Be a Guest on Podcasts to Help Build Your Speaking Career.

Welcome to QuickBites—public speaking tips and techniques you can digest in five minutes or less.

It’s simple: the more you speak, the more you’ll speak. And a way to speak more is to be a guest on podcasts. You might be thinking that’s a fantastic idea—but before you start lining up shows, please realize there’s more to appearing on a podcast than showing up and answering questions. Here are several things you want to do.

One: Preparation

Be sure to prepare for each episode. This includes completing and submitting the pre-show questionnaire the host might have for you. This questionnaire not only gives the host the information they need to prepare for the show—it also helps you think through what you’re going to say.

Another thing you want to do when prepping is listen to at least two full episodes of their podcast. This gives you an idea of the feel of the episodes. If the host is upbeat, you want to be upbeat. If the host is more laid back—something like an NPR episode—then you want to be a little more laid back too.

When you’re listening, also look for any consistent segments—such as the host saying at the very beginning, “Tell us about yourself,” or at the end, “Where can my listeners connect with you?” Be sure you have this information ready to go.

Two: Don’t Leave Things to Memory

Know the stories you might want to tell to make a point, and have lists for the points you want to make. You might be able to do these off the top of your head—but when your mind is going a mile a minute, you can easily forget something you wanted to include. On my studio walls, I have at least one story for each topic I talk about—just bullets to remind me. I also have bullets with answers to the most commonly asked questions I get. For instance, a host might ask, “What are the three most important things someone who’s nervous about public speaking should remember?”

I also keep on my wall the answers to questions hosts ask near the end—such as, “What’s one final tip you can offer my listeners?” Don’t let that simply be another tip. Make it a powerful one.

Three: Have a Good Audio and Video Setup

Quality matters—especially the audio. Don’t rely on your computer’s built-in mic; it’s not very good. If you’re going to do this a lot, invest in a decent mic—you can get one for about $100. For video, if your laptop or desktop has a great high-resolution camera, that might be okay. If not, buy an external camera. Remember, this affects your reputation, the host’s reputation, and the listener’s experience.

Four: Use the Host’s Name

Use the host’s name frequently—but don’t overdo it. Include it as if you’re speaking to a close friend. It helps the conversation sound more natural, as if listeners are tuning in to two friends who genuinely know each other.

Five: Have One Specific Call to Action

When the host asks where listeners can connect with you, resist the urge to list everything—your book, your website, your LinkedIn. Have one: the single most strategically important destination. Send people there and only there.

And one more thing: if you want to be a frequent guest on relevant shows, try Podmatch. It’s awesome—you’ll find a link to it in the show notes.

Thank you for devouring another episode of QuickBites. Are you ready to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then visit petergeorgepublicspeaking.com and let’s make it happen. I’ll see you next time.