The human desire to communicate and captivate with words has existed since stories were first painted on cave walls. Public speaking, the art of delivering a message to an audience, remains an essential skill in our modern world. 

Whether you’re presenting in a boardroom, inspiring a crowd, or simply delivering a toast at a wedding, mastering this art, especially through a public speaking course, can unlock doors and empower your voice. But fear not, even the most seasoned speakers have butterflies before taking the stage. This guide, supplemented by the insights gained from a public speaking course, will equip you with the tools to transform those nerves into captivating performances.

Crafting Your Message:

The foundation of any great speech is a clear and compelling message. Before writing, ask yourself:

• What is my goal? Do you want to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire?
• Who is my audience? Tailor your language and content to resonate with their interests and knowledge level.
• What is the main takeaway? Distill your message into a single, memorable point.

Suggested Read- How to Become Great at Public Speaking: Tips to Help You Crush Your Next Presentation

Structure for Impact:

Once your message is defined, structure your speech for impact. A strong structure typically follows a three-act format:

• Introduction: Grab attention with a powerful opening, introduce yourself and your topic, and state your central message.
• Body: Develop your main points logically, using evidence, anecdotes, and humor to keep the audience engaged. Clearly transition between points and avoid overloading them with information.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key points, leave a lasting impression with a call to action, and end with a flourish.

Delivery: The Power of Performance:

Content is king, but delivery is the crown. Here’s how to shine:

• Vocal Variety: Modulate your volume, pace, and pitch to keep the audience engaged. Avoid monotone delivery, and use pauses effectively for emphasis.
• Body Language: Stand tall with confident posture, make eye contact, and use gestures naturally to amplify your message. Avoid fidgeting or pacing.
• Project Confidence: Even if nervous, project an air of self-belief. Enthusiasm is contagious, and your confidence will inspire the audience.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your speech aloud, paying attention to timing and delivery. Record yourself and identify areas for improvement. Practice in front of a trusted friend or family member for feedback.

Suggested Read- Why Do Most of the People Have Fear of Public Speaking?

Engaging Your Audience:

Remember, your audience is your partner in communication. Here’s how to connect:

• Start with a Story: Stories capture attention and make your message relatable. Weave personal anecdotes or relevant narratives into your speech.
• Ask Questions: Engage the audience by posing thought-provoking questions throughout your speech. Encourage participation and active listening.
• Use Visuals: Enhance your message with visuals like slides, images, or infographics. Keep them clear, concise, and relevant to your points.
• Humor: A well-timed joke can break the ice and make your speech more memorable. However, use humor judiciously and ensure it aligns with your overall message and audience.

Remember: Public speaking is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the learning process, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! With practice, passion, and these key principles, you can transform yourself into a captivating speaker, leaving your audience informed, inspired, and wanting more.

Bonus Tip: Fight your nerves by focusing on the audience, not yourself. Remember, you’re not there to perform, you’re there to share your message and connect with them.

So, go forth, hone your craft, and remember, the world needs your unique voice. Speak up, and make a difference, one captivating speech at a time.

The post The Art of Public Speaking: How to Give Great Speeches appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Persuasive speaking is the art of convincing and influencing others to adopt your point of view, agree with your proposal, or take a desired action, leveraging the power of effective communication and compelling rhetoric. 

This skill is not limited to any specific domain but can be wielded as a versatile tool across a broad spectrum of contexts, encompassing everything from the intricacies of business negotiations to the complexities of political discourse, and even the delicate dynamics of personal relationships. 

Whether you aim to inspire confidence in your leadership, sway public opinion, or foster understanding and harmony in your interactions with those around you, the ability to engage in persuasive speaking equips you with the means to navigate the multifaceted web of human interactions and drive positive change.

There are many different techniques that can be used to persuade others, but some of the most effective include:

• Credibility: People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they perceive as credible and knowledgeable. You can establish your credibility by demonstrating your expertise on the topic, citing credible sources, and sharing personal stories and experiences.
• Logic: People are also more likely to be persuaded by a logical and well-reasoned argument. When making your case, be sure to present clear and concise arguments that are supported by evidence.
• Emotion: In addition to logic, emotion can also play a powerful role in persuasion. People are often more likely to be persuaded by messages that appeal to their emotions, such as their hopes, fears, and values. When crafting your message, be sure to consider how you can evoke an emotional response from your audience.

Suggested Reading- How to Become Great at Public Speaking: Tips to Help You Crush Your Next Presentation

Here are some additional tips for persuasive speaking:

Know your audience: 

Before engaging in any form of communication, such as a speech, presentation, or conversation, it is crucial to gain a thorough understanding of your audience. Explore their needs, aspirations, and values, as these are the linchpins to capturing their attention and nurturing an authentic connection. 

Equally significant is the ability to anticipate objections that may arise in their minds as they engage with your message. Addressing these objections directly with well-reasoned responses not only showcases your readiness but also conveys respect for their viewpoint, thus fostering trust and credibility.

Be clear and concise: 

In the art of public speaking, the paramount principle is to ensure that your message is conveyed with utmost clarity and conciseness. Steer clear of the use of jargon or technical terminology that might confound your audience. Instead, opt for plain and straightforward language that guarantees your message’s accessibility and comprehension. 

By adhering to this practice, you not only facilitate a deeper connection with your audience but also demonstrate your respect for their diverse backgrounds and knowledge levels, thereby rendering your speech more inclusive and persuasive.

Use visuals: 

In the realm of persuasion, visuals emerge as a potent asset. They possess the unique ability to seize your audience’s attention, etch your message into their memory, and convey your points with exceptional clarity. By incorporating visuals like charts, images, or slides, you engage multiple senses, enhancing both the appeal and retention of your content. This multi-sensory approach not only bolsters your overall message but also solidifies your persuasive influence, leaving a profound and enduring impact on your audience.

Suggested Read:- Why Do Most of the People Have Fear of Public Speaking?

