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Skill guide

Public speaking: the questions interviewers ask

Public speaking is a skill you can build. Clear structure, a steady voice and practice in front of someone (or a recorder) matter more than natural talent.

Every interview asks different questions. Use the examples below to see the kind of question to expect, then learn the idea behind each one instead of memorising answers.

Questions interviewers commonly ask

  1. Introduce yourself to a new group in one minute.
  2. Explain a topic you know well to a beginner.
  3. Persuade the group to try something you believe in.
  4. Talk for two minutes about a lesson you learned.
These are practice prompts written by us to show the kinds of questions asked. They are not real exam papers.
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What interviewers are looking for

  • Know your first and last sentence by heart and the points between in your own words.
  • Slow down and pause. Pausing sounds confident.
  • Speak to one person at a time rather than the whole room.
  • Practise out loud, record yourself and fix one habit at a time.

What to expect in the round

  • A clear opening
  • Two or three main points
  • Examples or stories
  • A memorable close

What to learn and practise

Common questions

How do I reduce filler words?

Replace them with a short pause. Record yourself to notice them first.

How do I handle a blank mind?

Pause, breathe, and return to your last point or your outline.

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