Executive Rewind: Are You Comfortable in Your Own Skin?

Aaron Levie is CEO of Box Inc. What is Box Inc? Same question occurred to me, and was his interviewer’s first question. He was prepared for that:

A clear, concise and understandable “elevator speech” in under 30 seconds. Levie has that nailed down for all occasions.

Levie appears very comfortable being interviewed, despite the fact he’s unable to see his interviewer and forced to relate to a tiny camera in his computer:

Another important impression from Levie’s performance is his expertise. Rule #3 of TMT’s 10 Rules of Interviewing© encourages you to let your expertise show. It enhances credibility and, as is the case for Levie here, is a sublime message being picked up by the most important people he hopes are watching: current clients and potential new ones:

Levie’s confidence demonstrates that he’s in complete control of his business today, and has a vision of how the future will evolve. Those are two very strong messages for his target audiences.

For some, the comfort of being interviewed, especially in an unnatural remote setting, comes naturally. But, based on my experience with clients, most would be nervous, especially when video is involved. While some nervous energy is good, the best way to get your nerves under control, is practice. Rehearse by creating as closely as possible the environment that mirrors the upcoming interview. You most likely are participating in many remote conversations as a result of today’s Covid-19 reality and that should help you. When you do practice, make sure the questions are relevant and tough and do it on camera, even for a print interview. Seeing your body language is extremely important. If it is in conflict with what you are saying, those unspoken messages will dominate your spoken ones.

In today’s world of instant global communication
“Anyone who talks about you…or your business…is media!”
The Media Trainers®, LLC
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