As a podcast host, I’ve interviewed more than 40 startup founders and/or innovators in Europe. One of the biggest worries for any podcast guest is whether listeners will think they are not interesting. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, here are a few things you can do to leave a favorable impression on listeners. Let's dive into a few of them.
Tell a funny and embarrassing story
One way to make sure you are not a boring podcast guest is to tell funny and embarrassing stories. This will not only make you more memorable, but it will also make the interview more enjoyable for listeners. But, be careful not to overdo it and turn the interview into a comedy show. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to one funny story per interview.
An example of a funny story could be:
- a funny thing you did to earn or save money
- a time you got in trouble with your parents as a kid
- share a moment where you had to balance competing priorities and can laugh about it
See this funny clip when startup founder Ieva Vaitkevičiūtė, tells how she wanted to be a hairdresser when she was a kid.
Share struggles you had to overcome
Another way to make sure you are not a boring podcast guest is to be vulnerable. This doesn’t mean you should share your deepest darkest secrets. But, it does mean that you should be open and honest about the challenges you faced launching your startup. Being vulnerable will help listeners feel connected to you and it will also make the interview more interesting. When sharing your struggles, be sure to focus on the lessons you learned and how you overcame the challenge. This will leave listeners feeling motivated and inspired.
Answer quirky questions that reveal your personality
Some podcast hosts ask their guests quirky questions to help listeners get to know them better. This is your opportunity to reveal fun things about your personality that will make you more likable and relatable. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity by being genuine and funny about the answers you give.
Some examples of quirky questions that host Eric Melchor asks his guests are:
-What's a silly reason they once cried?
-What's the most death-defying act they've ever done?
-What is their favorite song?
-What attractive celebrity would they set their phone's wallpaper to?
See this funny clip where Pija Indriunaite had to fill-in-the blank to the question "Lithuania's social elite are paying thousands of dollars just to experience Pia's __________.
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to not being a boring podcast guest! Remember to be yourself, have fun, and don't be too serious. If you're a startup founder and want to be on a podcast, check out this list of the Top European Startup Podcast.
