We all have nervous habits and having an interview can bring them on full force. I can be as calm as can be before the interview then I walk into the room and BOOM it all comes back. Kind of like batting, you are on deck – nice easy swings, smooth follow through, quick hands just great form. Then you get up to bat and you drop your hands every time. It is frustrating, but it is not unusual.

The main thing to remember is as soon as you recognize one of these nasty creatures creeping up on you to stop it immediately, take a breath and keep going. Realize also that we all have something we can work on, it is not just you. My habits: I talk with my hands a lot, I always have. My dad told me when I was young that if I sat on my hands I would shut up. Thanks Dad! I also talk very fast, my voice pitch rises and I hate to sit still.

For those of us that are hand happy – try taking your middle finger and putting your fingernail on the fat part of the tip of your thumb. When you feel your hands start moving, dig your nail in as a gentle reminder. Now some hand gestures are normal and expected. Watch the person you are talking to, how much gesturing do they do? If their hands are in their lap the entire time, mimic them. One clue that you are using too many hand gestures – the other person is ducking to get out of the way.

Speaking too fast, now here is one that can creep up and really take over. If you find yourself speaking freely without having to really think about what you are saying, most likely you are talking too fast. It is a comfort thing, when we are comfortable we tend to talk a bit faster. Before you answer any question pause and take a moment before you answer to compose yourself and remember to speak slowly. I also speak in a slightly lower tone, this helps me concentrate on speaking slower. Also, watch the individual across from you for non-verbal clues. If they look like they are straining to hear you or loosing interest – slow down.

Slowing your speech and speaking in a slightly lower tone will also help cut down on “ums” and “uhs”. You are using measured speech, thinking about what you are saying; therefore there are fewer “ums”. It will also help minimize verbal diarrhea. This is so hard to stop once it starts, but as soon as you recognize it - stop it. When you are asked a question, think about it for a moment and answer only that question as asked then quit talking. If they want to know more, they will ask you, I promise!

When you are sitting in the chair does your leg start shaking, or your foot? As simple as this sounds, place both feet firmly on the ground and sit up straighter. If your feet are both on the ground and still shaking, move one slightly in front of the other – sometimes it is a matter of moving the shaker just an inch or two to make it stop.

As far as not being able to sit still for a long period of time, what I find helps me the most is to concentrate on my posture. My back straight, my shoulders back and I leaning slightly forward not resting against the back of the chair. Focusing on these things normally takes my mind off the fact that my rear end is falling asleep!

Just remember, do your warm ups on deck and when you are in the batters box if you find you dropped your hands and swung and missed – relax, you have two more strikes and you are still very much in the game.

Lisa K McDonald

Career Polish