How to Deliver a Professional Podcast Interview — 15 Essential Steps for Protecting Your Brand

Most executives think of presentations as something delivered in person—either in a meeting room or on a virtual platform.
But as podcasting explodes globally, more leaders in 日本企業 and 外資系企業 are being invited to share their expertise in long-form interviews that can reach tens of thousands of listeners.

These are not high-pressure “gotcha” media traps, but they are public presentations.
Your personal and professional brand is front and center, and the interview will live online forever.

So, how do you prepare and deliver a podcast appearance that elevates—rather than damages—your reputation?

Mini-Summary:
Podcasts are public presentations with global reach. Treat them as seriously as any keynote speech.

1. Who Is the Host and What’s Their Background?

You supply the intellectual property; they supply the platform.
Knowing their:

• Background

• Expertise

• Reputation

• Motivation for the show

…helps you tailor your message.

2. Are There One or Multiple Hosts?

More hosts = more personalities to engage with.
Research each one so you know the dynamics.

3. What Is the Style and Tone of the Show?

Listen to past episodes to understand:

• How they ask questions

• Whether they interrupt or let guests speak

• Whether the show is conversational, formal, or fast-paced

This helps you calibrate your delivery.

4. Is It Audio Only, or Video + Audio?

Your visual brand matters.
Even if the host dresses casually, you decide how your brand looks.

For example, my brand is:

• Suit

• Tie

• French cuff shirt

• Cufflinks

• Pocket chief

• Professional image

Whether casual or formal, your style must be consistent.

5. Will They Provide the Questions in Advance?

Some podcasters share the exact questions; others don’t.
If not, you can still predict their style from past episodes.

6. Where Will the Interview Be Published?

Confirm:

• Editing rights

• Distribution platform

• Global reach

• Repurposing rules

Your appearance might be heard by tens of thousands—prepare accordingly.

Mini-Summary:
Research, branding, and understanding the format are critical before the interview begins.

7. How Long Should Your Answers Be?

Traditional media training says: keep answers short.
Why?

Because unethical journalists may:

• Edit comments

• Rearrange segments

• Take words out of context

Podcasts are different.
Shows often run an hour or more, so you can speak longer if the content is:

• High-quality

• Clear

• Relevant

But long, rambling answers damage your brand.

8. Should You Pause Before Answering?

Absolutely.
Everything can be edited.
If you need a moment to think, pause.
If you don’t like your answer, say so and redo it.

Silence is not the enemy—bad answers are.

9. Can You Use Notes?

Avoid checking notes while on camera.
You’ll look unprepared and unprofessional.

If you must review notes, do it off-camera and ensure that segment will be edited out.

10. Where Should You Look During a Video Podcast?

Counterintuitive rule:

• Do NOT look at the camera

• Look at the host

• Only look at the camera when directly addressing the audience at the start or end

Switching your gaze back and forth appears nervous and breaks connection.

Mini-Summary:
During the interview: be thoughtful, be present, avoid rambling, and maintain professional eye-line discipline.

11. Should You Review the Recording?

Yes.
Request the full audio or video.
Check for:

• Clarity

• Accuracy

• Tone

• Brand alignment

Small fillers—“um,” “ah”—don’t matter; that’s natural speech.

If these bother you, take it as a cue to get presentation coaching.

12. When Will the Episode Air?

Podcasts often record weeks—or months—before release.
Ask for the approximate release date so you can synchronize your marketing.

13. How Can You Promote the Episode?

Ask for the official show link.
Then distribute it across:

• Social media

• Company website

• Email newsletter

• Internal communication channels

14. Can You Repurpose the Content?

If you run your own podcast, request the edited file and add your own introduction.
This allows you to leverage the interview for your own audience.

15. Should You Take Behind-the-Scenes Photos?

Yes.
A simple photo with the host becomes:

• Social media content

• A teaser for the episode

• A credibility marker

• A branding asset

Mini-Summary:
After the interview, review, promote, repurpose, and maximize visibility.

• Treat podcast interviews as high-stakes presentations with global reach.

• Research the host and format so you show up prepared and confident.

• Use longer answers only when they add value—never ramble.

• Control your visual brand in video podcasts.

• Review and promote the episode after recording to maximize impact.

• Podcasts are powerful tools for building your personal and professional brand—use them intentionally.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.