Even professional TV reporters make interview mistakes.  I just watched a reporter on one of the national news shows do the ‘yes bobble head’ in response to a question by the show’s anchor.

So what is the ‘yes bobble head’? It is when you nod your head yes to let the interviewer know that you understand the question they are asking.

So what is wrong with nodding? After all, it is a natural reaction when you are asked a question.  The problem is that even though the nod may have nothing to do with your answer or your position on the topic,  it will appear as if you are saying yes to the question when your answer may be a definitive NO.  As was the case with the reporter answering the anchor’s questions on the news show I was watching.

And, this doesn’t just happen on TV, it happens in online videos as well.

If you are being interviewed, you want to build credibility and one of the first things you will want to do is to avoid the ‘yes bobble head’ response.  Here are two tips that can help you avoid the ‘yes bobble head’:

Interview Tip 1: When you are being interviewed for TV or for an online video, resist the temptation to nod your head yes to let the interviewer know you understand the question.  Wait until the question has been completed, then answer the question.  This will be challenging because many of us have developed the habit of nodding our heads when we are asked a question to signal that we understand.

Interview Tip 2: The ‘yes bobble head’ doesn’t just happen during tv interviews and online video interviews.  It happens in everyday conversations.  So, the best place to practice eliminating this habit, is during conversations.  Then when you are called to be interviewed, you will be ready.

Hope you will comment below and share this post with your friends.

Amelia Brazell, Strategy Source, Inc.