The DOs and DON'Ts Of A Successful Interview

Whether you're presenting a product, a company

, your artwork or yourself, the words you chose, your tone, your delivery and how you carry yourself all play a part in how your message will be received. Although an interview on CNN or the Wall Street Journal is different than an interview for a new job, in essence the basics of effective communication remain the same. The following are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind before going on any interview:

Know your message and how to articulate it. Plan this. You might have the best product or service; you could be the number one expert in your field, or you could be the perfect candidate for a particular job, but if you don't know how to articulate your message, you're in trouble.

Learning effective interview skills is not only important for business owners who are trying to effectively present their company to the public via TV, print and radio interview; it's also a necessary skill for anyone who is going on a job interview, or hoping to move up the ladder within a company.

DON'T decide to go to an interview and wing it. DO: Prepare. Review two or three primary points that you want to get across during the interview and practice your delivery.

DON'T anticipate questions. DO: Wait until the question is asked and then respond.

DON'T approach an interview as a string of facts. DO: Listen.

DON'T try and force the information. DO: Weave your main points into the interview. Make it a conversation, not a monologue

DON'T slouch. DO be aware of how you are sitting or standing.

DON'T wait to bring up important information. DO: Lead with your most important information. Job interviews and media interviews can both be very short. If you don't lead with what's truly important, you could miss your chance.

DON'T tense up. DO: Relax; smile; breathe. People have a tendency to hold their breath when nervous; so remember to breathe.

DON'T answer a question you don't understand. DO INSTEAD: ask an interviewer to clarify a question if you're unsure about what's been asked. The last thing you want to do is give an answer to a question you don't fully understand.

DON'T ramble and get off point. DO: Keep your information short, concise, and to the point.

Whether you're going on a media interview, or trying to land that perfect job, keep these points in mind, prepare, relax, have fun and nail it.

Copyright Anthony Mora 2010

The DOs and DON'Ts Of A Successful Interview

By: Anthony Mora

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