Tell stories: 

Stories serve as a remarkable conduit to forge a deep emotional connection with your audience and etch your message into their memory. When feasible, integrating personal anecdotes or real-life examples into your speech can imbue it with authenticity and relatability. 

These stories resonate on a human level, making your message more compelling and memorable. They transcend mere information, infusing your speech with the power to evoke empathy and engagement, ultimately enhancing your ability to persuade and inspire your listeners.

Practice, practice, practice: 

Practice is the cornerstone of confidence and persuasiveness in speech delivery. The more you rehearse your presentation, the more self-assured and convincing you become. Consider practicing in front of a mirror to fine-tune your body language and gestures. Even better, seek the feedback of a trusted friend or family member to gain valuable insights into your delivery, such as tone, pacing, and clarity. This iterative process not only refines your speech but also bolsters your self-assurance, ensuring that when the time comes to address your audience, you do so with impact and authority. That is why we stress on the importance of practicing in our classroom activities of spoken English classes, interview preparation classes, and personality development classes. 

Persuasive speaking is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. However, by following these tips, you can learn to become a more effective communicator and influence others to support your cause.

Here are some examples of how persuasive speaking can be used in different situations:

• A business leader might use persuasive speaking to convince investors to invest in their company, or to convince customers to buy their product.
• A politician might use persuasive speaking to convince voters to support their candidacy or to vote for a particular policy.
• A lawyer might use persuasive speaking to convince a jury to find their client innocent.
• A teacher might use persuasive speaking to motivate their students to learn.
• A parent might use persuasive speaking to convince their child to do their homework or to eat their vegetables.

Persuasive speaking can be a powerful tool for good. When used ethically and responsibly, it can help to make the world a better place.

The post The Art of Persuasive Speaking: Convincing and Influencing Others appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Interviews are pivotal moments in one’s career journey, where your qualifications, personality, and potential converge to create a lasting impression. Mastering the art of interviewing is not only essential for securing your dream job but also for navigating various professional scenarios throughout your career. In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamental interview skills you need to stand out in any interview setting. 

From thorough pre-interview preparation to confident performance during the interview and strategic post-interview follow-up, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and techniques to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to enhance your interview prowess or a newcomer to the job market seeking to make a stellar first impression, these interview skills will be your invaluable toolkit for success. Let’s embark on this journey to unlock your full potential and conquer your next interview with confidence.

Before Your Interview

Before you step into the interview room or log onto that video call, your success has already begun. The preparation you undertake in the moments leading up to your interview can make all the difference. In this concise guide, we’ll focus on the critical “Before Your Interview” skills that will set you on the path to interview success. 

From researching the company and role to crafting compelling responses and ensuring you’re fully equipped with the right documents, we’ll help you lay the foundation for a stellar performance. Certainly, here are five major points to focus on before an interview:

Research the Company and Role:

Gain a deep understanding of the company’s history, values, culture, products/services, and recent news. Also, thoroughly review the job description to know what’s expected of you in the role.

Prepare Your Answers:

Anticipate common interview questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?”) and prepare concise, relevant answers. Use the STAR method to structure your responses to behavioral questions.

Suggested Read- Mastering the Art of Responding to Behavioral Interview Questions

Gather Necessary Documents:

Organize copies of your resume, cover letter, reference list, and any relevant certifications or portfolios. Have them easily accessible in a professional folder.

Plan Your Attire and Route:

Choose appropriate attire based on the company culture and industry norms. Plan your route to the interview location, ensuring you know the address, directions, and expected travel time. Aim to arrive a bit early.

Practice Good Body Language:

Pay attention to your body language, including maintaining eye contact, demonstrating good posture, and offering a confident handshake (if in person). Practice non-verbal communication to appear professional and self-assured.

By undertaking an interview preparation course and dedicating time to honing your interview skills, you can significantly boost your confidence, refine your ability to articulate your qualifications and experiences and gain valuable insights into effective interview techniques, ultimately increasing your chances of securing your desired job or educational opportunity.

These five points will help you prepare effectively and present yourself in the best possible way during the interview.

During Your Interview

The moment you step into an interview is when your skills, qualifications, and personality are put to the test. “During Your Interview” is a crucial phase where you have the opportunity to shine and leave a lasting impact on your potential employers. In this guide, we’ll dive into the essential skills and strategies you need to excel while you’re in the hot seat. 

From active listening and confident communication to showcasing your qualifications and maintaining positive body language, we’ll equip you with the tools to navigate the interview process with poise and professionalism. Here are five major points to focus on during your interview:

Active Listening and Engagement:

Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and statements. Listen actively and fully understand the questions before responding. Engage in the conversation by asking for clarification if needed and showing genuine interest in the discussion.

Confident Communication:

Speak clearly, confidently, and at a moderate pace. Articulate your thoughts and responses effectively, ensuring your answers are concise and to the point. Avoid speaking too fast or too slowly.

Suggested Read- 10 Most Common Interview Questions and Their Answers

Demonstrate Your Qualifications:

Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your accomplishments and demonstrate how your background makes you an ideal fit for the role.

Positive Body Language:

Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s), sit up straight with good posture, and use appropriate hand gestures to express yourself. Project confidence through your non-verbal cues.

Ask Thoughtful Questions:

Take the opportunity to ask well-thought-out questions about the company, team, or role. This demonstrates your interest and shows that you’ve done your homework. Asking questions also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

By focusing on these five key points during the interview, you can effectively communicate your qualifications, build rapport with the interviewer, and leave a lasting positive impression.

After Your Interview

The final handshake or the closing of a video call may signal the end of the interview, but it’s just the beginning of a crucial phase in the job-seeking process. “After Your Interview” is where your professionalism, courtesy, and follow-up skills can make all the difference in securing that coveted position. 

In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential steps and strategies you should employ once the interview concludes. From sending a thoughtful thank-you note to reflecting on your performance and continuing your job search, we’ll help you navigate the post-interview period with confidence and grace. Join us as we explore the skills and actions that will help you leave a memorable, positive impression long after the interview is over.

