"Instant Rapport" with Guests
The first couple of minutes of this is a great lesson on how to build rapport with a guest.
Howard has done the research and plays the music she likes to introduce her, then jumps into a personal conversation that he can build upon.
Note that a lot of “instant rapport” happens before the interview starts …
Before a guest steps into the studio with me or any microphones are turned on, I make it a point to personally reach out, usually via phone, a few days ahead of our scheduled recording. This isn’t just a quick confirmation—it’s a chance to break the ice, get a sense of their personality, and start building the foundation for a genuine connection.
We’ll do the standard small talk, maybe about their day, what they’re excited to talk about, and any concerns or preferences they might have. I'll let them know the overall topics that I want to talk about when we record, so they can think about these ahead of time, but I never give specific questions in advance—I want a real interview, not a scripted performance.
This pre-interview call helps me pick up on details I can use later to make them feel even more comfortable and respected when we’re face-to-face or connect online to record an interview. By the time we do this, we’ve already established some trust, so it never feels like we’re starting from zero.
On the actual recording day, when meeting in person,I always sit down with the guest before heading into the studio. We’ll grab a coffee or just find a quiet spot to relax and talk—nothing formal, just a chance to connect as people. I’ll also introduce the guest to anybody who will be in the studio with us that day, like the producer and engineer.
This pre-interview work helps take the pressure off guests and gives us both an opportunity to shake off any nerves. It makes sure we’re both in the right headspace for the interview.
By the time we walk into the studio, we’re not strangers; we’re collaborators ready to create something meaningful together.
