How to speak fluently in an interview

The way you speak during an interview is just as important as what you're speaking about. It can help your interviewer focus on what you're actually saying, rather than be distracted by how you're saying it.

Here are some tips to help improve your speech at your next job interview:

1. Find your pace

Studies show that your speaking speed is the greatest indicator of your nervousness to an interviewer. Candidates who speak too slow or too fast are perceived as more anxious.

In an interview, it's important not to overthink how fast or slow you sound, as this can translate into you stumbling over your words, taking pauses that are too long, or forgetting important key points.

To when you're practicing for an interview, make sure to focus on your general impression rather than the specific way you word your experiences. This will help you speak more candidly and at a pace the employer can follow.

2. Think before you speak

The last thing you want is to be stuttering over your first words when answering a question. When you're nervous, you're more likely to get stuck on one point or repeat the same word over and over.

To help you sound more natural in an interview, try taking a few seconds before you formulate an answer rather than speaking immediately. Pausing before you speak reduces your chances of stumbling over your words.

For instance, once an interviewer asks you a question, take a moment to think of a one-sentence answer. This way, you can phrase your answer to emphasize a key point, and you won't feel rushed to try to complete a thought.

3. Practice makes perfect

While practicing may not come close to the nerves and adrenaline you feel in the actual interview, it can help you practice the way you sound. Try monitoring your speech by recording your answers or practicing in front of a mirror.

Keep in mind though, you want to practice your fluency, not memorize what you plan on saying! Reciting an answer won't allow you to use other devices to increase your speech fluency, like tone, vocal variety, and non-verbal cues.

Want to learn more tips and tricks to speaking fluently? Check out our blog post: Tongue Tied: 5 Tips On How to Avoid It

As discussed on our website, speaking difficulties can be coached through the help of a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Book a free consultation to discover how an SLP can help you gain the confidence you need to prepare for your public speaking.