What does the term 'poise' refer to in the context of the interview?

In the context of an interview, 'poise' refers to the candidate's comfort and professionalism while presenting to the committee. This encompasses how well the individual carries themselves, their demeanor, and their ability to maintain composure under pressure. A poised candidate demonstrates confidence, good posture, appropriate facial expressions, and effective body language, all of which contribute to a strong and positive impression on the interviewers.

While the other aspects mentioned, such as answering questions quickly, physical appearance, and engaging with the audience, are important during an interview, they do not fully encapsulate the essence of poise. Poise is fundamentally about how a candidate presents themselves and interacts with the environment in a calm and confident manner, which ultimately influences how they are perceived by the committee.