‘Only 7% of interview success depends on what you say’: Ankur Warikoo explains the viral 7-38-55 rule and why most candidates fail despite good answers

Only 7% of Interview Success Depends on What You Say

Content creator and author Ankur Warikoo shared insights on why many job interviews fail, even when candidates appear well-prepared. In a viral Instagram post, he explained the importance of non-verbal communication and introduced the well-known 7-38-55 rule.

The 7-38-55 Rule Explained

This principle from communication psychology, developed by Albert Mehrabian, describes how words, tone, and body language affect how people perceive messages. It shows that when verbal and non-verbal signals contradict, people tend to trust body language and tone more than words.

“Follow this 7-38-55 rule to ace your interviews!”

“Only 7% of your interview success depends on what you say. The remaining 93% is influenced by non-verbal cues, with 38% coming from tone, confidence and clarity of speech, and 55% from body language.”

Why Candidates Often Fail

According to Warikoo, interviews are high-stakes and emotionally charged situations where presentation plays a dominant role. Many candidates focus only on preparing their responses — the content of what they say — while overlooking the vital elements of delivery and self-presentation.

Key Takeaways

Verbal communication impacts only 7% of interview outcomes.
Voice tone, confidence, and clarity contribute 38%.
Body language and overall presence make up 55%.
Effective interviews depend on both what is said and how it is expressed.

Author’s Summary

Success in interviews relies far more on tone and body language than words; mastering presence and expression is the real key to leaving a lasting impression.

The Indian Express — 2025-11-05