Crafting Engaging Podcast Intros

Most B2B podcast intros suck. Mine did too, until… I started scripting them. If you want a strong hook for the opening moments of your podcast, you need to script it. But, how can you do that without looking like you’re reading? I’d tried reading off notes, and then just adding jump cuts, but it wasn’t as smooth. I tried reading off a script in Google Docs, but it was awkward as my eye contact went back and forth, plus scrolling with my mouse was distracting while I tried to focus on my delivery. Then I started using an online teleprompter tool called Speakflow. Here’s my workflow now: 1) When I finish recording with my guest, I write my intro script in a simple Google Doc. PRO TIP: I find this is easiest when I actually remember to block time for this scriptwriting *right after* recording the interview–when the conversation is fresh in my mind. 2) I copy my script into Speakflow. 3) I hit RECORD & start delivering my intro, and this is my absolute favorite part of Speakflow… Unlike other teleprompter options, it has this scrolling mode called Flow where I don’t have to struggle to get just the right speed–and get all outta sorts if I speed up or slow down during my delivery. Speakflow’s AI listens for the words you speak, matches them to the words in your script, and scrolls at the exact pace you’re speaking–in real-time. 🤯 🤯 🤯 So, if you host a podcast, I highly recommend you check out Speakflow. They’ve got a solid free plan you can use for this exact same workflow. Also, on the content of my intros (that hopefully suck a little less now 😅)… You can see ( or hear) how I structure these new intros on recent episodes of Agency Life by Teamwork.com, but here’s the typical template: - Opening hook meant to open a curiosity loop, often an intriguing question - Context for the conversation & the credentials of the guest (what they share & why you should listen) - 3-4 key takeaways to sign post to important points in the episode - And finally I cut from my intro right to the guest’s first answer to give it that “joining a conversation already in progress” sorta feel. What’s 1 podcast you follow that does a fantastic job with their episode intros? #B2B #marketing #video #podcasting #howtopodcast

An undervalued strategy when hosting interview podcasts: writing a banger of an intro for your guest. Have you ever been in a boardroom style meeting and asked to introduce yourself? And to tell everyone a "fun fact" about yourself? (*shivers*). Asking a guest to explain who they are and what they do is unlikely to kick off your chat with the good vibes you need to get the best out of them. You're asking them to recall key headlines, promote themselves and be creative all before they've settled into being recorded. Unless they're briliantly media trained - this won't feel great for them. Instead, ask them to send you their bio or headlines prior. Check out their website, their LinkedIn, other interviews and pull together an opening that captures who they are and what they do. This not only profiles them effectively in the mind of the listener, it shows the guest you care enough about them to be well researched and present them positively. Your guests are the content, and they deserve all of your respect - a little extra work goes a long way. I have a 100% strike rate on good feels and feedback from the intro's I write for my guests - which I love - but the best part is they're then positioned to give an excellent interview, which is what the listeners deserve. Every part of your podcast is an opportunity for a considered strategy.

A client was publishing podcast episodes every week. Solid conversations. Good guests. But his intro? BORING. A reused boilerplate that played before every episode. So I asked: “What if you recorded a quick intro after each conversation?” You’d be able to: - Frame the guest’s value with precision - Connect the topic to your audience’s pain - Hook the listener from second one He said, “Yeah... that would totally change the energy.” It also changes the results. Your audience doesn’t want to be dumped into a conversation. They don't want to listen to the same theme music every week (this aint Game of Thrones...) They want to be welcomed in. A great intro answers 3 things fast: Who is this person? Why should I care? What will I learn? Try this, and notice how your show becomes easier to grow.