Mastering the Art of Interviewing: Techniques for Engaging Conversations
Every strong podcast has something in common: conversations that feel alive. Interviews aren’t about rattling through a list of questions - they’re about creating space for your guest to shine and for your audience to connect. In this episode, Ed Barker shares the tools and habits that turn forgettable Q&As into interviews listeners remember. Listen below or subscribe on all podcast platforms.
Preparation Beyond the Bio
The work you do before you ever hit record sets the stage for everything that follows. Preparation isn’t about scripting - it’s about giving yourself a framework so you can be fully present in the moment.
Research deeply – Look past the stock bio and pull in material from past interviews, articles, or talks. This helps you avoid stale, rehearsed answers and uncover the angles that haven’t been explored.
Shape a loose story arc – Instead of drafting 20 rigid questions, think of the interview as a narrative journey: where do you want to start, and where should you end? A light structure helps you navigate while leaving room for spontaneity.
Set expectations with your guest – Share broad themes and the format ahead of time. The goal isn’t to rehearse answers but to create trust so the guest feels prepared and confident.
Use a pre-call to build rapport – A short chat beforehand lowers the barrier when the mic is finally on. It turns the interview into a continuation of an existing conversation rather than a cold start.
Technical Setup That Works
Even the best conversation can be derailed by bad audio. Technical prep isn’t glamorous, but it’s what ensures your listeners stay focused on the words, not the static.
Encourage a mic upgrade – Even a simple USB mic in the $50–$70 range is transformative compared to laptop mics. Listeners may forgive content gaps, but not muddy, distracting sound.
Run a tech check – Spend two minutes testing connections, volume levels, and backgrounds. It saves hours of frustration later.
Use reliable recording platforms – Tools like Riverside or SquadCast give you separate audio tracks and reduce dropouts, which makes post-production smoother.
Always capture a backup – If you are not using Riverside (which captures a backup), have your producer run a parallel recording. It’s the safety net you hope you’ll never need.
Setting the Tone On-Air
Your opening minutes define the energy of the entire episode. A guest who feels rushed or stiff at the start will rarely loosen up later.
Begin with human questions – A simple “Where are you calling from?” can be enough to break the ice. It warms up their voice and sets a conversational tone.
Ask open-ended questions – Instead of “Did you enjoy writing your book?” try “What part of the process surprised you most?” Openers like this invite stories, not one-word answers.
Listen actively – Don’t just think about your next question. Pay attention to what’s actually being said. Sometimes the best moments come from catching an offhand comment and digging deeper.
Follow tangents wisely – If your guest lights up on a topic you hadn’t planned, let them run with it. These unscripted turns often create the most memorable moments.
Creating Comfortable Space
A great interview isn’t a quick-fire Q&A - it’s a safe environment where your guest feels free to share something real. That comfort is what transforms a competent episode into a compelling one.
Let silences breathe – Pauses may feel awkward to you as host, but they often give guests space to gather thoughts and go deeper. Resist the urge to fill every gap.
Ask clarifying prompts – Questions like “What did you mean by that?” or “Can you give an example?” help push past surface-level answers into richer territory.
Encourage stories – Audiences remember anecdotes, not bullet points. Whenever possible, guide guests toward sharing concrete examples.
Reinforce with positive cues – Simple acknowledgments like “That’s a really interesting way of looking at it” keep the energy flowing and encourage guests to expand further.
Guiding With Confidence
The best hosts know when to let the conversation breathe and when to step in. It’s a balancing act - too much structure feels rigid, too little drifts aimlessly.
Manage time and pacing – Keep an eye on the clock and gently nudge if the conversation lingers too long in one place. Listeners will thank you for it.
Redirect without shutting down – If a tangent isn’t serving the episode, use phrases like “That’s fascinating - let’s connect it back to…” to bring things on track.
Use interjections to maintain energy – Light verbal nods, laughter, or short affirmations make the conversation feel more dynamic without breaking flow.
Stay audience-first – Always ask yourself: Does this serve the listener? That lens will help you decide what to pursue and what to leave behind.
Why It Matters
At the heart of every great interview is one goal: make your guest sound like their best self. Preparation, listening, and guidance aren’t about controlling the conversation - they’re about creating conditions for something authentic to happen. When your guest feels heard, your audience feels it too - and that’s what makes an episode worth sharing.
