where you'll learn American culture and business know-how to become confident in English.

So, you have a Skype meeting with an American business.

You have the usual stress of a "real meeting" but with even more questions.

What if you also have to deal with technical problems?

What if the connection fails?

Don't worry; here's how you can use that situation to your advantage.

Let's go!

Can you hear me?

OK, what about now?

Is that... is that OK now?

OK, I can see... I can see you, but I can't hear you.

Can you hear me now?

If you've used Skype, you've experienced a conversation like that.

And if you have American colleagues or clients, then Skype is probably part of the job.

And there's even a verb for that in English, to Skype someone.

American companies often use Skype interviews in the hiring process.

The interviewer wants to see your smile and your energy and how reliable you are.

And that's why technical problems can be devastating.

Because you might make one of these two common devastating mistakes.

The first one is pretending everything is OK.

That will not help you.

The interviewer might think that's how you handle tough situations,

by ignoring the problems instead of dealing with them.

Technical problems are real problems.

If you can't hear well, the conversation won't be productive, you won't understand the questions, and you'll give irrelevant answers.

The second devastating mistake is panicking.

It shows that you're easily stressed by something as common as using Skype.

You'll appear uncomfortable with technology.

You'll look like you can't control your emotions and stay calm when things don't go as planned.

In both cases, it sends a bad signal⏤nobody wants to hire a candidate like that.

So, how should you react instead?

Start by being prepared.

You should be just as serious in your preparation for a Skype or phone interview as you would for a physical interview.

In fact, maybe you should prepare more.

Skype is notorious for connection problems⏤probably 1 out of 3 calls that I do on Skype have connection problems at some point.

So, to minimize the risks, check Skype's recommendations for connection bandwidth on this page and I'll put the link below.

Then, use this site to test your connection; link below.

And if your bandwidth is not enough, use an Ethernet cable to connect instead of Wi-Fi.

Yes, it's old school, but it works.

You should also get familiar with the extra features of Skype.

Be sure that you know how to turn on your video, in case this isn't automatic.

And how to send a chat message so you can give email addresses, phone numbers, and links to the interviewer.

And learn how to share your screen⏤it might prove useful.

As I said, connection problems aren't unusual on Skype.

At some point, problems will happen.

So, here's my step-by-step guide to handling connection problems based on my experience of teaching online and talking to business clients.

Step 1, be prepared.

On the day of the interview, check your connection strength and keep an Ethernet cable around.

Step 2, if the connection lags or breaks down,

you can say, "Um, hold on a minute, I'm just going to plug in my Ethernet cable to fix the connection."

Step 3, if that doesn't work, suggest cutting the video.

Not ideal, but it's more important to hear clearly than to see the other person.

Say, "Do you mind if I cut the video?"

"I'm going to see if that improves the connection."

Step 4, if that still doesn't solve the problem, suggest starting the call again.

Say, "Why don't we start over? Can you hang up and call me back?"

Step 5, another option.

Keep Skype on for the video so you can see each other, but use the phone for clear audio.

You can say, "Can I suggest a solution?"

"Why don't you call me on the phone, but we can keep the video on Skype."

"Here's my number in the chat."

And then, you enter your number into the chat on Skype.

Step 6, if all else fails, suggest just using the telephone.

You can say, "I think Skype is having a bad day."

"It would be more efficient to do this on the phone, perhaps."

"Would you like to call me on the phone instead?"

In this whole situation, don't panic.

Use this opportunity to show that you can control your stress, handle an unplanned situation, and manage the problems of everyday business.

For example, one time, I had a video interview with a big business client who wanted to discuss English coaching for their sales manager.

We had terrible Skype connection problems and it took us 10 very long minutes to find a solution.

But, in the end, the company signed up 3 students for coaching programs instead of 1, as they originally planned.

And the HR manager said,

"You were so calm during the connection problems I felt that you must be really good at teaching online."

If I had panicked, maybe they would've said, "Thanks for your offer, but we're gonna continue looking."

So, remember: Prepare your call, learn Skype extra features, and check your connection.

Don't ignore the problem and don't panic.

And you can always fall back on my step-by-step guide to handling technical problems.

Now, write down your plan and the sentences that you can use in that situation and keep them around during your call.

And that's an advantage of Skype, is that you can "cheat" and be prepared with notes so you know that everything will be fine even if problems arise.

And now, you're done.

So, tell me, how did you handle your last Skype connection problems?

Write down your experience in the comments.

It's a great way to practice and share with the world.

And, if you would like to become more fluent, more confident, and work with one of my expert teachers, check out my new program, Speak English Confidently.

It combines private training sessions with regular conversation practice so that you speak more correct English more fluidly.

Details are below the video.

Alright, thanks so much for improving your English with me, and I'll see you next time.