Whether you’re conducting an interview for a job, podcast, or research, failing to strategically adjust your tone can lead to misinterpretations, damage rapport, and result in missed opportunities to gather valuable information. Based on our experience as vocal coaches, we’re sharing tips on the ideal tone of voice to take while interviewing someone.
Tone of Voice to Take While Interviewing Someone
Effective interviewing hinges on the deliberate use of vocal tones, including an open and welcoming tone for initial rapport, as well as an inquisitive tone for deeper exploration. You may also incorporate an empathetic and understanding tone for sensitive discussions or an authoritative and professional tone for setting expectations and direct questioning.
These varied vocal approaches allow interviewers to adapt their communication style throughout the conversation. By combining these vocal tones, you can gather comprehensive information while maintaining a professional yet approachable presence.
| Tone of Voice | Key Vocal Characteristics |
| Open and welcoming | Slightly higher pitch, gentle upward inflection, smooth pace, warm resonance |
| Inquisitive and curious | Varied pitch/inflection, slightly slower pace for key questions, rising inflection for open-ended questions, active listening sounds |
| Empathetic and understanding | Lowered pitch, softer volume, slower/deliberate pace, gentle/grounded resonance, pauses for reflection |
| Authoritative and professional | Clear articulation, consistent pitch/volume, firm downward inflection at the end of statements, moderate/purposeful pace |
1. Open and Welcoming Tone
This tone sets a positive and approachable atmosphere right from the start, making the interviewee feel at ease and encouraging them to open up. Its primary purpose is to build initial rapport and create a comfortable space for a productive dialogue. Make use of these vocal techniques:
- Slightly higher pitch: A subtly higher pitch can convey friendliness and enthusiasm.
- Gentle, upward inflection at the end of sentences: This creates a welcoming, inviting sound rather than a declarative one.
- Smooth, even pace: Avoid rushing, as a calm and measured pace demonstrates patience and genuine interest.
- Warm resonance: Focus on projecting your voice from your chest, giving it a fuller, richer quality.
2. Inquisitive and Curious Tone
Use an inquisitive and curious tone when the goal is to dive deeper into an interviewee’s experiences and perspective. It encourages elaborate responses and conveys a genuine desire to understand their insights. You can apply these vocal techniques:
- Varied pitch and inflection: Use a range of pitches and inflections to emphasize different parts of your questions, signaling interest.
- Slightly slower pace for key questions: Deliberately slowing down on important questions prompts the interviewee to consider their answers more thoroughly.
- Open-ended phrasing with rising inflection: Like when using the phrase, “Tell me more about…”, the rising inflection at the end of such phrases encourages further explanation.
- Active listening sounds: When delivered with genuine interest, non-verbal vocalizations, such as “Mm-hmm” and “Ah”, show you are engaged and absorbing their responses.
3. Empathetic and Understanding Tone
When navigating sensitive topics or discussing challenges, an empathetic and understanding tone can build trust and make sure the interviewee feels heard and respected. This tone demonstrates compassion and validates their experiences, encouraging honesty. Start with these vocal techniques:
- Lowered pitch and softer volume: A slightly lower pitch and reduced volume can convey seriousness and sensitivity.
- Slower, deliberate pace: This allows space for emotional processing and conveys that you are not rushing them.
- Gentle, grounded resonance: A deep, stable vocal resonance can project calmness.
- Pauses for reflection: Strategically placed pauses can allow the interviewee time to compose themselves or for you to acknowledge their feelings.
4. Authoritative and Professional Tone
This tone maintains control and delivers clear instructions to keep the interview on track. You can use this tone to set expectations, provide direct information, or ask precise, direct questions to convey confidence and clarity. Practice these vocal techniques:
- Clear, articulate pronunciation: Every word should be distinct and easily understood.
- Consistent pitch and volume: Maintain a steady pitch and volume to project confidence and control.
- Firm, downward inflection at the end of statements: This conveys finality and certainty.
- Moderate, purposeful pace: Speak at a steady pace that demonstrates efficiency and focus without being rushed.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tone When Interviewing Someone
Your tone plays a big part in making the interview feel natural and easy, as a clear and flexible tone aids communication and allows the conversation to flow smoothly. This is why selecting the appropriate tone of voice is a dynamic process that adapts to various factors.
1. Communication Style and Demeanor
Observe the interviewee’s natural speaking style. If they are soft-spoken, you might initially temper your open and welcoming tone to match, gradually adjusting as they become more comfortable. Conversely, a more energetic interviewee might respond well to a slightly more animated approach.
2. Purpose or Type of Interview
A screening interview for a high-volume role might lean more towards an authoritative and professional tone to efficiently gather key information. A behavioral interview, aimed at uncovering past actions and motivations, may require shifts between inquisitive and curious, as well as empathetic and understanding tones.
3. Company Culture and Industry Norms
A highly traditional or formal industry might favor a more consistently authoritative and professional tone. Meanwhile, a creative or collaborative environment can encourage a more open and welcoming approach throughout the interview.
4. Interviewer’s Own Goals and Personality
If you naturally possess a warm and engaging personality, lean into that for your open and welcoming tone. If you are naturally more direct, make sure your authoritative and professional tone doesn’t come across as aggressive.
Related Questions
What Is the Impact of Vocal Tone When Interviewing Someone?
Vocal tone significantly influences how interviewees perceive you, shaping their comfort level and willingness to share information. It directly impacts rapport building, the clarity of your questions, and the professional atmosphere of the conversation.
How Can I Adjust My Tone for Virtual Interviews?
To adjust your vocal tone in virtual communication, especially in interviews, be extra clear and use a steady pace so words don’t get lost over the call. Pay extra attention to your pitch, as visual cues are limited, and your voice carries more weight in conveying emotion and intention.
What Voice Qualities Should You Monitor During Interviews?
During interviews, consistently monitor your pitch for warmth and engagement and your pace for clarity. Additionally, be mindful of your volume to project confidence without being arrogant, and your articulation to make sure every word is understood.
Conclusion
As you consciously employ varied vocal tones, you can build stronger connections, elicit more comprehensive responses, and guide conversations with greater precision. With our group vocal training sessions, you can learn and apply these techniques directly to truly harness the power of your voice.
