We’ve all been there, caught in a loop of words, watching our interviewer’s eyes glaze over as we lose focus. Rambling happens to the best of us but in the art world, where clarity and impact can make or break an impression, it’s crucial to stay focused during an interview. Whether you’re a gallery owner, curator, or an up-and-coming artist, rambling can detract from your message and make you seem disorganised. But don’t worry here are seven tricks I use to stay sharp in interviews (and avoid losing the plot!):
1. Cheat Sheets for Stories
Jot down key points about your most important accomplishments. Keep these in mind when answering common questions, so you can stay on topic.
2. STAR Method Storytelling
Use the STAR framework Situation, Task, Action, Result to give structure to your answers. Whether it’s talking about a challenging installation or an ambitious project, this keeps the narrative clean and engaging.
3. Rule of Three
Stick to three main points in your responses. Whether it’s discussing your favourite mediums or key moments in your career, three is a magic number that holds the listener’s attention without overwhelming them.
Example: “Three defining moments in my career were when I first experimented with abstract forms, exhibited in Berlin, and collaborated with local artists.”
4. Embrace the Pause
Silence is golden! Don’t be afraid to take a breath between thoughts. It gives your answers space and shows confidence in your words. Plus, it stops you from filling every second with unnecessary details.
5. Master the Minute
Aim for concise answers between 60-90 seconds. This ensures you’re staying relevant and keeping the flow of the interview dynamic and engaging.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
Record yourself answering typical questions. It helps you refine your responses and lets you see how your body language or hand gestures contribute to your narrative.
7. Pre-Plan Your Key Messages
Before any interview, decide on the core themes you want to highlight, whether it’s your vision, your process, or key projects. This way, even if the conversation drifts, you can bring it back to the points you want to land.
Remember, there’s a fine line between a thoughtful answer and a rambling one, stay on the right side of it, and you’ll leave a lasting impression!
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First image and second image via Pinterest.
