It begins even when you utter your first word in an interview. By the time interviewer walks towards you, an opinion is already being formed. Her you sit waiting to spew out your answers to the questions you have prepared for,While you are already being judged by your appearance posture, smile or nervous look.
A study at ULCA a few years ago revealed that of a performance was based on the word used, voice quality (38%) and non-verbal communication (55%).think about that!
Look back at speaker or the teachers you have listened to, which ones stand out as memorable? The ones who are more animated and entertaining or the ones that just gave out of information? is not to say that you have to entertain the interviewer(no jokes please!), but it does mean that the conversation should be more interactive. If you say you are excited about the prospect of working for this company, but don’t show any enthusiasm, your message will fall flat. So ,smile, gesture once in a while, show some energy and make the experience more pleasure for both sides.
Following are some non- verbal pitfalls to watch for
Ø The handshake: it’s your first encounter with interviewer. He or she holds out his or her hand and receives a limp, damp hand in return-not a very good beginning. Your handshake should be very firm –not bone crushing-and your hand should be dry and warm.try running cold water in your hand as when you first arrive at the interview site.
Ø Your posture: stand and sit erect. We are not talking ramrod posture, but show some energy and enthusiasim.
Ø Eye contact: look the interviewer on the eye. You don’t want to stare , as this shows aggression. Occasionally, and nonchalantly, glance at the interviewer hand as he or she is speaking on the contrary, by constantly looking around the room while you are talking, you convey a lack of discomfort with what is being discussed.
Ø Your hands: gesturing or talking with your hand is very natural. Getting carried away with hand gestures can be distracting . Avoid touching with your mouth while talking. watch yourself in a mirror while talking on the phone.
Mrs Sumitra Biswal
Lec. Communicative English
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