Find Your EDGE, Speak in Bullets
Interviews involve a LOT of words. How do you make sure they hear your EDGE, and not just words?
When you want someone to better understand your written words, you use typographical emphasis: bold, italics, underline, bullets, etc.
Did you know you can also speak with typographical emphasis?
In 10 seconds or less, skim both paragraphs.
Which is easier to quickly digest?
Paragraph Speak
The way that I ensure data accuracy and integrity in all that I do is by ensuring that I use an automated solution wherever possible to try and reduce human manual error. This has the least risk. If I can't use that strategy, then I try and see if I can utilize the software in a way that uses a workflow between two users so there are two eyes on the data but the flow is automated. This is a medium risk option. And if all else fails, then I ensure there's a manual process that requires two people to review the information to ensure it's accuracy, but this is the highest risk option.
Typographical Speak
To ensure data accuracy and integrity, I utilize three strategies in order of risk.
First, I see if there's a technology solution that automates the data entry.
This strategy has the least risk, as it negates the human error risk.
Second, I see if I can utilize a workflow to automatically send the information between two people for review and audit.
This strategy has medium risk as it adds a human element, but automates flow of information and has an audit trail.
Third, if all else fails I use a documented manual review process where the data must be manually reviewed by at least two people before approved/finalized.
This strategy has the highest risk as it's 100% human dependent.
'Speaking in bullets' (and other typographical emphasis) is a skill that gives you a distinct edge in an interview.
My Interview Coaching will teach you how to do this,
but here are some quick tips to get you started:
Speak in bullets
Wherever possible, speak in lists, or distinctly separate your points. When you say "I consider three things when tackling multiple projects at a time" it tells your audience pay attention for three distinct strategies. They know what to expect, can already categorize what you're about to say, and are more likely to understand/remember your entire answer.
Utilize the 'Power of the Pause'
White space helps you understand written information. When speaking the white space is the strategic use of silence. Give your words some space, add a pause in between thoughts, and allow your interviewer time to digest what is being said. This can also help when speaking in bullets.
Bold and underline your words
Want your interviewer to catch key words or phrases? Bold and underline them in your tone, cadence, and use of gestures. What does this sound like?
Exaggerate those words in the sentence
Use a pause before and after the word/phrase
Use a well timed hand gesture, or facial expression
Repeat the word or phrase
Slow down your cadence for these words only
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
Above all, make sure you practice, OUT LOUD! Typographical speech isn't always an innate skill - I can help you formulate your responses strategically, and practice speaking in bullets, headers, bold, italics - so that your interviewers hear your EDGE as well as your words.
Let's work together to up your game with typographical speech!