I marvel at the way Broadway actors memorize an entire play’s worth of dialogue. But once the lines are memorized, they get to practice and perfect their stage delivery night after night. They aren’t called to think on their feet about what to say next.
For three days I’ve been memorizing lines for a TV interview, most of which will never get spoken on the TV stage. I don’t know the actual questions the TV interviewer will ask, so why bother? By memorizing what I want to say I’m actually preparing myself to think on my feet.
This same principle applies to Certified Legal Nurse Consultants with attorney interviews. I happen to think that getting inside an attorney’s office is a big deal. You’re as close to the case as you will ever be without actually holding it in your hands. An interview is not a dress rehearsal and you won’t want to mess it up.
Memorize your introduction, your USP (unique selling position), your presentation and all the possible questions and answers. Then it’s time to practice. Practice, practice and practice again. The more you know what you intend to say, the sharper you will be when called to think on your feet.
Unlike a Broadway actor, you won’t get to go back to the attorney’s stage the next night. So it’s best to get it right the first time.
I’m Just Sayin’
P.S. Comment and share your strategies for preparing for attorney interviews as a CLNC® consultant.