 Here are five major points for what to do after your interview:

Send a Thank-You Email:

Within 24 hours of the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to each person you interviewed with. Express your gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly mention something specific from the interview that stood out to you. This shows professionalism and appreciation.

Reflect on the Interview:

Take some time to reflect on how the interview went. Consider what went well and areas where you could improve for future interviews. This self-assessment will help you grow and adapt your approach.

Follow Up if Necessary:

If you haven’t received feedback or heard back from the employer within the expected timeframe, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email. Inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.

Continue Job Search:

Keep your job search momentum going. Don’t put all your hopes on a single opportunity. Continue applying for other positions, networking, and pursuing other leads. This proactive approach ensures you have multiple options.

Prepare for the Next Steps:

If you receive a job offer, take time to carefully evaluate it. Consider salary, benefits, job responsibilities, and company culture. If you decide to accept, follow the company’s instructions for the next steps, such as signing an offer letter or completing pre-employment requirements.

By following these five major points after your interview, you’ll leave a positive impression, maintain professionalism, and position yourself well for future opportunities, whether you receive an offer or not.

The post Interview Process: Success Before, During, and After Your Interview appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Join us as we explore a wide range of topics, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, idioms, and much more. Each episode is carefully crafted to provide practical tips, interactive exercises, and real-life examples that will enhance your language proficiency. Whether you are a beginner looking to lay a solid foundation in English or an advanced learner striving for fluency, the Engmates Podcast is tailored to meet your needs.

Our experienced instructors will guide you through various language concepts, making learning enjoyable and accessible. Tune in regularly to stay updated with the latest episodes and gain valuable insights from our language experts. Additionally, we will feature interviews with language enthusiasts, success stories from our students, and answer your burning questions about the English language. So, get ready to embark on an exciting language learning journey with the Engmates Podcast. Let’s improve our English skills together and unlock a world of opportunities!

Visit Engmates.com to access additional resources, language courses, and personalized guidance to accelerate your English language learning. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and join our growing community of language learners. Happy listening!

The post Engmates Podcast Introduction! appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

When an interviewer started a question with, “Tell me about a time when…,” did you flinch?  These are behavioral interview questions, which many candidates find challenging to answer. 

Employers frequently use behavioral interview questions to gauge your soft skills.  It takes thought and concentration to respond correctly to behavioral questions, and there is a certain art to doing so. We can support you there.

Continue reading to find out what types of behavioral interview questions to anticipate, how to respond to them, and general advice.

What are Inquiries about Behavior during Interviews?

You are asked to discuss how you have handled genuine work situations in behavioral interview questions. They aid interviewers in determining your work ethic and how you handle challenging situations you might run into at work.

In the second interview for a job, behavioral questions are usually asked. More general questions about your work history are typically asked during the initial phone interview for the screening process.

How to Recognize a Behavioral Interview Question when it is Being Asked

The majority of the time, it is simple to identify behavioral interview questions. They begin with expressions like:

• “Describe a time when…”
• “Explain a time when…”
• Have you ever encountered a circumstance where…
• How do you respond to circumstances where…
• “Can you give an instance of…”

A behavioral interview question is one in which your interviewer requests an illustration of a specific soft skill.

Common Questions to Expect

• Changing with the organization
• assigning tasks
• dealing with conflict
• either motivating oneself or others
• accepting failure
• Skills for group collaboration and teamwork
• Leadership qualities

Depending on the position you’re applying for and the company culture, you’ll be asked different questions. For instance, behavioral questions about your conflict resolution skills may be asked during an interview for an HR position. Preparation is required.

Suggested Read- 10 Most Common Interview Questions and Their Answers

If your interviewer asks one of the following frequently asked questions, don’t be shocked.

• What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
• Describe a situation in which you had to adjust to change.
• Describe a time when you overcame failure.
• Describe a time when you had a challenging situation to deal with.
• Have you ever had to settle a significant conflict at work?
• Give an example of a time when you were able to inspire someone else.
• Tell me about a time when effective written communication was important.

Step-by-step: STAR method of answering questions

For responding to behavioral interview questions, use the STAR method. STAR is short for:

Situation: Describe the situation’s background information, including who, what, when, where, and why.

Explain how you are responsible for the situation. What were you required to do?

Action: Describe how you addressed, resolved, or finished the task.

Result: Describe the result. What did you manage to do? What effect have you had?

The technique offers a structure for developing an engaging narrative about your actions in various work-related scenarios.

It demonstrates to interviewers what they can anticipate from you based on past behavior rather than telling them how you hope to behave.

The best way to ace behavioral interview questions:

List your “greatest hit” Stories.

Make a list of instances at work where you showed professionalism or had a positive impact before the interview process starts. Having a list of examples to choose from makes it simpler than trying to remember every possible behavioral question and its corresponding response.

You can modify your tales to answer various kinds of queries. A tale that you believed would be appropriate for a question on adapting to change, for instance, could also show leadership.

Regularly review your list. During the interview, you should quickly recall stories.

Avoid personal examples and instead use ones from your professional life.

Keep your personal stories to a minimum and focus only on your professional experiences. The interviewer is interested in how you conduct yourself at work. Different types of behavior are required for our professional lives than for our personal lives.

Introducing personal experiences will come across as awkward and inappropriate.

Suggested Read- Interview Preparation Checklist: 18 Tips to Get the Job

Think Things Through Before Responding.

Before responding to questions, take a brief pause to gather your thoughts. While a protracted silence isn’t ideal, it’s preferable to forgetting your story or the question you’re responding to in the middle of speaking.

To avoid stuttering in the middle of an answer, prepare your response in advance.

If you make a mistake with an answer, try not to let it make you feel insecure. The remainder of the interview and your email thanking the interviewer will still give you a chance to impress them.

Practice.

