Becoming a great podcast host is something every podcaster aspires to. However, the sad truth is that not everyone gets to that level. There are quite a few elements necessary for someone to become great at hosting a podcast. So here are my top tips on how to become a great podcast host!
Tip 1: Prepare for every episode
There’s no getting around it. You need to do your homework if you want your audience to continue listening to your show. You don’t need to know your topic like the back of your hand, but it’s important to not sound like a blabbering idiot! You don’t want to lose face in front of your audience, so make sure you prepare for every episode and provide value to your listeners.
Tip 2: Let your content shine
You can be a great and highly personable host, however, if your content sucks, then people are going to catch on real quick. Now, you don’t need to deliver 100% original content, but you do need to stand out from the crowd, especially if you’ve got a ton of competition in your niche. Give people a reason to continue listening to your show – consistently deliver high-quality content on every episode you publish.
Tip 3: Sound confident and authentic
It’s a bit hard to portray yourself as an expert on your podcast when you’re clearly not. This is because people can easily pick up the uncertainty in your voice. This is why it’s important for you to pick a topic you know something about. If you’re making things up as you go along, people are going to call you out on it sooner or later. Podcasts allow people a more intimate look into who you are as a person, make sure you come across as someone they’d actually like.
Try to be as natural as possible. When you’re starting out, you may find it weird to find yourself talking to a microphone. You may be self-conscious, and your speech may sound stilted and forced. The end result is you’ll sound pretty much like a robot. If you want to avoid sounding like one, then it’s best to just act as natural as possible, like you’re having a conversation with your friends!
Tip 4: Build rapport and be courteous always
If you have guests over on your show, then you need to build rapport with them. You don’t want dead air on the show (though of course, you can edit it out later). If you don’t build any kind of rapport with your guests, your conversation or discussion is going to sound forced. Make your guests comfortable on your show. Don’t forget to thank them – and your listeners – for spending some time with you!
Another thing you can do to sound better on your podcast if you don’t have a guest is to talk like you’re speaking to only one person. If you’re recording your show all by yourself, then you can pretend that the microphone is your friend. Or you can put up an image of your audience persona right in front of you. You can prop up your phone, tablet or laptop and display a photo of your persona and pretend like you’re having a conversation with him or her!
Tip 5:Allow Spontaneity
Even if you’re following a script, you can still leave some room for spontaneity. You can insert some random ad-libs if they make sense. You can laugh at some funny parts. You can admonish yourself if you find yourself rambling on and on about nothing in particular. You can edit it, of course, but if it helps you sound more human, then I see no harm with leaving those spontaneous parts in!
You don’t need to sound so serious on your podcast. People can tell when you’re smiling and when you’re not. Put a mirror on your table and look at yourself when you speak into the microphone. If you catch yourself frowning, pause for a bit, and get that smile back in there!
