Some things are better left unsaid if the host doesn’t know how to engage with their guests.

In the past, during my work at The Marketing Family and after the agency, I have had the opportunity to work on several podcasts. After editing more than 50 episodes, and listening to 500 more, here are the main turnoffs for listeners:

💡 Interrupting the guests: That’s the biggest No-No.

Don’t talk over them unless you’re saving them from embarrassment.

They are the stars for this 1 hour.

And if you feel like you need to add to or oppose their opinion, pick your moments. Here are some tips that you need to remember:

• When someone else is speaking, practice active listening. Give them your full attention, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting. By doing so, you create a respectful and supportive environment
• Consider the setting. Is it a formal presentation, a casual conversation, or a group discussion? Adjust your behavior accordingly.
• Be empathetic. Understand that everyone has their unique perspective and experiences. If someone is sharing a personal story or expressing vulnerability, be especially cautious about interrupting.
• Pay attention to nonverbal cues. Sometimes people hesitate or pause before continuing their thought. If you notice this, it might be an appropriate time to contribute or ask a question.

💡 Prolonging your question.

For inexperienced hosts, this is a common hurdle.

You over-explain your question, giving your guest directions for the kind of answer you’re expecting. We get it – you want to make their lives easier.

But if you don’t do it, this will 1) give you an opportunity to create better snippets for social media, and more importantly 2) give the speaker the freedom to roam through your question.

If they’re confused, they’ll ask for clarification.

Then you can guide them.

But let the initial shock of the question bring out the rawest answer your guest can think of.

Remember the following:

• Simplify, Don’t Over-Script:
  As a host, avoid over-explaining your questions. Trust that your guests can understand and respond without excessive guidance. By keeping it concise, you allow for more authentic interactions.
• Social Media Gold:
  When you refrain from over-explaining, you create soundbites that resonate on social media. These succinct moments capture attention and encourage engagement.
• Speaker Autonomy:
  By not preloading your questions, you grant speakers the freedom to explore their thoughts. They can delve into unexpected territories, leading to richer discussions.

💡 Not sharing your 2 cents.

As I mentioned, there’s a time and place for each of your sentences. To lead a podcast episode properly, consider it as a regular conversation with a person you don’t know. Because it is. Don’t be afraid to take a minute or two to explain your thoughts on a certain statement or issue. Just don’t steal the spotlight. Put the focus back on the guest by continuing with your questions.

These are the 3 of the biggest turnoffs for listeners. We encourage our clients (hosts) to keep a list of DOs and DONTs near them.