How To Speak On a Podcast

Introduction.

Starting a podcast or getting invited to speak on one can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Podcasts offer a way to connect with people who share your interests, tell your story, or showcase your expertise—but if speaking on a podcast is new to you, it’s natural to wonder how to sound both engaging and professional.

Let’s dig into the essentials of speaking on a podcast, from preparing for your debut to refining your delivery, handling unexpected questions, and leaving listeners wanting more.

Getting Started: The Basics of Podcast Speaking

Whether you’re the host or a guest, the art of speaking on a podcast involves knowing your audience, managing your tone, and keeping your message clear and memorable. Here are a few initial tips:

Know your purpose: Ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Are you sharing expertise, building brand awareness, or telling a personal story? This will shape your entire approach.
Understand your audience: Research the podcast’s listener base. If you’re guesting on a business podcast, the tone and content will differ greatly from a casual, storytelling show. The more you know about the audience, the more relatable and effective you’ll be.
Practice, but don’t over-script: While it’s good to have notes or talking points, reading word-for-word can make your delivery sound robotic. Try rehearsing key points so that your delivery sounds natural but well-prepared.

Setting Up: Technical Aspects to Nail

Sound quality matters more than you might think. Poor audio can be distracting for listeners, so pay attention to these technical tips:

Microphone: Invest in a decent microphone. You don’t need to spend hundreds, but something as basic as a USB microphone can improve sound quality drastically compared to your laptop mic.
Environment: Record in a quiet space. Even simple measures, like closing windows and turning off fans, can reduce background noise. A soft room with minimal echo (like one with carpets or curtains) will also help.
Headphones: Wearing headphones while recording can prevent feedback and allow you to monitor how you sound.

Delivering Your Message: Tips for Effective Podcast Speaking

Let’s get to the heart of speaking effectively on a podcast. Below are some key techniques to keep in mind:

Be Authentic: Listeners appreciate sincerity. Rather than trying to sound perfect, focus on being genuine. People tune in to connect with real voices.
Use Conversational Language: A podcast is like a conversation with friends—make it sound like one. Avoid overly complex terms unless necessary, and aim to explain concepts simply and clearly.
Keep Your Pacing Steady: Nervousness can make you talk too fast or ramble. Aim for a steady pace, pausing occasionally to let key points sink in. Practicing beforehand can help you stay mindful of your rhythm.
Engage with Stories and Examples: Facts and stats are useful, but stories stick with people. Relating your message through personal stories, examples, or analogies makes it easier for listeners to connect with what you’re saying.
Mind Your Tone: Tone is everything in audio. Avoid sounding overly rehearsed or monotone by varying your pitch and adding emotion where it feels natural.

Handling Common Podcast Challenges

Here are some common issues that might arise and how to handle them with ease:

Going Off-Topic: It’s easy to veer off course, especially if you’re passionate about a subject. Keep notes handy with your main points and gently steer yourself back if you drift.
Handling Interruptions: Sometimes, a co-host or interviewer might interject. Pause briefly before responding and acknowledge their input, then continue your point.
Unexpected Questions: It’s normal to get questions you didn’t prepare for. Take a breath, give yourself a moment to gather your thoughts, and answer as best as you can. It’s fine to say, “That’s a great question; let me think on that for a second.”
Filler Words: Filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “you know” are natural, but too many can be distracting. Practice speaking slowly to help reduce them.

Pros and Cons of Speaking on a Podcast

Pros:

Builds Credibility: Speaking on a podcast establishes you as an authority or thought leader in your niche.
Connects with a Wider Audience: Podcasts reach people globally, giving you a chance to share your voice and insights with a larger audience.
Promotes Your Brand: Whether personal or professional, speaking on a podcast can help you gain followers, clients, or supporters.
Increases Your Network: Podcasters and listeners often reach out, creating opportunities for new relationships and collaborations.

Cons:

Time-Consuming: Preparing, recording, and sometimes editing can be time-intensive.
Performance Pressure: Speaking publicly, even on a recorded podcast, can be stressful and requires practice.
Tech Issues: Sound quality problems or technical hiccups can interfere, especially if you’re recording remotely.

FAQ

Q: Do I need professional training to sound good on a podcast?

A: Not necessarily! While some training can help, practising speaking, listening to yourself, and learning from feedback is often enough to improve naturally.

Q: How can I stop myself from saying “um” and “like” too much?

A: Slow down your pace. A lot of filler words come from rushing. Practice pausing instead of filling space with “um” and allow yourself a beat to think.

Q: How long should I speak on each topic?

A: A good rule of thumb is to keep each point concise, ideally under two minutes, especially if you’re not the only person speaking. This keeps the conversation lively and engaging.

Q: Is it necessary to rehearse every word?

A: No, but it’s wise to rehearse key points and opening lines. Over-rehearsing can lead to a script-like delivery, so aim to sound prepared but conversational.

Q: What’s the best way to end a podcast episode?

A: Wrap up by summarizing key points, thanking listeners, and giving a call to action, like visiting a website, following on social media, or tuning in to future episodes.

Conclusion

Podcasting is a fantastic way to share your voice, expertise, and stories. While it takes practice to refine your speaking style, it’s also an opportunity to grow your audience and establish your voice authentically.

If you could host your dream podcast episode, who would be your ideal guest, and what would you want to ask them?