How often do you wake up and say:
“I’d really love to be interviewed today.
I want to sit under hot lights
and submit myself to deep, probing questions.”
Image credit: Marc Birnbach
Most people don’t aspire to do an interview. It’s usually forced upon them.
Fear of public speaking tops most peoples’ list of anxieties – citing the stage, the spotlight, the stress, and the fallout if it all goes wrong.
But sometimes it has to be done. And, when done right, the face-to-face experience of an interview or speech can be one of the most effective ways to connect with an audience, advance an organization’s story and enhance reputation.
A big success factor is learning how to deal with the associated anxiety and vulnerability. That comes through practice. Effective communication doesn’t happen from reading a script. You have to try the story on, tailor it, say it out loud and take it for a test run. And it helps to have a sounding board – someone who can listen from the perspective of your audience, anticipate tough questions and help structure a memorable story.
I can help. I’ve spent much of my career collaborating with executives who, while they don’t always love to be interviewed or speak in public, they want to get it right. For more than 30 years, I’ve worked with executives to help craft their stories and infuse them with personal insights and details that matter to their audiences.
From my perspective, effective communication is reached through a collaborative journey. I’d welcome the opportunity to work with you to reach that destination.
Tom Barritt