Here's some tips to improve our speaking!

More often than not, my students ask me for help in preparing for an interview and they are worried about their speaking more than anything. of course, they have a point. Speaking confidently will leave a great first impression. 

So, with no further ado, here are some tips I usually give them.

• Know your material!

      "Please tell us about yourself!" is a rather vague question that almost all interviewers start with. It is good to have an answer ready, so as not to stutter or pause too much trying to come up with the right word or even the correct word order. Also, there are tons of web pages that provide specific-to-the-job interview questions which give you a great head start. Practice your answers many times. 

• Learn some "gap fillers"!

      If you are asked a question that you haven't practiced for, no need to worry! Gap fillers are here to help you. Gap fillers are expressions such as "Hold on a minute! Let me think.. Mind you... Let's see... " that you can use to avoid going all "Err... Uuuh.." and fill in the blank while you think of a word.

• Practice in front of a mirror.
• Record yourself.

      This is a great way to look at your performance and criticize yourself. Check your facial expression, are you excited and energetic? Or does the anxiety made you look sad? What about your tone?

If the anxiety makes your voice shake, try diaphragmatic breathing. 

But all in all, remember! Being nervouse is alright and no one expects you to be perfect. And treat each failed interview as a mock exam that was meant to prepare you for the dream job that is on its way!