Do you get performance anxiety during interviews?

Maybe anxiety is a strong word. But perhaps you get nervous, which causes you to:
-- ramble
-- forget what you wanted to say
-- sound robotic or scripted
-- look bored

If you have done any of these things during an interview, congratulations you are human!

In this post, I will share a few tips on how to come across more confidently and charismatically during interviews. Read on!

I know this isn't breaking news to you, but the way you are perceived in interviews can make or break your outcomes.

This is true no matter how qualified you are for the role.

If others perceive you in a less than favorable light, even if you look amazing on paper, you will likely get rejected at some point in the process.

Charisma = a perfect balance of competence and warmth.

You communicate charisma (or lack thereof) not just with the words you use, but also with your tone and body language.

Our brains are wired to pick up on all these cues to determine if someone is trustworthy, competent, and likable.

The good news is there are several hacks you can use to come across as more charismatic when interviewing.

All without changing anything you say. Let's get into it.

Here are a few non-verbal cues to help make you look more charismatic:

1. Show your hands and gesture when you talk

If you observe great speakers they typically use their hands when presenting.

That's because it visually reinforces the point they are trying to get across.

When done effectively (hint: don't do jazz hands), this is one of the most powerful non-verbal cues to use.

Believe it or not, our brains are looking for a speaker's hands when they are talking because it calms us down when we see their hands.

2. Make eye contact and face your whole body toward the speaker

Look into people's eyes and soul, lol. It signals you are paying attention.

Also, believe it or not, the direction your navel is pointing signals how open or not you are to a person or conversation.

So turn your whole body toward the person you're speaking with to show you are open to what they are saying.

3. Speak with the lower end of your vocal range and use inflections well

Your vocal tone and intonation account for ~30% of how your communication is interpreted. That's more important than the actual words you say!

Lower octaves/tones are perceived as more leader-like.

Remember Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes' voice? What she did was awkward, so don't alter your whole voice.

But, if you have a higher-pitched voice try to speak on the lower end of your natural vocal range and be aware of your inflections at the end of sentences.

If you are asking a question go up in your inflection at the end of a sentence, but if you are simply making a statement don't go up in your inflection.

Fact is, our perception of others is happening at all times at a subconscious level and it's fast, automatic, and powerful.

Hack your charisma and confidence by being self-aware of the cues you use.

Focus on improving your non-verbal communication in interviews for better outcomes.

If you only pick one from the list, I suggest gesturing and emphasizing points with your hands.

Research proves that speakers who use their hands are perceived as more authentic, credible, and authoritative.

That's the tea for today.

P.S. If you already have a job try these non-verbal tricks in meetings with co-workers to increase your leadership and executive presence.

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