Role Playing

Teachers, actors, speakers, people in public relations, management trainees and, of course, interviewers use role plays to perfect their interviewing skills.

Although role plays are make believe, they are not games. Role playing is a learning technique.

An Imaginary Context
The role play places the student in a what if  situation.
It may not be real, but it is the closest thing to it.
Within this context, the student can rehearse, and try out techniques.

Sometimes people new at role plays are self-conscious. This is normal.

Here is a tip to get over being self-conscious about role playing. Visualize the interview and practice everything mentally first.

How to Visualize:
Sit down in a comfortable chair.
Close your eyes.
Visualize each step of the interview.
Imagine greeting the person, beginning the interview, asking the questions, flowing smoothly from one question to the other, ending the interview.

Now try the role play out.

Practice One Point at a Time
The voice, greeting techniques, the conversation-like flow of the interview should be practiced one-by-one.
Let a few days go by, and then combine everything into one role play.

A Clear Objective
Both role play participants need a clear understanding of the objectives.

Within a short time, the interview will become automatic and fun.