Are you ready to conquer behavioral interview questions with confidence and finesse? The ultimate secret lies in the power of practice, especially when coupled with professional interview preparation classes. By enrolling in these classes, you’ll gain valuable insights into the techniques, strategies, and frameworks needed to excel in behavioral interviews.

With hands-on practice, you’ll fine-tune your responses, improve your communication skills, and develop a keen understanding of what employers are looking for. Unlock your potential and enhance your chances of acing behavioral interview questions by embarking on this transformative journey through interview preparation classes.

Give numbers and details.

Give specific responses that highlight the quantifiable outcomes of your actions. Put another way, pay attention to the bottom line. 

Did your capacity for change result in higher earnings or productivity? Perhaps your dedication to innovation resulted in a number of new collaborations. The quantifiable is preferred by your interviewer over the abstract.

Be Upbeat in your Responses.

Focus on remaining optimistic. You’ll almost certainly guarantee your interviewer has a negative impression of you if you come across as insecure or overly critical of yourself.

You must draw a lesson from the experience, even when discussing failures. Even though nobody is perfect, concentrate on your advantages.

Try not to memorize.

Word-for-word answers from memory will make you sound stilted and artificial. Instead, concentrate on internalizing your STAR story outlines as you outline your stories. When responding, follow the outline as a guide, but be loose and genuine. If the humor fits the question’s context, it’s acceptable to use a little humor.

Be truthful.

Give truthful responses. Your sincerity will most likely be discovered if you embellish or lie. 

Additionally, avoid being a blusterer who always presents themselves as the victim. You’ll only cast doubt on your true abilities in front of the interviewer. Own your accomplishments and mistakes.

The post Mastering the Art of Responding to Behavioral Interview Questions appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

You’ve given a wonderful employer your résumé, spoken with a recruiter, and scheduled the first interview date. But in the days before the big interview, you’re experiencing extreme anxiety, jitters, and fear.

Take a deep breath, grab a notepad, and work your way through our interview preparation checklist if you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming interview. In no time, you’ll be experiencing a bit less anxiety and a lot more confidence.

Pre-Interview Preparation Checklist

The preparation you do in advance of the interview can truly make what would typically be a stressful event more pleasant. Yes, you could “wing it” and respond to inquiries as they arise. However, nothing will impress a potential employer more than demonstrating that you completed your research. It’s a good idea to research the organization and examine your own work habits when preparing for interview questions.

An interviewer has a lot of downtime during the process. In interviews, impact words tend to pique the attention of interviewers almost immediately. Therefore, in our spoken English Classes and interview preparation classes, we emphasise these impact keywords.

1. Print multiple copies of your resume.

You could need to meet with several members of management for some interviews, and you might wish to have one on hand as you discuss previous experiences. If you can, print at least five copies of your CV on good paper.

2. Prepare a portfolio of your past work.

Gather your best work into one portfolio to present to the hiring team if the role needs you to submit samples of your prior work, such as images, successful marketing campaigns, graphic designs, or written pieces.

3. Review common interview questions.

Make a list of often-asked questions so you can start coming up with thoughtful responses. You may feel less nervous about the interview process if you have some generic talking points for the often-requested interview questions.

Even if the interviewer doesn’t ask a question you’ve prepared for specifically, they will probably ask something similar. For instance, instead of asking “Why should we hire you?” the interviewer can respond, “Tell us what makes you different from our other prospects.”

Here are a few of the most typical inquiries asked during interviews:

• Why do you want to work for us?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Why should we hire you?
• Tell me about a time that you solved a problem at work.
• Why are you leaving your current position?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What’s your biggest accomplishment?
• What’s something your current supervisor would say you could improve on?
• What is your leadership style?
• What would you plan to accomplish in your first 3 months here?

Also Read- 12 Powerful Words to Use When Interviewing

4. Practice answering interview questions out loud.

You can now begin sketching responses after compiling a list of frequently asked interview questions. Make notes for each question you think of, and after you have everything on paper, begin rehearsing your responses aloud.

In front of a mirror, recite the answers while sitting. In order to avoid rambling in the actual interview, you should make your answers crystal clear, succinct, and to the point.

5. Try having a mock interview for extra practice.

A good technique to hone your interviewing abilities is to simulate a job interview with a roommate or friend. The person conducting the mock interview may be able to offer you comments on how to strengthen your responses or go deeper into particular questions.

6. Spend time researching the company.

Being unprepared for an interview, such as not knowing what the firm does or who the CEO is, can be embarrassing. At the very least, you should be knowledgeable about the company’s offerings, ownership, target market, and top rivals.

In order to stay current on the firm’s latest advancements, it’s a good idea to look up any recent press releases about it. You can also follow the company on social media to get a sense of its tone, voice, and major efforts.

7. Create a list of your accomplishments.

The main goal of the interview is to demonstrate your abilities and capabilities in order to land a new position. However, it’s simple to forget some of the amazing tasks you’ve finished or issues you’ve handled over your career while you’re anxious. Make a list of some of your greatest professional accomplishments to discuss with the interviewer.

8. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer.

Asking the interviewer smart questions demonstrates that you have done your research and are interested in the business. Furthermore, the interview is a two-way process. You should do your homework to ensure that the company and the position are a good fit for you, just as the firm wants to ensure that you are the appropriate fit for the job.

Here are some inquiries to make regarding the job, the interviewer, the workplace environment, and the business as a whole:

• What does a typical day in this position look like?
• What are the biggest challenges in this role?
• What do the training and evaluation processes look like for this role?
• Why is the person previously in this position leaving?
• What do you hope to see the person who takes this position accomplish in the first three months, six months, and first year?
• Why did you come to this company, and what is your favorite part of working here?
• What are some of the company’s short- and long-term goals, and how would the person in this role help in reaching those targets?
• Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the team or department?
• How would you describe the work environment here?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Also Read- How to Prepare for Professional Interview – Tips and Tricks

Interview Preparation Checklist

Today is the interview day. You’ve been practicing questions and answers in your brain for days, and you’re just hours away from entering the firm building through the front door. You have copies of your portfolio and résumé next to your vehicle keys or bus pass. Observe these guidelines both before and during the interview.

