Turning Interview Anxiety into Confidence: Expert Strategies from a Speech Professor

In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Cassandra Wingert. Cassandra Wingert is a speech communication professor who specializes in helping students manage high speech anxiety. In the interview, they discuss interview nerves, confidence-building strategies, and effective communication habits. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of managing anxiety during interviews. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  0:00–4:00 — Introduction & Teaching PhilosophyPierre welcomes Cassandra back to the podcast. She introduces her role as a speech communication professor and explains her “Maslow before Bloom” philosophy, emphasizing safety, regulation, and play-based learning as foundations for confident public speaking. 4:00–9:00 — Understanding Interview AnxietyCassandra breaks down the psychology of nervousness using a car analogy, describing how the amygdala triggers stress responses that disrupt clear thinking. She explains why interview anxiety is normal and how the brain misinterprets interviews as threats. 9:00–15:00 — Strategies to Manage AnxietyThey explore physical, mental, and behavioral techniques such as breath regulation, mindset reframing, practicing aloud, and simulating interview environments. Cassandra highlights how preparation reduces the brain’s “alarm system.” 15:00–21:00 — Perfectionism & Recovering from MistakesCassandra explains how perfectionism drives anxiety and shares methods for recovering when losing one’s place. She emphasizes that interviewers value professionalism and resilience over flawless performance. 21:00–28:00 — Vocal Habits & Communication TechniquesThey discuss common nervous speaking habits—speeding up, rambling, monotone delivery—and practical ways to slow down, pause effectively, structure responses, and maintain vocal clarity. 28:00–36:00 — Nonverbal Communication & ConfidenceCassandra covers posture, eye contact, facial expression, and how to project steadiness even when nervous. She advises shifting from “performance mode” to “contribution mode.” 36:00–40:00 — Long-Term Skill Building & Final InsightsThey explore how consistent practice, mock interviews, and communication courses build lasting confidence. Cassandra closes by reinforcing that communication is a learnable skill and encourages students to lean into discomfort to grow. Resources Discussed: Cassandra Wingert: [email protected] College of DuPage course Speech 1100 (reach out each semester for the special High Speech Anxiety section numbers) College of DuPage course Speech 1150 Intro Business Communication College of DuPage course Speech 1120 Small-Group Communication Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter