Guests do not say yes to a podcast. They say yes to a person who has told them clearly why they in particular are being invited. The invitation also affects how the guest will feel during the recording and whether they will share the episode later. Here is how to prepare it all.
How to write the invitation
- Say in the first sentence why you are inviting them: a specific topic, article or idea that caught your interest.
- What the show is and who it is for, in one sentence.
- How long the recording will take and where it will happen. If you are filming in a studio, include the address and parking details.
- Two or three possible dates, to avoid a long back-and-forth.
- What the guest will get: a link to the episode and short videos of them making their points.
How to prepare the questions
- Start with topics, not a list of questions. Three or four topics leave room for conversation.
- Ask open questions: "how", "why", "what happened". A question that can be answered "yes" or "no" usually is.
- Have follow-up questions ready: the most interesting part often starts after "and what happened next?".
- Keep one question the guest will not expect but will be glad to answer.
What to send the guest in advance
Send the topics and the first question, but not the whole list. The guest can prepare, and the answers will not sound rehearsed. If you are filming in a studio, tell them what to wear: solid colours look best on camera. There is more on this in our guide to preparing for a shoot.
During the recording
- Listen instead of waiting for your turn to ask. The best questions grow out of the answers.
- Start with an easy topic: the first few minutes are often tense.
- If the guest drifts off topic, bring them back gently: "Let's get back to...".
- At the end, ask whether there is anything you did not ask but should have.
After the recording
- Say thank you the same day.
- Once the episode is published, send the link and a couple of short videos the guest can post themselves.
- Tag the guest in your posts: their audience is where your new listeners come from.
Frequently asked
How do I invite a well-known person onto my podcast?
Keep it short and specific: why them, what you will talk about, how long it will take and what they will get. Suggest a few dates.
Should I send the questions to my guest in advance?
The topics and the first question, yes. The full list, no. That way the guest can prepare and the answers still sound natural.
How many questions should I prepare for an hour-long conversation?
For three or four topics, 10-15 questions is enough. You will probably not need some of them, because the conversation will go its own way.