1. Dress the part

In general, you should dress in comfortable, flattering clothing. On your preferred interview attire, fix any holes, treat stains, and pet hair with lint rollers.

Here are some tips for what to wear depending on the firm’s dress code. What you wear to the interview may vary depending on the job and company.

• • Casual: Dark jeans, trousers, long skirts, or dresses are also acceptable, as are button-down shirts, blouses, cardigans, graphic-free tops, and clean, closed-toe shoes.
• Business Casual: Dark slacks or long skirts; button-down tops, blazers; neat, closed-toe shoes.
• Formal: Dark suits with slacks or long skirts; dark, tailored dresses; a tie with suits; neat, closed-toe shoes.

2. Arrive on time (or early)

Arriving late for an interview can give the wrong impression. Plan to arrive 10 to 20 minutes early to allow for finding the facility, parking, and front-desk check-in. Consider the traffic as well because your 9 a.m. interview requires you to drive through rush hour in the morning. If you usually take public transportation, have a backup plan in case the train or bus is running late that day, such as biking, walking, or arranging a ride from a friend.

Make sure to map out the building’s location if you haven’t been there before to prevent getting lost. If you struggle to follow directions, you may want to practice the drive once or twice in the days leading up to the interview.

3. Bring paper and something to write with

Making notes demonstrates your interest in what is being spoken to you by the interviewer. But it also implies that, if you are given the position, you can look over your notes for advantages and disadvantages.

Additionally, when it’s your moment to ask questions, you can refer back to any points the interviewer mentioned earlier in the consultation and request additional details or clarification.

4. Have cash on hand for parking

Some businesses provide their customer’s valet services or paid parking facilities. Don’t assume they will validate the parking ticket for you even though they might. Just in case you need it, bring $20 or so in cash. If you don’t require the money, treat yourself to lunch after the interview!

5. Be personable and courteous

Your prospective co-workers might be anyone you encounter, from the interviewer to those in the parking garage. Input on how you interacted with them during the employment process may also be requested. Greet everyone you pass with a smile and a wave. Being kind to others never does any harm!

6. Remain honest and take breaks as needed

If you make up the information for your resume or interview, it will become obvious when you’re working for the company. Answer questions truthfully, and don’t be afraid to pause if you’re unsure of the best way to react right away.

Just say, “wonderful question. Let me give this some thought for a while.” Since we are all only human, pausing before answering a question attentively is a perfectly normal reaction.

7. Use the STAR method

Even the most difficult interview questions can be answered with the STAR approach. Situational interview questions are used to assess your response to various problems. The STAR approach allows you to clearly and completely explain your reasoning and solution while addressing numerous aspects of a problem.

• Situational: Describe the situation or issue
• Task: Explain what your tasks or responsibilities were related to the situation.
• Action: Share what actions you took to complete your tasks and address the situation.
• Results: Outline how your actions resolved the issue or what results came from your actions.

8. Stay focused and positive

Although conducting interviews might be nerve-wracking and stressful, staying upbeat and optimistic can greatly improve your performance. You can be questioned about your reasons for quitting your job or how you performed under different leadership philosophies used by your former supervisors. Speaking negatively of the organization and former leaders can give your interviewer the wrong impression.

Don’t be negative in your responses; instead, focus on providing each question with anecdotes from your experience. When preparing for an interview, it can be helpful to practice your replies.

Post-Interview Preparation Checklist

You shouldn’t assume the interview is over just because you shook your interviewer(s)’ hands and exhaled deeply. Obviously, you might be called back for a second, third, or even fourth interview, but regardless of where you are in the process, it’s critical to make a positive impression.

1. Ask about the next steps

You should inquire about the timetable for the following parts of the employment process either at the conclusion of the interview or right away after. This will allow you to know when to expect a response from the business. A test of editing, additional work examples, or a second interview might be required.

2. Follow up with a Thank You

Always send a thank-you note after an interview. To demonstrate your thoughtfulness and attention to detail, it is advisable to include a handwritten letter. But if you don’t have the time, sending an email is also a considerate approach to express your gratitude for the interviewer’s concern and time.

If you don’t have the interviewer’s email address, you can also send a thank-you note through email to the recruiter or other point of contact.

Also read: 10 most common interview questions and their answers.

The post Interview Preparation Checklist: 18 Tips to Get the Job appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Whether you’re traveling abroad or just meeting new people, it’s always helpful to know what a person’s hand gestures mean. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of different hand gestures around the world, including ones for hello and good-bye, gratitude, zero, please and thank you, numbers, and more. You’ll learn how to communicate with others in their native language by mimicking their body language with your own hands!

At Engmates we introduce hand gestures in our spoken English classes and interview preparation classes to enable our students to understand people of different cultures and countries better.

Hand Gestures for Hello and Good-bye

• Waving hello and goodbye: You can wave to someone you know or a stranger to say hello, goodbye, or that you’re leaving. The gesture can also be used to indicate the amount of time remaining in something, like how many minutes are left in class.
• Shaking hands: This is most commonly used by males. It usually means friendship or agreement on some level.
• Bowing: Bowing shows respect for another person and their position as well as indicating submission (e.g., if you bow before your teacher). If someone bows back at you after bowing yourself, it means they accept your submission.
• Nodding: Nodding is often used when greeting someone or showing agreement with them (e.g., saying “yes” out loud). It’s also used in place of saying “hello” or “goodbye,”, especially among people who don’t know each other very well yet because it’s less formal than shaking hands but still shows respect for authority figures like teachers/bosses/etcetera

Hand Gestures for Gratitude

• Hand on heart: In many parts of the world, this gesture is used to show gratitude. The person who did you a favor will often respond in kind, showing their appreciation and thanking you in turn.
• Pointing: An open palm with three fingers extended is the most common way people point at things, but pointing with just one finger can mean something different depending on where it’s done. For example, pointing at someone’s nose or face means “you” in some cultures; in others, it means “me”.
• Clapping: This gesture shows approval or appreciation for something another person has said or done. It can also be used to call for silence so that everyone can hear what’s being said by someone else—a form of applause without actually clapping!
• Bowing: Although bowing isn’t necessarily a hand gesture itself (it involves bending your upper body forward), it’s commonly used as an expression of gratitude when saying hello or goodbye to someone important like your boss or teacher at school.

