Prepping for Interviews

Have you ever thought, “I know this topic inside and out—I don’t need to prepare”?

It’s true—you may be deeply versed in your subject matter. But the more you know, the easier it is to get lost in details that an audience can’t easily absorb.

Or maybe you’re the opposite: a perfectionist who overprepares. You spend hours reviewing every angle and memorizing exactly what you want to say—only to sound stiff and scripted because you’re trying to recite lines instead of have a conversation.

So, what’s the balance?

Here are two ways to ensure you deliver key information and sound natural while doing it:

#1 — Distill your message.

Narrow your focus to two or three core points you want to communicate during the interview. If you don’t decide where you want the conversation to go, the interviewer will decide for you.

Remember: this isn’t a typical Q&A where you simply answer questions in order. Every question is an opportunity to briefly respond—and then block and bridge to one of the key points you came prepared to deliver.

#2 — Practice your talking points out loud.

This isn’t about memorizing a script. It’s about making your message easier to access under pressure.

Saying your talking points out loud helps translate words for the eye (what you’ve written) into words for the ear (what you’ll actually say). It also builds a mental pathway, so you’re less likely to stumble or rely on filler words.

Think of it this way: just as you revise a piece of writing, you should revise the spoken word. Practicing out loud is your editing process.