Took a public speaking class 6 months ago and it changed how I do interviews

I used to freeze up every time a hiring manager asked me a tough question. After 8 weeks of a Toastmasters group near my office in Austin, I started handling those moments way better. Last week I had an interview where the guy tried to throw me off with a curveball question. I just paused, thought for a second, and answered clearly. My heart was still pounding but my voice didn't shake at all. I got a call back the next day. Has anyone else taken a class like that and noticed a big difference in your job talks?

2 comments

2 Comments

webb.christopher15d ago

I mean, is it really that deep? It's just talking to someone for 30 minutes, not like you're giving a TED talk.

irisross15d ago

My friend I gotta disagree hard. I had a 30 minute conversation with my neighbor about why she was putting gravel in her garden instead of mulch and by minute 15 I realized I was in way over my head trying to explain soil drainage and pH levels like I was some kind of landscape architect. Thirty minutes is plenty of time to mess up royally, especially if somebody asks you a question you're not ready for or brings up a topic that hits close to home. I've seen people's entire opinions of someone change based on one casual chat that went sideways. It's not a TED talk but it's a real chance to either connect or totally bomb, and that's kind of a big deal.