What makes a good podcast

• Define the audience and their level of knowledge
• Tell a story: something unique, relevant for the audience, with a human interest - anchor the story (big story running in the media, or bring in a well-known person)
• Keep the podcast short (about 5 min), 45 sec reply (= uninterrupted attention span)
• A podcast is a conversation, not a lecture

Tips for the interviewer

• Think of questions the audience would want to ask
• Discuss and loosely structure the interview with the interviewee
• Ask question in an informal way; don't read from your notes; don't ask two questions in one
• Try to have a conversation of equals; don't say 'it's great'
• You are the first audience; if you don't understand something, ask your interviewee at once

Tips for the interviewee

A few hints and tips, based on our experience from previous podcasts

Focus on your audience

• We are talking to the general public: pitch your replies at the right level.
• Use non-academic language, avoid acronyms.
• Prepare examples and analogies; mention only killer facts and figures.

Tell a story

• Focus on what is unique and relevant for the audience, with a human interest
• If possible, anchor the story (e.g. mention a big story running in the media, or a well-known person).
• Tell your audience something that interests them, and then move on to more general information.

Language

• Avoid starting replies with 'So'.
• Avoid 'as I've just said': it's a bit patronising: were you listening? And what you've 'just said' might eventually be cut out or moved at the editing stage.

General

• This podcast is a conversation, not a lecture.
• Keep your answers short (45 sec to 1 min).
• Show enthusiasm and warmth.
• Ignore the camera, keep looking at the interviewer.
• At the end of the interview, keep eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds.