Whether it be learning how to convey your skills in an interview, or presenting a project to your classmates, effective communication skills are necessary for anything that we do. I know that in a mock trial, clearly communicating your arguments and ideas is extremely vital to your success. There are so many nuances within a single case theory, that blurring even one of them can be detrimental to your case.
Communicating effectively is much easier said than done, even for me. My job entails working with many students, and the extracurricular activities I participate in all require a significant amount of public speaking and persuasive rhetoric. I still get nervous, and if I let it get to my head, I find myself having a lot of trouble explaining what I mean.
One of the easiest ways to prevent feeling nervous for me is preparation. I have a lot more faith in myself, my talent, and my ability when I know for certain that I know what I’m talking about. Confidence is key, and the best way to be confident is to be prepared.
For interviews, I always spend a few days before practicing my answers to common interview questions. But it’s not as simple as just writing my answers down on a piece of paper. I think about how I want to present the answer. I ask myself questions like what do I want my body language to convey when I’m talking about this experience that I have?
The Career Center offers mock interviews and interview prep appointments for anyone who wants to practice their interviewing skills. These appointments are beneficial in that our staff gives you tips to make sure you’re communicating your talents and experience in the best way possible.
Listen, and then think, is my second tip. Don’t just run off generic answers to every question that’s asked of you. Listen to the question, and take a moment to think before you respond. When I respond to a question or an objection battle immediately, I always end up tripping over my words and talking in circles. When I take that moment to myself, I’m able to gather my thoughts and adapt my general knowledge to the question being asked. That way I can make sure I’m answering a person’s specific question to the best of my ability.
Sometimes I would worry that my pause would make me look unsure or uncertain, but I’ve come to realize that it’s better to pause and think than to ramble.
My last tip is to be open to criticism. Try having a friend or sibling ask you common interview questions, or come into the Career Center to have a Career Specialist ask you specific questions about the field or job you’re applying to. We may think we’re communicating effectively, but that doesn’t mean that it’s perceived in the same way.
If you have someone listen to you, they can provide you with feedback and tell you when something doesn’t make sense, or an idea wasn’t clear. Or maybe they can tell you that the example you provided for a scenario or question isn’t the best fit for that scenario or question. Practice makes perfect!
I realize that some of, if not all of these tips seem fairly elementary, but when we ignore the foundations or the basics, our communication gets muddled. It’s important to practice even the most basic skills to ensure your ten times better than the other person competing for the same job. Effective communication is what makes the difference and can push you over the top.
