Track the total number of strokes throughout your workout and then multiply by your stroke length.

     Call me crazy, but aren't most people down right boring? It's like reality TV, occasionally one quirky participant gets your attention. But it is usually not because of their spectacular communication skills! Just the opposite!

    It's rare that people who are looking for jobs, relationships or to maintain the ones they have do any homework on their communication skills. They say, "I've landed the interview, (the job, the girl/guy) okay, I'm good to go." No! 

     Most people spend more time writing their resumes than they do writing, practicing and refining their replies to potential interviewer questions. I call it packaging - preparing verbal responses based upon truth that inform, describe and highlight positive attributes in a dynamic and engaging manner.

    Like anything else, practice makes perfect. But my suggestion to job seekers includes this tip – Practice makes you authentic!  A natural and convincing speaking style makes you more confident, comfortable and likable. Unrehearsed and unexplored responses may sound contrived, arrogant, reflect inexperience, announce fear or, in most cases are just plain dull! Let's not even mention the numerous clichés we use for filler! Okay, I will - "I'm a people person with excellent communication skills. And I'm a problem solver!" Here's where I chime in with, "And, you want 'world peace!'"

    How many times have you heard, "You have to sell yourself!"? If you've been in sales, most people don't want to be sold. The harder we try the more we fail! I attribute this to lack of understanding of who we truly are; the inability to clearly verbally delineate our skills; and, most importantly, the inability to engage our listener.

    Here's a comparison: Have you ever met someone who just repeats jokes they've heard? Methodically, like an automatic baseball pitching machine, one after another, they will lay them on you until you ask them to stop. Funny or not, they eventually run out of the rehashed, unoriginal material! Until they reload!

    Then, you meet someone who can take a humorous personal story or event, construct a fascinating tale and they have you in stitches laughing? You're on the edge of your seat wanting more? They seem 'gifted' to be such a great storyteller. And, you wonder, "How they do it?" And, "Why are they so memorable?"

    With so many people on the hunt for jobs, it may be the resume or sheer determination that lands the interview. But, what will you do when you get it? Relay significant work-related stories in a stiff, dry, but "professional" manner that leaves them snoozing and making a mad dash for a double shot latte? Tell canned jokes that you think are funny? Or, do you go overboard with your enthusiasm, so much so, that the interviewer assumes in no time you'd be an intolerable burden to the staff? Perhaps you ramble, unconsciously motivated by fear, you overcompensate by trying to please, rather than clearly defining your skill set. Maybe you are the 'perfect' candidate in all respects, answering politely and competently, but still don't get the job?

     We feel such a sense of accomplishment on just landing the interview – this is when the real work begins. You have to be confident, convincing and memorable. But, how do you prepare?

     While coaching entrepreneurs, employees and speakers, I've gathered up these basic, get-started tips on being more engaging during interviews and presentations.

Remember, starting with a good resume' that fits the job requirements is a key point, along with an appearance that allows you to make a favorable first impression. Ask questions that will engage your interviewer. These questions should impress your interviewer and indicate that you have a good understanding at the tasks at hand. Bad questions can ruin an interview very quickly.

Finally, attitude is everything. Be positive, prepared and express your excitement about the prospects for taking on the challenge of this job. This is especially important in today's competitive job market.

Heather Holmberg is a writer and public speaking coach. She conducts seminars on a variety of public speaking related topics. Visit HeatherHolmberg.com or email her at speakup@heatherholmberg.com