Read More- How to Confidently Make an Appointment in English

Hand Gestures for Zero

The gesture for zero is a circle with the thumb and index finger. In many countries, this gesture has become the standard symbol for “zero” or “nothing.” It’s used in China, Japan, and other Asian countries as well as in France, Spain, and England.

Hand Gestures for Please and Thank you

If you are in a country that uses the palm-down gesture for please and thank you, it’s important to know how to use it properly. You want to make sure your palms are facing down toward your chest, not out toward someone else. It can be hard to tell if someone has their palms facing up or down when they’re far away from you, so try making eye contact while they do it and see what direction their hands are pointing in.

If someone asks you if they can have something (for example: “Can I have some water?”), hold up your thumb and index finger as if they were holding an invisible straw between them. This gesture means “as much as this” and is used all over the world—just like a thumbs up!

Hand Gestures for Numbers

• To count numbers, use your fingers. The number one is a fist; two is a single finger; three is a thumb and forefinger together (or any other combination of numbers); four is a hand with an index finger pointing up; five is a thumb and index finger touching (or any other combination of numbers).

Many languages have their own ways of expressing words or phrases using gestures. For example, in some countries, it’s common to use certain hand gestures when you’re speaking English or Hebrew. Some examples include:

• Thumbs up – Good luck!

Hand Gestures for “come here” and “go away”

• Pointing to someone or something
• Pointing to yourself
• Pointing at the ground
• Pointing at the sky
• Pointing at a clock to show the time
• Pointing at a calendar to show the date

Read More- 12 Powerful Words to Use When Interviewing

You Can Learn the Meaning of Hand Gestures to Communicate with People from Other Countries.

When you travel to other countries, you may find that hand gestures are used in place of words. Hand gestures can be used to communicate with people who do not speak your language. Learning the meaning of hand gestures can help you communicate with people from different cultures.

Conclusion

I hope that you’ve learned a few new hand gestures and are now ready to try them out with people in your own country. I think it’s important to remember that we can all use more opportunities to make friends with people from other countries, so don’t be afraid to reach out!

The post The Meaning of Hand Gestures Around the World appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Introduction

Interviews are tough. You want to make sure you’re using the right words to show that you’re smart and capable, but there’s also a risk that your language will be too formal and stuffy. Luckily, there are some powerful words that can make you sound like an incredible candidate even if your interview skills aren’t as polished as they could be—and it doesn’t matter if you’re applying for a job in finance or fashion! Here are 12 words to help elevate any interview:

At Engmates, we train candidates ranging from college students to company CEOs. Even sales professionals with good spoken English abilities sometimes falter in interviews. Similarly, executives in the services industry or job seekers often fail to make an impact in an interview.

Interviews are boring for an interviewer. Research shows that interviewers are known to show instant interest in candidates when an impact word is uttered. That is why we focus on these impact keywords in our Interview preparation classes and spoken English classes.

Optimize

Optimize is a powerful word that means to make the most out of something. It can be used in both an interview and your work environment to mean “do more with less.” This will help you give better answers during interviews and achieve more at work, which is why it’s one of our top words for interviews!

Trending

Trending is a good thing.

It shows that you’re up-to-date, aware of current events and current trends, and can keep up with the ever-changing world around us. When asked about a trending topic at an interview, using these words will demonstrate your knowledge of the topic and help you stand out from other candidates who may not have gone above and beyond their job description to research things like this.

Strategize

When you’re asked to strategize, it means that you will have to think about your response and use words that are appropriate for the task at hand. You will have to think about different solutions and how they would work in practice.

To be successful when answering this question, it is important that you use the word “strategy.” This is because it gives an indication of what type of answer is needed: one where there is clearly thought behind the answer, one where there are multiple viable solutions outlined with the pros and cons of each solution presented clearly and concisely.

Read More- 9 English Grammar Rules to Master

Enhance

Enhance means to make something better, and it can be used to describe both your skills and the skills you’d bring to the job. For example: “I want to enhance my customer service skills,” or “My background in accounting will enhance the department.”

You can also use it when describing how you’ll help your company grow: “If I’m hired as a salesperson, I plan to enhance our overall performance by bringing in new business.” In other words, this word will work as an adjective (enhancing) or a verb (to enhance).

Pioneer

• Pioneer: The word pioneer describes someone who is a leader and the first to do something. It’s a positive word that describes someone who is innovative and creative.
• Pioneer shows you are willing to take risks.
• Pioneering shows that you will go above and beyond for your clients, which is exactly what they want from their web designer!

Partner with

Partnership is one of the most important words you can use when interviewing. It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a mindset that can make all the difference in whether or not you get hired.

When you partner with someone, it means that you are collaborating with them and working together toward a common goal. You’re committed to helping each other succeed because it benefits both of your needs and goals.

The interviewer wants to know: Are you going to be someone who will work well with everyone on their team? Will everyone at this company enjoy working with you? Do they see themselves as partners in success?

Results-oriented

• This means you’re able to think outside of the box, being able to take on any challenge and come up with a solution.
• You should use this word when you want to show an interviewer that you’re confident in your abilities and eager to take on new challenges.

There are many ways to apply the word “results-oriented” in an interview. Here are some examples:

• I am results-oriented, so I will do whatever it takes to ensure our customers receive top quality service at all times.
• I aim for excellence in everything I do—whether it’s my work or my personal life—and would love the opportunity to share my goals with your company!

Overhaul

Overhaul. This is one of my favorite words to use in an interview because it conveys a sense of change, innovation and improvement. It’s a great way to describe something you’ve done at your previous job that resulted in significant (or even minor) improvements in the business or department.

For example: I overhauled our customer service training program over the last six months by introducing more efficient methods of delivering that content and restructuring how we measure progress against objectives.

Empowerment

Empowerment. Not a word that you hear every day, right?

Well, empowerment is the act of giving people the ability to make their own decisions. Sometimes it can be as simple as giving someone authority over something they need done, or it can be more complicated such as helping them learn how to do something on their own in order for them to become self-sufficient and independent.

Empowerment is a process of helping people take responsibility for their actions. It’s not a one time event; it’s an ongoing process that requires constant nurturing and attention if your team members are going to truly feel empowered by your leadership style.

Nurture and cultivate

This is a great way to describe how you’re going to help your team grow. This language shows that you have an eye for detail, but also a long-term view of how to make things better for everyone around you.

Communicate well with other staff members, management, and clients.

There are some things that you can do to improve your communication skills.

Read a lot and write down what you have read. In this way, you will be able to memorize the most important points in any book or article which has been written on a subject that interests you. Besides improving your memory, reading is one of the best ways to learn about other people’s ideas and experiences so that when you speak with someone else it will be easier for them to understand what it is that drives your passion for a certain topic or issue (such as professional development).

Facilitate

Facilitate. This is a big word with a big meaning: It means to help a process or activity happen. If you’ve ever led an event or project, this is a word that will come in handy. It shows that you’re a team player and it also indicates your experience in making things happen.

Example: “I facilitate our company’s annual sales conference by organizing all of the speakers, venues and logistics.”

Use these words to sound awesome during an interview

When you’re in an interview, you want to sound awesome. But saying the wrong thing can have the opposite effect. Instead of sounding like a rock star, these words will make your interviewer wonder if they’ve hired a psychopath.

Conclusion

Now that you know the words to use in an interview, it’s time to put them into practice. Go out there and get a job!

The post 12 Powerful Words to Use When Interviewing appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

It is not an easy task to stand in front of a crowd and speak about something. Most of us would found ourselves cowered when it comes to facing and talking to a large number of people. Nevertheless, public speaking is important. Regardless of the career you choose, you need to be able to hold a conversation with people and speak in an effective and nonchalant manner.

Public speaking needs may arise in a company when you have to hold a meeting, make an announcement to the employees, or present a conference or an event. While there are no shortcuts to improving your public speaking skills, there are a few tips that can help you get a better grasp of your speaking skills in the face of a large crowd.

Let’s take a look:

BEFORE YOU GET ON STAGE

Understand what is expected of you and try to stand up to it

Get all the information you require to deliver a perfect public speech. When you have ample information ahead of time, you are more likely to prepare the speech and the presentation that connects with your audience and puts your ideas out effectively. 

“Gather all of the information regarding location, technical setup, the time you’ll be speaking, dress, topics to include/avoid, type of presentation, etc.,” says Tara Goodfellow, a Muse career coach and owner of Athena Consultants.

Know your audience

The first step to delivering an effective public speaking session is to know and understand your audience. Knowing your audience beforehand prepares you for the type of presentation or speech you need to develop. “Make sure you understand the level of knowledge,” Goodfellow says, and curate your content accordingly. “You don’t want to bore them with details they already know nor do you want to overwhelm them.”

Josephine Lee, the third-place winner in the 2016 Toastmaster of World Championship of Public Speaking, stresses that even if she has to deliver the same speech twice, she takes her time to customize it according to the audience. 

Your speech pattern, style of speaking, and engaging with the audience and word choices may change depending on your audience. For instance, the speech you deliver at an engagement party might be different from the one you deliver at a wedding ceremony. 

The same goes with professional context. 

The presentation you give your colleagues about the future of your company will vary from the one you deliver to the company executives. 

Plan your speech

In order to deliver an effective speech, you must first prepare for it. How you say what you have to say and what structure you follow to deliver your message make up for a major part of how effective your speech is going to be. 

“You can have great diction and you can have great presentation skills, but if your words and structure are all over the place then people are not going to remember what you said,” says Lee, who lauds Toastmasters for teaching her to write speeches. “It is 100% about simplicity because when you’re giving a speech in front of a live audience it’s so fleeting that if you have multiple points and if you go off on tangents and if you don’t stay on one simple path then people won’t remember what you were speaking about.”

 Most good speakers tend to follow a pattern in their speech, regardless of how long they have to speak. Good speakers make the theme of their speech abundantly clear by giving supporting evidence and examples and creating everything around the central plot of the speech. 

Suggested Read- Why Do Most of the People Have Fear of Public Speaking?

Keep your slides minimal

You have to do all the talking while you are on stage; therefore, it is unnecessary and confusing to put a lot of text on your slides or make them too informational. The slides are there to assist your speech and not the other way around. 

Keep the slides for the complementary visual role while you expand and explain your points. Make sure not to read directly from the slides but use them to stay on track and keep your speech effective.

Praaaaaactice!

If there is one thing that can practically improve your public speaking skills, it is practicing. The more you get used to talking in front of a large crowd, the better you will become at public speaking. 

Narrate a story or a movie to your friends and family and try to hold their attention. You can also develop your own speech about a subject you are interested in and deliver it in your class. Practicing often makes you more comfortable and confident in your approach. It also makes you aware of your flaws and the areas that you need to improve. 

Get Feedback

Practicing on your own is a great way to improve your speaking skills, but you also need some feedback sprinkled through your practice session. Even if it is your brother or your close acquaintances who don’t have much knowledge of public speaking, you can speak in front of them and ask them where you can make improvements.

Ask them if your words were clear, did they get anything out of your speech, was there something that confused them, and were intrigued throughout. You can also give yourself feedback by recording your speech on your phone and listening to it. 

Memorize Your First and Last Lines

To set your mind to the speech and let yourself reaffirm the ideas that you are going to talk about, memorize the first and the last sentences of your speech. 

