By Brenda Dempsey
How to Be a Stellar Podcast Guest: 5 Tips for Authors
As an author, your book isn’t just your message—it’s your platform. Podcasts are one of the most powerful ways to amplify that platform, sharing your expertise, your story, and your personality with audiences worldwide. But being a great podcast guest isn’t as simple as showing up and talking. It’s about crafting a memorable, engaging, and impactful presence with hosts inviting you back—and other podcasters queuing up to book you.
Here are five tips to help authors nail their podcast appearances, communicate effectively, and make a lasting impression.
- Know Your Core Message
Before you step behind the mic, ask yourself:
- What do I want the audience to take away from this?
- How does my book tie into their interests?
Your book is undoubtedly a key talking point, but it’s not just about selling—it’s about serving the audience. Think of three to five core messages or takeaways you want to weave into your answers. Whether it’s actionable tips, inspiring stories, or expert advice, ensure your content resonates with the podcast’s theme and audience.
Pro Tip: Craft a succinct, compelling way to describe your book and expertise. For example, “My book, Mastering the Wolf, is about using courage and self-awareness to overcome life’s challenges—something I learned firsthand during my own journey.” This type of response introduces your book while tying it into a broader narrative.
- Tailor Your Approach to the Podcast
Every podcast is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Take the time to research the show:
- Listen to a few episodes to understand the tone and format.
- Familiarize yourself with the host’s style—are they conversational, formal, or quirky?
- Note the typical length of answers and adjust your style accordingly.
If the podcast is aimed at business professionals, focus on actionable insights and strategies. If it’s storytelling-driven, highlight personal anecdotes and lessons from your book.
Pro Tip: When the host asks, “Do you have any questions before we begin?”—always say yes. Use this opportunity to clarify the vibe they’re aiming for and align your answers accordingly.
- Master the Art of Answering Questions
Podcasts are conversations, not lectures. The way you answer questions can make or break the interview. Here’s how to master the art:
- Start Strong: Open with a clear, engaging response that hooks the audience.
- Be Concise: Rambling is the enemy of effective communication. Aim for answers that are thorough but to the point.
- Create Curiosity: Share just enough detail to intrigue the audience, prompting them to explore your book for more insights.
- Invite Interaction: End answers with statements that encourage follow-up questions or discussion. For example, “That experience taught me so much about resilience—I’d be happy to dive into that further if you’re interested.”
Pro Tip: Avoid turning every answer into a sales pitch. Focus on providing value; the audience will naturally want to learn more about you and your book.
- Engage with Energy and Authenticity
Podcasts are intimate mediums where listeners feel like they’re chatting one-on-one with you. To connect with them, bring energy and authenticity to the conversation.
- Energy: Speak with enthusiasm and warmth, even if you’re nervous or it’s your fifth interview of the day. Smile while you talk—it comes through in your voice.
- Authenticity: Be yourself. Share stories, insights, and even struggles in a way that feels real and relatable. Listeners can sense when someone is genuine; that connection makes them more likely to trust and remember you.
Pro Tip: Practice answering common questions about your book and journey, but don’t over-rehearse. Leave room for spontaneity—it’s often where the magic happens.
- End with Impact
How you end an interview is just as important as how you start. Use the closing moments to:
- Reiterate your core message in a succinct way.
- Invite the audience to connect with you further (e.g., “You can find my book Mastering the Wolf on Amazon or learn more about my work at [website].”).
- Thank the host genuinely and express interest in staying connected.
But don’t just stop there. Post-interview, follow up with a thank-you email to the host, mentioning a specific moment you enjoyed. Share the episode widely when released—this helps the podcast grow and makes hosts more likely to recommend you to others.
Pro Tip: Have a “Call to Action” prepared. Whether it’s directing listeners to download a free resource, follow you on social media, or sign up for your newsletter, make it easy for them to take the next step.
Bonus: Questions Authors Should Prepare For
To ensure you’re ready for any podcast, prepare thoughtful responses to these common questions:
- What inspired you to write your book?
- Who is your book for, and how will it help them?
- What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing your book?
- What’s one surprising insight or takeaway from your book?
- Based on your book’s message, what advice do you have for [the podcast’s audience]?
Craft specific, memorable answers and tie them back to your book without being overly promotional.
The Bottom Line
Being a great podcast guest isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up. With preparation, energy, and authenticity, you can turn a podcast appearance into a powerful opportunity to connect with new audiences, showcase your expertise, and sell more books.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab the mic, share your brilliance, and let the invitations to other podcasts come flying in. The world is waiting to hear your story—and you’ve got precisely what it takes to leave a lasting impression.
And remember: You drive, we navigate, and together, we accelerate your success—one podcast at a time. 🎙✨