How to Handle Difficult Guests on Your Podcast

So, you’ve finally landed a difficult guest on your podcast and you are excited to get started! You’ve prepared your questions, done your research, and mentally rehearsed the interview in your head. But when the guest arrives, things don’t go as planned. They may be hostile, uncooperative, or simply refuse to answer your questions. It’s frustrating, but don’t panic! Here are some tips to help you handle difficult guests on your podcast.

Stay Calm and Professional

When things start to go sideways, it’s easy to get flustered and lose your cool. This is the last thing you want to do. Remember, you are a professional and your reputation is on the line. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and keep your professionalism at all times. Even if the guest is being difficult, you still need to maintain a level of respect and professionalism. This will create a positive impression of you and your podcast.

Be Prepared and Flexible

One of the best ways to handle difficult guests is to be prepared and flexible. Make sure you have done your research and know everything you can about the guest. This will make the interview run smoother. However, if the guest throws you a curveball, be flexible. Change your questions or direction on the fly, to keep the interview moving forward. Being prepared and flexible will help you to adapt to any situation and create a positive outcome.

Don’t Argue with Your Guest

It’s important to remember that your guest is entitled to their opinion, even if it differs from yours. Don’t argue with the guest or try to force them to see things your way. This will only create a tense environment and could ruin the interview. Instead, listen to what they have to say, and try to understand their viewpoint. If you disagree with the guest, politely state your opinion without being confrontational.

Wrap Up the Interview Professionally

Regardless of how the interview went, it’s important to wrap it up professionally. Thank the guest for their time, and acknowledge any positive insights or contributions they made. Even if the guest was difficult, ending the interview on a positive note will help maintain a positive relationship between you and the guest. Remember, you never know when you might need to interview them again in the future, or they may know someone who would be a great guest on your podcast.

Conclusion

Interviewing difficult guests is a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to showcase your interviewing skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Remember to stay calm, be prepared and flexible, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. While you may not be able to control the behavior of your guest, you can control your response to it. Good luck and happy interviewing!