Pre-interview
A pre-interview is a short call before the recording where the host or producer aligns with the guest on topics, key stories, and the angle of the conversation. For B2B shows it surfaces the specific, useful insights that make an episode worth a buyer's time.
For example, a 15-minute pre-interview with a head of product reveals a failed launch story that becomes the emotional centre of the episode, which you would never have found on the recording itself.
Why it matters: the difference between a generic interview and a memorable one is usually the pre-interview, where you find the sharp stories and avoid wasting recording time discovering a guest has nothing concrete to say.
A short pre-interview chat builds rapport, surfaces the guest's best stories, and aligns on what not to cover - so the real recording opens warm rather than cold.
- Skipping it and discovering the best material only after recording ends.
- Turning it into a full rehearsal that flattens spontaneity.
- Failing to flag sensitive or off-limits topics in advance.
What is a pre-interview?
A pre-interview is a short call before the recording where the host or producer aligns with the guest on topics, key stories, and the angle of the conversation. For B2B shows it surfaces the specific, useful insights that make an episode worth a buyer's time.
Is a pre-interview always necessary?
For high-stakes or unfamiliar guests it is well worth it, while for proven communicators a detailed guest brief can sometimes do the same job more efficiently.
What should you cover in a pre-interview?
The guest's best stories and contrarian views, topics to avoid, how to pronounce names and titles, and a rough shape for the conversation, without over-rehearsing it into a script.