How to Speak Confidently in a Job Interview

Many people are concerned that their voice does not sound confident enough when they are interviewed for a job. But confidence is not something that can be faked. The secret lies in having the correct inner focus.

A Subscriber writes: "I'm out of a job like so many people these days and I have to get out there and start interviewing. Problem is, I haven't been on a job interview in years. What can I do to have a more confident sounding voice?"

Susan: You've asked a great question that's on many people's minds these days. But, you might be surprised to learn how you truly can get a more confident speaking voice.

You see, many people try to "fake" confidence by forcing their voice to sound deeper and more authoritative. It's impossible and often embarrassing. They can end up sounding like a high school student trying to impersonate Mommy or Daddy calling the principal's office to say "Johnny's sick and he can't go to school today".

We are body, mind and spirit and unless you're a trained actor, you can't fake it. The voice--as the poet Wadworth once said-- is the "organ of the soul." So, what do you do if you're soul is hurting because you just got laid off?

Stress causes tension on the body which tightens the muscles of the throat and constricts breathing, affecting the sound of the voice. Before a job interview you will feel more stressed out if you try to present yourself as perfect, an impossible task.

Where is your focus?

If you're focused on wanting them to like you, wanting to impress them and wanting to answer their questions brilliantly, your stress will increase because your focus is self-centered.

But if you focus on the benefits you can bring to the company and what you have to offer and share, you'll calm down and your voice will sound its best.

Before the interview, find a few minutes alone to reflect on the positive potential of this opportunity. Visualize a successful outcome, or at the very least, that the interviewer will refer you to another opportunity that's perfect for you.

Then, take a deep breath, smile and walk into your interview. Your voice will radiate all the warmth and confidence you need".

From The VoiceCoach Newsletter by Susan Berkley. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2008 All Rights reserved.

Susan Berkley is the author of Speak To Influence:How To Unlock The Hidden Power of Your Voice. available from your favorite bookseller. For a free subscription to The Voice Coach Newsletter visit www.speaktoinfluence.com.

Some Related Articles:

How to Appear Confident, and Assertive, in an Interview
The Confident Seeker
Help for a Soft Voice
Help for a Shaky Voice