You're struggling with presentation skills in a job interview. How can you turn weaknesses into strengths?

Identify and Address Weaknesses: Reflect on specific areas where your presentation skills fall short, such as nervousness or clarity. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and work on targeted improvements through practice and training. Practice Regularly: Rehearse your presentation multiple times, focusing on improving areas of weakness. Use mock interviews or recording yourself to refine your delivery, enhance your confidence, and identify areas needing adjustment. Leverage Strengths: Emphasize your unique strengths during the presentation. Highlight your expertise, passion, and relevant experiences, and use them to offset any weaknesses. Demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm can make a strong, positive impression.

One time at work, I realized that trying to be perfect was actually my biggest weakness. In an interview, I fumbled over a complex question. Instead of panicking, I smiled and admitted, "I’m still working on mastering this, but here’s how I’d approach it." That moment of honesty shifted the entire conversation. The interviewer appreciated my authenticity and willingness to learn. Sometimes, what we perceive as flaws are the exact things that make us relatable and human. When I embraced my imperfections, I found my confidence – and that was the strength they were looking for.

Shrink the wall. As Trevor Currie talks about in his book Move the Room. You don’t need to tell everything you know. Instead of thinking about what you want to say, think about what does your audience want to hear. What do they need to know about you to demonstrate you are a good fit for the role? What examples can you provide to support this and reinforce you are a strong candidate for the role.

In my experience, knowing the content inside out makes all the difference. During one of my most nerve-wracking interviews, I realized something: The more I knew, the less nervous I felt. Preparation gave me the freedom to be flexible. It wasn’t about memorizing a script, but truly understanding the concepts. When a curveball question came my way, instead of panicking, I pivoted with confidence. The interviewer wasn’t just impressed with my answers; they were impressed with how I handled the unexpected. Knowledge is a safety net, and it empowers you to be at your best.

Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to gain insights into how you can improve. Use their observations to pinpoint areas for development. And most important is practice regularly, since a consistent practice is key to improvement. Rehearse your presentations in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a small group to build confidence and refine your delivery.

One thing I’ve found helpful is practicing out loud before an interview. It’s funny – I always thought I knew my answers until I started saying them out loud. I’ll never forget rehearsing for an interview in front of my mirror. The first few tries were awkward, but with each attempt, my responses became smoother. By the time the real interview came, it felt like I had already been there before. Speaking out loud gives your words a rhythm, and by the time you’re in front of the panel, you’ll find that your confidence flows naturally.

One time at work, I learned the power of storytelling during an interview. I was asked a tough behavioral question, and instead of diving into technical jargon, I shared a personal story. I talked about how I navigated a challenging project, the lessons I learned, and how it shaped my approach to problem-solving. By turning my answer into a narrative, I drew the interviewer in, and suddenly, it felt less like a Q&A and more like a conversation. Storytelling bridges the gap between facts and emotions, making you memorable long after the interview ends.

In my experience, using visuals can elevate your interview game. I once brought a small portfolio of my work to a meeting – nothing fancy, just some charts and graphs to back up my points. When I explained my process, I handed the interviewer the materials. The effect was immediate. Not only did it give them a tangible example of my work, but it also allowed me to guide the conversation visually. Visual aids are not just props – they’re conversation starters that add depth to your answers and create a more engaging dialogue.

One thing I’ve found helpful is reflecting on past experiences positively, even the ones where I’ve stumbled. In an interview, when I was asked about a failure, instead of dreading the question, I reframed it. I talked about what I learned and how I applied those lessons moving forward. The key is not to focus on the mistake itself, but on the growth it sparked. Reflecting positively isn’t just about brushing off failures; it’s about showing resilience. By shifting your mindset, you can turn setbacks into powerful stories of growth.