Being well-versed in the medical field, you know that you cannot rely solely on a patient's history to make the diagnosis. You carry on with physical assessment and related medical laboratories to confirm your diagnosis. Likewise, your high school grades do not determine your ability to overcome the challenges of medical school, USMLE Steps included.

And this is also true about speaking while you are on an interview. What your face, eye movements and body posture show will transmit your intentions and intended message despite the clarity of your words. You must learn to use these non-verbal communication skills to impart your message to your interviewer or panel of interviewers.

Facial Expressions. Smiling, frowning, knitting or raising your brows and widening your eyes as you express happiness, disbelief, doubt, surprise, anger and other emotions add impact to your speech. You become more effective if your face mirrors the emotional and intellectual meaning of your words. You are also able to evoke these emotions in your listeners if your facial expressions are natural and sincere.

You must remember not to exaggerate your facial movements. Not only will you look ludicrous but you will also distract your audience. Neither should you assume a poker face or a face without any trace of emotion. Your listeners might think you are not really interested in communicating with them.

Posture. What is the appropriate posture if you are on an interview? If you will be interviewed while you are standing, you must put one foot forward not only for balance but also for ease of movement. For males, you may spread your legs slightly apart in a strong position. Putting your feet together or what experts call the 12 o'clock position is inadvisable because this makes you look stiff. You must relax to avoid standing like a rod or a statue.

If you are sitting during your interview, rest your back on the back rest of a chair. Breathe in and out and relax. Looking stiff suggests nervousness. If you are nervous, then your listeners might also feel uncomfortable. Do not slouch because that might impair your voice. Avoid leaning on the panel of interviewers' table because they might misinterpret it as either lack of energy or nervousness.

Body Movement. Changing your position, walking as you speak or moving closer to your listeners can also maintain your listener's interest in your message. Purposeful movement can indicate a positive attitude towards yourself, your message and your listeners. Remember however, not to move too often or too much because you might just give the feeling that you are either nervous or aggressive.

Eye Contact. The way you look at your listeners can establish or break your communication bond with them. Next to your voice, your eyes are your powerful tools in maintaining the interest of your listeners. As you address your interviewers directly, look straight into their eyes to make your presence professional and conversational. Make them feel important by establishing eye contact with them.

If the group of interviewers is large, divide mentally your audience into four sections. Select one from each section and meet his or her eyes for a few seconds. Do this for every section until you have looked at almost everyone. Avoid staring, however, because it is rude to stare.

There are cultures however, where looking directly at someone signifies sincerity, truthfulness and honesty. Remember the saying, "The eyes are the windows of the soul."

Remembering these points on posture, body movement, and eye contact will help ensure that your interviews reflect your potential as a medical resident as much as your USMLE Step scores.