It is on everyone’s lips: the involuntarily comical speech of Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann has gone viral. Embarrassing for him, funny for scoffers (as the press rapidly reported). His speech completely lacked authenticity. In his defence, it may be said that the man has been poorly advised and does not have much to laugh about at the present time. Be that as it may, the Federal Council does its best to ‘square the circle‘.
What we can learn from this failed communication is to ask ourselves how we could do better, for example during our next job interview: how do I communicate in an authentic manner so as to make sure that the message gets through? How do I manage my expression and gestures to harmonize my speech to my appearance?
Whatever the presentation, what is said is not the sole criteria. Equally important is who says it and how it is being said. The same applies to your next interview: you should therefore practice being authentic!
To this end, you need to follow these 5 basic tips:
1. Practice ‘pacing’
Adjust your gesture, expressions, speech rate, and choice of words to your discussion partner: this is referred to as ‘pacing’! It does not mean imitating, but adjusting! Pacing promotes mutual confidence and reflects openness. How can we do that when facing several discussion partners? Try to indentify the decision-maker. Adjust to him without neglecting the others. Beware not to appear unnatural, always remain yourself!
2. Conscientiously use posture and body language
Control your body language: lay your hands open on the table or on your knees; maintain eye contact; place both feet on the ground. Be relaxed, confident, focused. Keep a straight posture and your shoulders back throughout the interview. Do not lean forward when listening, and of course, never lean back in your chair! Many candidates tend to think: ok, the other’s turn to talk now, time for me to relax and lean back! This conveys an impression of arrogant behaviour or lack of interest.
3. Show genuine interest and humour
You should have an interested expression and smile from time to time. Once again without forcing it, but with genuine friendliness. Give an occasional nod during your counterpart’s speech, and do not forget a slight smile! Do not hesitate to quickly tell a humorous story of a professional nature related to the subject matter – without making fun of a particular person. This shows that you keep a sense of humour under pressure! This is the kind of person everyone wants to have in a team.
4. Make sure to keep a lively dialog
You should always avoid long monologues, even if you wish to talk about something at length. Make sure that your discussion partner is still listening with interest. If not, conclude as fast as possible and give the other the floor. Be flexible, accept spontaneous remarks, adapt to a change of topic. You do not appreciate being interrupted and let it show: cautious, you may seem self-opinionated. If the interviewer interrupts you, immediately stop speaking and focus on the question.
5. Avoid clichés
You should carefully prepare yourself for the interview but leave aside readymade stereotypical answers. Some career guides will list the ‘100 trap questions of the interview’ with the ‘right’ answer to memorize. This is nonsense. Let me give you a single example: you are being asked for your weaknesses. And you immediately fire back: weakness 1, weakness 2, weakness 3. What will the interviewer inevitably think? Memorized, exactly. And in no way authentic.
This is why I advise you to practice authenticity. Meaning: practice, practice, practice! In front of the mirror, with your partner, with friends. With casual acquaintances too, such as during an aperitif or on your way to work. Use every single opportunity to develop your self-confidence and assertiveness.