go ahead and start your podcast today, and let these tips guide you on your journey to becoming a better host.

Have questions? We’re always on standby for you!

Speakeasy Podcast Network is a division of Wayne Media Group and is headquartered in Brighton, Michigan. Speakeasy is the nation’s first creative studio that features podcast production as a core service. For more information, visit WayneMedia.com or SpeakeasyNetwork.com; one of the benefits of working with Wayne Media is that none of their services are outsourced as they operate 100% in-house. Happy podcasting!