VIP Online Toastmasters Blog

At work, my group had an open position which sorely needed to be filled. After what seemed an eternity, HR sent a notice that two candidates were scheduled to interview with me. At last, relief was in sight.

Going into an interview, I assume that HR is presenting me with technically qualified candidates. My job is to assess candidates’ soft skill prowess and estimate their fit with my team.

What factors make a fit? Comfort level. Spontaneity. Originality. Curiosity. Empathy.

How do I get to the big reveal? Turnabout Table Topics. We each take turns asking questions. I set the pace by asking the first question. I never ask a work-related question. Next the tables are turned and it’s my chance to answer the candidate’s question.

It only takes a few questions back and forth to assess the soft skills in play and estimate the fit.

By the way, that’s a two-way street and I can’t imagine a fairer scenario than for both of us to estimate if we are the right fit for one another.

It’s all about self-confidence. For me, self-confidence is all about communicating my truth. That’s the only message I try to convey. My truth doesn’t need memorization. It isn’t a measured, calculated or enhanced affair.

Impromptu speaking and delivering a great speech require an intimate understanding of how to present my story in such a way as to guide my audience through my journey and enable them to understand how that story impacted my life.

My purpose of practicing speeches is to perfect my ability to tell my story to a live audience. No two audiences are alike. We’re having a conversation. I’m responding to their reactions as much as they are responding to my story.

There’s an impromptu component every time I deliver a prepared speech!

The memorized speech is a one-way communication. There’s no exchange of empathy with the audience.

Great speakers internalize their speeches. They know their message. They don’t have to think. They interact with audiences without losing their place, losing their momentum or tainting their message.

Telling my personal truth enables me to be behind the microphone comfortably and perceive my audiences’ responses. It seems to me that these factors are a prerequisite for any kind of empathetic two-way communication.

I’ve also discovered that presenting often, practicing, practicing, practicing… is the way to internalize a presentation.

Look on the bright side, you won’t ever have the problem of missing notes!