Speaking Etiquettes: An art of making conversation

It is a fact that employers expect candidates to conduct themselves in a professional and polite manner during the interview process. This includes using proper grammar and vocabulary, making eye contact, and exhibiting good posture and body language. So does that mean speaking etiquettes play an important role during a job interview? Well, it does! Simply because speaking etiquettes reflects a candidate’s level of professionalism. 

What more? 

According to alumna of Apeejay School of Management Divya Singh, who is currently working as HR (Corporate Trainer) with GMR DIAL, “Speaking etiquettes are crucial in job interviews because they not just reflect the candidate’s professionalism, but also his/her communication skills and confidence level. Candidates who demonstrate proper speaking etiquette creates a positive first impression on the interviewer which further increases their chances of securing the job.” 

She further emphasised, “Using appropriate language, maintaining eye contact, and speaking clearly and concisely are some essential etiquettes that help in effective communication during the interview. Moreover, avoiding filler words such as “um,” “ah,” and “like,” and refraining from interrupting the interviewer showcase the candidate’s respect and attentiveness.”

Undoubtedly, in addition to academic qualifications and experience, communication skills and speaking etiquettes play a crucial role in determining a candidate’s success in a job interview. Employers seek for candidates who can effectively communicate their ideas, express themselves clearly, and exhibit good manners and professionalism. 

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Dr. R.R.Rajan Chaudhary, Dean, School of Management at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus, Jalandhar, opined that proficiency in speaking makes a lot of difference during a job interview. “Speaking etiquette is one of the important skills that enables the candidate to go through an interview in an impactful way. The interviewer remains keen in knowing who is going to be the right person for the right job. Candidates must communicate with confidence and clarity. One must be expressive while conveying the desired details for the queries of the interviewer. Tell enthusiastically about the professional achievements and passion for work. One must communicate in such a manner that will convey to the interviewer that one has the competency in the conceptual, technical and human relations skills.”

So here are a few steps job aspirants can follow to improve their speaking etiquettes as well as communication skills and increase their chances of getting hired.  

Practice speaking: Candidates can practice speaking with friends or family members to improve their confidence and clarity. This can help them become more comfortable expressing themselves and conveying their ideas effectively.

Prepare for common interview questions: Candidates can prepare for common interview questions by reviewing sample questions online or with a career coach. This can help them formulate responses that showcase their skills and qualifications and provide specific examples of their experience.

Slow down: Speaking too quickly can make it challenging for the listener to understand the speaker’s message. By slowing down, individuals can enunciate their words more clearly and reduce the chances of miscommunication.

Use proper grammar: Using proper grammar is essential for effective communication. Poor grammar can distract the listener from the message and undermine the speaker’s credibility.

Maintain eye contact: Maintaining eye contact with the listener is a crucial aspect of effective communication. It demonstrates confidence, sincerity, and respect, and it helps to build trust and rapport.

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Practice active listening: Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker’s message and responding thoughtfully. By practicing active listening, individuals can demonstrate their interest in the conversation and improve their communication skills.

Speak with conviction: Speaking with conviction means expressing oneself confidently and passionately. By speaking with conviction, individuals can convey their message more effectively and inspire others to action.

Seek feedback: Candidates can seek feedback on their communication skills and speaking etiquettes from friends, family members, or professionals. This can help them identify areas for improvement and refine their speaking style.