I’m often asked by guests, “What do I need?” and “What do I need to do?” so I put together this text to help guests prepare for an appearance on my show. It’s helpful tips for getting ready to Be My Guest! I hope this helps you for not only being my guest, but being a guest on any video podcast!
What you will need:
You will need a web camera or your phone. Here are some tips to use either;
If you are using a laptop or computer with a web camera, you are set, just make sure you have good lighting and your web camera is set to the highest setting it will output, usually 1080p or up to 4K.
If you have an external microphone use it for the best audio. However, your onboard mic will suffice. Make sure your computer is fully charged or on external power.
If you are using a phone you will need a way to mount it and turn it sideways so it transmits a wide screen image. Avoid vertical video whenever possible.
Phone audio is fine, but if you have an external mic use it for the best audio. Make sure your phone is fully charged or on external power. Blue-tooth lavalier mics work best, but almost any microphone will suffice. In some cases your phones built in mic can be better, so do what you think sounds best.
Headphones can be used for you to hear better, if you think you need them, wear them! Blue-tooth or wired ear buds work too.
If either is connected to WiFi check if you have bandwidth for streaming, however we will take whatever your device and internet can send. We use Zoom and zoom will usually automatically set itself for the best signal possible.
The above applies to tablets as well.
Your environment:
Try to select a quiet room where you will not be disturbed. If you are concerned about your background you can use a function within Zoom that allows you to blur your background.
To blur your background on Zoom, you can do the following:
Before a meeting, Sign in to Zoom link
Click your profile picture
Select Settings
Select Backgrounds & Filters
Click Blur
During a meeting
Tap the screen to open the meeting controls
Tap the More icon
Tap Backgrounds & Effects
Select Blur
You may also find this under “Video” at the bottom of your screen.
If you don't see the option to blur your background, your computer's processor might not meet Zoom's system requirements. Blurring your background can help you look more professional, protect your privacy, and hide sensitive information in the background.
We recommend you do not use a green screen or a photo as a background because this can make you flash or appear to disappear behind the background image.
To avoid any of these steps, simply choose a room where you do not mind anything that may be in the background, such as a book self or blank wall. Make sure you are well lit with good lighting on yourself and avoid being a silhouette in front of a window or bright background.
Select a chair that is comfortable, most interviews will last up to an hour or more. Have water or a drink handy if you need it. Relax and have fun!
Framing yourself:
Your camera should be directly in front of your face. Avoid having the camera below, looking up at you or above looking down at you. Within the image you should be framed with the bottom of the image of you is just above your navel and the top of your head has about a half inch of open space (on screen) above you, and you are centered.
The host may ask you to make an adjustment if he feels there is too much space above you.
By having your image wide screen this also gives you room to “talk with your hands” or be as animated as you want and lean forward or back when you need to. Again, avoid vertical images whenever possible.
The Interview:
The host prefers a guest that will ramble! Feel free to talk! Remember, you are the guest so the show is all about YOU!
The host (Jay Michael) will ask questions and give you plenty of time to elaborate! Jay Michael prefers not to interrupt a guest, he does not have an adversarial show where he is constantly trying to lead you to say or be anything other than authentic. He will try not to talk over you as well. Be yourself and feel free to change a subject or make a point to say what you want to say or topics you want to elaborate on. As a guest of The Jay Michael Show it’s all about you, not the host.
You may also ask the host to be sure to ask you about a specific topic you want to cover, and anything you want to avoid prior to the interview. Feel free to be talkative on the show and express yourself!
Promotion:
Feel free to have any props you need for the interview handy, be it a book you wrote, a CD or even photos you want to show to the camera. This show is an opportunity for you to promote You! Links will be added to the show posted on Youtube and audio podcast platforms as well, so as you talk about yourself or project, the viewers can find them via the links provided.
Though The Jay Michael Show is an audio podcast it is also a TV show on YouTube and most are watching the show as well as listening. People like to see the guest as well as hear them.
The host may also ask for promotional images of you to use in the show promo and to use in promoting you as a guest on social media, for being on the show. If possible, send these prior to the interview.
If you have any questions the host will be happy to help, just let us know your concerns! Have a great show and enjoy your interview!
The Jay Michael show can he seen on Youtube here (Link), and listened to on multiple podcast platforms here. (Link)
Enjoy new episodes weekly and be sure to Subscribe, Like, Comment and Follow!
Additional links to Jay Michael and the show can be found here! (Links)
And of course, subscribe to my Substack as well!
Excellent podcast prep tips! I would add, have a tissue handy. I’ve seen guests and hosts sneeze without a tissue. S’not funny! S’not pretty!