Your body language and communication delivery often speak louder than your words. Mastering these non-verbal cues demonstrates professional maturity and executive presence, which are top hiring priorities.

Whether you are in-person or on a video call, your physical presence dictates how your words are received.

Remember that how you speak is as important as what you say. Speak clearly, project your voice (even virtually), and avoid rushing. Pacing yourself shows you are calm and respect the gravity of the conversation.

Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. This not only projects confidence but helps you breathe better, aiding vocal clarity.

Smile sincerely at the beginning and end of your key points. Maintain confident (but not aggressive) eye contact. For virtual interviews, this means looking directly into your webcam lens, not at the interviewer's face on your screen. This creates a stronger connection.

Keep your hands visible but controlled. Avoid fidgeting or tapping. Using subtle, open hand gestures can make you appear more authentic and engaged.

Filler words are almost always a reaction to a fear of silence. Gen Z often uses "like" or "um" to fill the cognitive space while formulating the next thought. The goal is to consciously replace those verbal ticks with silence.

Instead of "um," "like," or "you know," simply pause. A brief, intentional one-to-three-second silence after a question or before a key point does two powerful things:

• It makes you sound thoughtful, measured, and in control of your narrative.
• It gives your brain the necessary moment to structure the next part of your answer, leading to increased clarity.

It is always acceptable to buy time professionally. Use one of these phrases to signal to the interviewer that you are processing the question:

• "That's a fantastic question, let me think on that for a second."
• "I appreciate the depth of that question; I want to ensure I give you the most accurate answer."
• "That's insightful. [Pause] My experience here is..."