Anxiety is defined in Dictionary.com:
noun
, Plural anx·i·e·ties.
:distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune
When you put this into the context of a guest who is about to be interviewed for a podcast or radio & TV then it’s understandable.
The guest hasn’t been in the studio (online or physical) before.
The guest may not have met you before.
The guest is maybe more than a little aware that there’s an audience listening to/watching them.
Even if the guest has spoken to you and not a producer ahead of the recording, aspects 1 & 3 may still well apply.
Here’s the thing: I take medication for anxiety.
I completely understand (and live) the dictionary definition of anxiety.
I understand a guest is trying to read the situation or nervous about the questions.
(Even if they’ve seen them before - what else may come up?)
So…
Admittedly, you don’t want to make it all about you, do you?
But if a guest comes in, mind on what is about to happen - or what they imagine may or may not happen - it helps.
A little distraction goes a long way.
Asking them about their day and then piggy-backing off the back of that with a relatable anecdote is a positive distraction.
Or offering up something from your own day and bringing them in on that.
You’re leading the conversation. Your first role is to make the guest relaxed enough to open up to you.
And it’s just a nice thing to do isn’t it - reduce someone’s anxiety.
I’d love to know your thoughts, techniques, and experiences.
Al
CAVEAT
As ever, these are my own thoughts from my own experience over 25 years. I have my own methods and they work for me with my personality and style.
Oh, and remember…
Nobody Dies.
