Including an interview in your podcast is one way to make it more interesting to listen to, however, many podcasters will damage the reputation of their guest expert – and the effectiveness of their podcast – simply because they make common interview mistakes.

In this tip, you’ll learn why you should treat interviews over the phone with a guest different from conversations over the phone with your best friend.

Don’t include your own verbal affirmations. When we have conversations with someone over the phone, we usually say things to indicate we’re listening. Whether it’s “Yeah,” or “Uh-huh,” or some other verbal affirmation, resist the urge to do this while interviewing someone for your podcast.

By including your own verbal affirmations, you begin to dilute the message that your guest is trying to deliver. Listeners of your podcast will begin to focus on the number of times you say “Uh-huh,” instead of what the expert is trying to say.

Instead, just be quiet. Don’t say a word. Before you turn on the recording tool, let your guest know that you’re listening to every word they’re saying. When there is dead air, don't fill it with a verbal affirmation. Instead, count to 3 and if your guest hasn't started talking again, move on to your next question. It's easier to edit dead air out of your podcast than it is to edit verbal affirmations.

(c) 2006 Leesa Barnes. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.