How to prepare for a podcast interview
When being interviewed on a podcast, you should keep a few key things in mind to communicate effectively and represent your work and NCAS well.
The NCAS Communications Team offers staff a range of services and support related to social media and media relations. We can offer opportunities to be part of NCAS podcasts, help with building relationships with podcasters, by tracking trends and topics, offering advice ahead of interviews, and promoting podcasts you have been a part of.
If you receive a podcast interview request, please contact the NCAS Communications Team for advice and advertising via their shared email comms@ncas.ac.uk. Once you have passed on the information, the Communications team will get in touch to offer the most appropriate support. You can expect to be contacted by:
Harriett Richardson (Communications Manager)
Ilze Millere (Digital Communications Coordinator)
Know your audience
- Assume listeners may not be experts in your field.
- Use plain language and minimise jargon.
- Explain technical terms when they are necessary.
Prepare your key messages
- Identify 2 to 4 main points you want listeners to remember.
- Develop simple examples or stories that illustrate those points.
Be accurate but accessible
- Avoid oversimplifying to the point of being misleading.
- Clearly distinguish between established findings, interpretations, and speculation.
Stay concise
- Podcast conversations can wander, but concise answers are often more engaging.
- Pause occasionally to let the host ask follow-up questions.
Use storytelling
- Share what motivated the research, challenges you faced, or surprising discoveries.
- Stories help audiences connect with the science.
Handle uncertainty honestly
- Science often involves uncertainty and ongoing investigation.
- It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “We don’t know yet” or “The evidence is still developing.”
Be mindful of controversial topics
- Stick to evidence.
- Avoid overstating conclusions or commenting outside your expertise.
Practice speaking naturally
- Podcasts are conversational, not conference presentations.
- Speak as if you’re talking to an interested colleague or friend.
Pay attention to audio quality
- Use a good microphone if possible.
- Record in a quiet space and eliminate distractions.
Engage with the host
- Listen carefully to questions.
- Be flexible and responsive rather than reciting prepared answers.
Top tip
If a curious non-scientist can understand your explanation and accurately repeat it afterwards, you’ve probably communicated well.