You have been booked on an industry-related podcast – that’s great. While you may think your role is pretty simple – answer the call and respond to questions – there may be a bit more involved. In fact, you are going to need a few pieces of equipment to ensure the interview is successful and that the sound is good.
The good news is, being interviewed remotely is easier today than it has ever been in the past. You don’t need a ton of expensive items – in fact, you likely have most of what you need already. If you are going to be a guest on a podcast and the interview is being done remotely, make sure you have the following items on hand and ready to go at the time of the interview.
A Computer
Duh. You can use a laptop or desktop and a PC or Mac. The key is to have a working and reliable computer for the interview. Due to shoddy audio quality, few podcast interviews are done via phone anymore; however, this may be an option if you don’t have access to a computer.
A Reliable Internet Connection
Today, many podcast hosts interview individuals via programs such as Skype or GoToMeeting. There are several options out there, so make sure you know what method the host is going to use ahead of time so you can download the program on your computer. These programs are free, so it doesn’t cost you anything.
A Microphone
For the best sound quality possible, it is a good idea to have a microphone. There are simple, USB (plug and play) options available. In most cases, it is not a good idea to rely on the computer microphone for picking up what you are saying. At the least, use headphones that have a built-in microphone.
Headphones
If you are going to be answering questions on the computer, it is not a good idea to simply use the computer speakers. Not only is it going to be difficult for you to hear the interviewer, but the speakers may also pick up background sounds that will make it difficult for the person interviewing you to hear your answers. With quality headphones, this won’t be an issue.
As the guest of a podcast, the items listed above are all you really need to give a great interview. It is a good idea to have the interviewer contact you ahead of time to test the sound on both ends. That way if there are any issues, there will be time for you to fix them before the interview begins.
