I appreciated NPR’s podcast on highly effective communicators, who “consistently … create authentic connections with others just by listening and talking.” Turns out you don’t have to be extroverted or chatty, but can learn the skills to be a super communicator. Some of the tips don’t exactly apply to interviews, like being vulnerable results in a personal connection (don’t overshare or get too personal in an interview for a legal job!), but others can help you:

1. Conversations go better when you are prepared. The podcast discussed a study where students who prepared a few easy questions before going into a discussion did better than those who didn’t prepare, even if the prepared questions weren’t used. It’s because they went in feeling more confident and knowing they could draw on the (brief) prep they did. Similarly, if you go into an interview having researched the company/job/interviewer, you will feel more comfortable and come across more poised.
2. Ask questions to connect with people. Super communicators ask more questions (10-20 times more!) than average communicators. They also ask why questions, listen closely, and ask follow-up questions. I don’t encourage you to barrage the interviewer, but do listen to answers, and ask thoughtfully about things the interviewer raised. (Obviously in an initial interview, don’t ask about something that will make the other person defensive.)
3. Make clear you understand what the person is saying. NPR noted “There are plenty of ways to appear like you’re listening… like making eye contact or nodding intently. But proving to someone that you’re listening is the quickest road to making someone feel heard.” One way suggested by the podcast is to summarize what the other person said and ask if it was correct. This works in an interview if you are given a hypo. In that case, you can make sure you got the gist right, including what is important to the company, before you continue. But I wouldn’t summarize everything an interviewer says and ask if you got it right, which would come across as weird.

Summary: Super communicators strive to understand the other person, which creates a connection. They establish they are actually listening versus pretending to listen so they can get to what they want to say. Showing you are actually listening is great in all situations, including interviews!

(written with 100% natural intelligence, no AI)