You're listening to Podcasting Made Simple.

Hey there, I'm Jen Furlong, host of the Communication 24-7 podcast where we communicate about how we

communicate. And today, I'd like to communicate about interviews. Now, as a communication

of media specialist, I research communication skills. It's the heart of what I do.

And as a podcaster, I know just how important it is to be able to have a successful interview.

But how do the pros do it? Well, it all starts with having a good conversation. And if you're like me,

you love a robust conversation.

And it turns out that podcast listeners are no different.

As a matter of fact, the research shows that out of the top 10 most popular podcasts,

eight of them are conversational.

So even when the hosts bring in a guest to interview, the most successful ones, they're able to make it sound like a good conversation.

It's not an inquisition.

They allow the conversation to unfold organically.

But what's the skill set in order to make this happen?

Well, if you're to ask their guests, they usually describe their

interviewers as people who are really good at listening, they're relatable, and they don't mind

asking the tough questions, but they remain respectful throughout the interview. The pros do make it

look easy, but there's a lot of preparation that goes into it.

Interviewing is a skill just like any other skill.

So to take it from an interview to a robust conversation, you have to allow a synergy

to be created.

And that's where the listening skills come in.

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