By memorizing the starting and the end lines of your speech, you automatically give your mind the room to speak naturally in between. Memorizing the whole speech is not going to sound normal, but remembering the starting and ending lines of the speech can set your mind to the process. 

Suggested Read- Telephonic Etiquette – Is an electronic representation of your behavior.

Join a Club

If you are enthusiastic about improving your public speaking skills, you should try to be a part of the real thing as much as possible. Joining a club and being a part of a public speaking community is as good as getting stage time with the audience. 

You can join your local community or become a part of an online workshop. If you don’t have access to such communities, you can always make one with your friends and get much-needed feedback. 

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

DURING THE SPEECH

Find your Zone

After a few minutes of getting on stage, try to find your zone and stay in it. Keep to yourself and think about how you are going to deliver your speech. Don’t let others distract you from your focus. 

Everyone has a different stage mantra or routine that they follow to ease up before getting on stage. You can create your own routine. For instance, you can find a friend and talk to them casually about what you are going to talk about on stage, or you can practice on your own.

If practicing right before the speech is making you nervous, create some other routing that makes you comfortable. Breathe in and out and stay hydrated. 

Don’t overwhelm yourself with notes

Amateur speakers tend to bury their heads in the notes and speak everything word by word. If you want to develop your speaking skills and retain the intention of your audience, you need to be able to improvise. 

Notes act as your crutch, which is fine as they could be the last resort to assistance, but they also stop you from reaching your full potential

Make eye contact

Extending on the previous point, make sure to make eye contact with your audience. The best way to deliver your point across is to focus on one person at a time. Direct eye contact with one person and then another is nice to go about it. 

Take a breather

Most new speakers talk endlessly without breaking their sentences, and it leads to a monotonous listening experience. You don’t have to rush through your presentation or the speech. The idea is to deliver your message as effectively as possible. So, take your time and pause every now and then to give yourself and your audience a break.

You can use the pauses strategically. For instance, after you have delivered an important message through your speech that you want your audience to think about, take a long pause. If you are delivering smaller ideas, take shorter pauses. This will help your audience take in your points easier and comprehensively.

Suggested Read- How to be a Great Master of Events

Repeat yourself

When you are speaking in public, your audience does not have the advantage of pausing or rewinding. This means you will have to repeat yourself, especially the central idea of your speech, every now and then. 

Help your audience retain your message by repeating the take-home line at least six to eight times during the speech. The repetition makes sure everyone understands what you are talking about and why it is important so they can process the information later.

Be easy on yourself

Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone has to start from somewhere, and it is only after going through these experiences you will be able to get better. Understand that nobody is perfect, and it is our consistency and dedication that makes us better at any task.

Image by Roché Oosthuizen from Pixabay

The post How to Become Great at Public Speaking: Tips to Help You Crush Your Next Presentation appeared first on Blogs | Engmates - English,Public Speaking,Personality Development.

Climbing on to the stage, having the spotlight on you, and engaging the crowd in an entertaining and captivating manner is what the job of a master of ceremonies entails. This is not an easy job and requires patience, creativity, and charm to woo the crowd and keep the people engaged for long intervals of time. Often people go on the stage and are taken over by stage fright, which results in them forgetting all of their prior practices, and they end up bombing. 

To avoid such situations and give you access to crowd control, we have compiled a list of things that will help in making you a great emcee of the night. 

What is an Emcee

An Emcee or MC is the person who is responsible for mastering an event, letting it sail smoothly, and making sure it offers what the organizers have intended. A master of ceremonies has a long list of responsibilities under their belt, and it keeps changing according to the type of event they are hosting. Whether it is a bridal event, music concert, or a corporate event, the emcee sets the tone and makes sure the event follows a specific pattern and yields desired results, while keeping the crowd entertained.

Plan an Adequate event opening

The phrase “first impression is the last impression” is very relevant in event openings. When people come to an event, they are already irritated and looking to leave the first chance they get. As a good emcee, your job is to provide them with adequate reasons to stay. In order to have such an influence on people, you must be enthusiastic and confident about what you are doing. 

Keep breathing

When you find yourself overwhelmed with responsibilities, you get nervous and anxious. Getting on a stage in front of a large number of people has the same effect on people. The best thing to do in that situation is to breathe in and out deeply to calm your nerves. Not letting your nervousness spoil your performance, you must make sure that you are on par with your breathing pattern. One of the best ways to overcome anxiety and nervousness is through personality development programs, personality development training will help you to achieve your goal effectively.

Read More:  Why Do Most of the People have a fear of public speaking and how to overcome them.

Bring in concrete and dynamic vibes

When you bring a dynamic and amusing vibe to the stage, the speakers you introduce tend also to partake, making the whole event harmonious and energetic. When the event begins and follows through with such a high amount of enthusiasm, it is bound to conclude with a bang. 

When you get on the stage, you are essentially the vessel through which the crowd wants to have their emotions relayed. If you are energetic and confident in your abilities, the audience will be vibing with you, and if you are nervous and nonchalant, the audience will feel the same way. 

Constrain the timing of the event

As an emcee, you need to have excellent time management skills because most of the time, you would be working under a specific timeline. While you would be informed by the stage supervisor about the schedule, as an emcee, you would have the final say over what comes next. Therefore, it is essential to make sure you are punctual with your schedule. If you happen to overrun one section, try maintaining it in another. Eventually, an emcee is responsible for concluding the event on time without excluding any section.

Practice

Practice before every event and make sure you have aced the script. When you have mastered the script, you have the option to go off the rail during the event and catch on to the script later. And it could only be achieved with rigorous practice and public speaking courses.

Dress for the event

What you wear and how you carry it exhibits how you are from the inside and whether you will be able to run the show. Make sure you dress for the occasion and style yourself accordingly. 

Pay attention to your audience, identify the signals they reveal, and then work on those cues to develop a connection with your audience. Remember, how you react on stage to your emotions decides where your event is headed. 

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