Working towards becoming an articulate speaker has career-enhancing benefits. We address these issues in our executive presentation courses. Read on and see what obstacles lie ahead.
We all know how to chat with someone and answer their questions. On the train, over breakfast, in a queue at Starbucks, with a colleague at work or with someone at home. But do we really know how to interact well and to answer (or ask) questions properly or clearly in a more formal scenario? Do we know, for example, how to be a first-class interviewee? According to research, the answer is a definitive no.
Any interview for any purpose requires skulls – answering questions in an unstructured manner isn’t the route to success.
The first place to look, of course, is at yourself. We aim to be likeable and often force a strange, fixed grin or try to show the interviewer how similar we are. Better to display your authentic self at your best. That means being normal and not trying too hard to be something you’re not. For one thing, it's hard to sustain an act, for any length of time.
Think about the specific behaviours that illustrate the nature of the job or new role for which you’re being interviewed. For example, in the interview, how can you show that you work well with others, rather than just saying that you do? Similarly, consider your best attributes and how you can explain them by offering examples in which you and your qualities feature, rather than just stating that you’re good at something. The latter will come across as lacking humility and, without context, meaningless.
Rehearse an interview with a friend, mentor or coach. Most interviewers want to know your weaknesses (although I prefer the term ‘areas for improvement’ and how you compensate for them) just as much as they want your view on, and examples of, your strengths. And the more comfortable you are, the easier it is to be yourself.
It's hard for an interviewer to be comfortable with an interviewee who’s frozen in nervousness or too shy to articulate their messages. Think to yourself, what’s the worst thing that can happen? OK, you may not get the job, you may not be right for the job or you may not get on with the interviewer, but there’ll be other opportunities and you’ll learn from the experience. Also, there are some things outside your control – politics, chemistry or maybe someone’s already ‘got’ the job and you’re just making up numbers. But, a comfortable, pleasant you, makes a likeable you, so relax.
An interview starts the minute you walk through the front door of the venue. Be friendly to the security guard, the receptionist and anyone else. Why not? It doesn’t cost anything and you never know who’s watching or listening – or who has influence.
Don’t avoid small talk. It helps build rapport with the interviewer and she or he may genuinely want to know whereabouts you live or how you travelled that day. If you’re asked about the weekend just gone or your interests, hobbies, favourite city, book or rock band, use any of that questioning to answer well and maybe ask the interviewer similar questions. Think about what's topical, think about unusual weather or something interesting you noticed as you walked to the building in which you now sit. Don’t be monosyllabic and don’t be too personal. The interviewer to whom you’re talking is human and, like you, has a life so have a quick chat if it’s applicable, but know when to stop.
There are extremes in how quickly people talk. On the one hand, some people talk both fast and loud without breathing properly. Others talk so slowly that the interviewer will have forgotten the beginning of a sentence before the interviewee reaches the end.
People enjoy talking to others who speak at the same pace. Be aware then of the pace at which you typically speak and then try to match it to the pace of the interviewer. It’ can be done as you do it every day. It’s to do with empathy. Empathy is about you understanding others’ feelings, habits, and vocal characteristics. By matching the interviewer's pace, you're showing that you’ve listened to them and that you’re in rapport.
Avoid tension and stress – somewhat easier for me to write than it is for you to do. But, again, ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen? You're asked a question and, as you give your prepared answer, stress causes your body to freeze in the chair. If you think that’s going to happen, as you start to answer, lean forward slightly. The effect of pulling your head, torso and gestures just an inch or two closer is two-fold. Your brain loosens any stiffness and the interviewer perceives the leaning as a sign that you like him or her, therefore making you more likeable. Don’t lean too far, otherwise, you’ll end up either with your chin on the floor or your elbow will end up in the glass of water.
Sometimes, an interviewee no matter how experienced will make a mistake: an incorrect fact, a role that you can’t recall fully, a forgotten number, a misplaced name, something mispronounced, something just wrong. It doesn’t matter, provided, of course, you don’t do it all the time – and provided that you haven’t lied. Lies will be discovered – so be careful. But correcting yourself, or even admitting that you don’t know something, is absolutely acceptable and you can still appear confident and comfortable.
Good nonverbal communication is important. Smiling (appropriately), the way you sit or stand, your gestures, eye contact – it’s about demonstrating confidence and competence. Even handshakes will be noted. Make it firm, not a damp, limp one that makes the interviewer think that they're shaking hands with a fish. Also, make sure you look and feel comfortable in what you wear. Whether it's formal or less so depends on the organisation’s culture and the position you are seeking or the reason for the interview.
From the beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you’re not hearing it, you’re missing a major opportunity. Listening is crucial and letting the person know you’ve heard what was said is key. Don’t just nod and not listen because nodding may not be the right response. Listen. Many people have a tendency to always think of what to say next in a conversation rather than listen to what someone’s saying. That’s unhelpful. If you say that you understand something, make sure that you have understood it, because if you haven’t and the interviewer wants to explore that particular topic, you’re in trouble.
When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they’re asking for a sample of your past behaviour and experience. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and to talk about your skills. But, don’t talk too much. Filling space and silence just because it’s there can invariably just mean that you’ll ramble and that’s not helpful either.
An interview is a professional meeting whatever its purpose. It’s not about making a new friend. It’s important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but don’t keep on asking. If the interviewer gives any signal that time is up, acknowledge and accept that. Anything else could ruin all the good work you’ve done up until that point.
By the way, it's a given that you should use proper and appropriate language during the interview. Beware of inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation – stay up to date on these topical issues and their impact on the workplace.
At the end of an interview, it’s normal for the interviewer to ask if the interviewee has any questions. Many people say no. Part of winning an interview is showing an interest in what’s going on in the organisation. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and requesting additional information.
Finally – as you walk out of the building, smile and breathe. Good luck - I hope it all goes well for you.
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