FastTrain

Often when coaching in interview skills and other communication areas I use a video camera. Once people get over the horror of seeing and hearing themselves on screen, then it can be incredibly useful. I was working with someone recently who had been unsuccessful in several interviews and was very disheartened. He had received feedback that they got the impression that he wasn’t that bothered about the job (which was certainly not the case.)  I could see instantly when interviewing him that he had very low energy, a blank unsmiling expression and also a monotonous voice. However this was only in the ‘interview practice’ not when we were just having a conversation.  I gave him this feedback verbally but it wasn’t until he saw himself on camera that he really understood just how unenthusiastic he was appearing. By simply smiling at various points, sitting forward in his chair and getting some expression into his voice, his delivery was transformed. When people get very nervous their expression often becomes blank and rather stern. So the key advice is – remember to smile!