For our October Issue, we spoke with Professor Michael Bannon, the Director of the Oral Communication Lab in the Department of Communication about interviewing for scholarships.
- What are the most common stumbling blocks applicants encounter as they transition from the essay-writing portion of the application process to the interview phase?
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The biggest difference between speaking and writing is that a reader can reread something if they don’t understand it. A listener has only one opportunity to understand. They can’t go back and listen again. Therefore, all of the responsibility for clear communication falls on the shoulders of the candidate. They must successfully communicate ideas the first time through. That takes poise, deliberate speaking, practice, and confidence.
- How can applicants selected to interview best prepare for presenting their candidacy orally before a selection committee?
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The secret to all interviews is anticipation, preparation, and practice. Since it is the nature of academic scholarship interviews that the candidate doesn’t know what they will be asked, the best preparation is to stay current in their field and in the news and to practice answering questions they don’t know are coming. This should be done as a simulation with several people acting as the interviewers. The secret to being impressive on-the-spot is practice. The more you answer questions in this way, the better you get at it. Your answers will become more articulate, more organized, and more intelligent.
- What do you look for in a strong interview performance as an expert in oral communication?
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First and foremost, any academic scholarship interview will prize intelligent and articulate answers so take a few moments to gather your thoughts before you answer questions. A few seconds of reflective silence is natural in dealing with questions designed to make you think. Anticipation of question types (questions specific to the field or the candidate’s project, questions constructed to reveal the presence in the candidate of the values and traits that define the scholarship, and questions about current events of any sort, even seemingly disconnected to the scholarship perspective) and preparation of answers will provide the candidate with the kind of clear, concise, and confident responses that committees love, answers that show critical thinking skills and fundamental intelligence.
- How might students turn the oft dreaded, “Do you have any questions for the Committee?” to their advantage?
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Anticipate what is important to the committee and fashion questions that reflect the values central to any particular scholarship. If they value a strong cooperative, collaborative work ethic, ask them how successful candidates stay connected with each other. If they value innovation, ask them how innovation is specifically encouraged in successful candidates. Use the question to indicate your strong interest in the principles of the scholarship. Put some time into thinking about this and ask your mentors for ideas. Always have two or three good questions ready if they ask you. “No, I don’t” is not a good response. It indicates a lack of interest.
- How might applicants who are reluctant to interview reframe the experience as an opportunity to engage with their intellectual project in a new way?
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Interview skills are emblematic of interpersonal communication skills. Interviews offer a chance for candidates to present themselves in the most positive possible light. Instead of depending on a favorable interpretation of written project descriptions, they afford the candidate the opportunity to interpret their ideas for the committee. They are direct connections that allow committee members to get to know the person as well as the project and can easily be the deciding attribute in awarding scholarships. Never miss the chance to present your own ideas in person with authentic enthusiasm and excitement.