What is the general rule for how long you should speak at a time during the interview?

In a typical interview setting, the general guideline is to keep your responses concise yet thorough, ideally around two minutes. This duration allows you to provide a well-structured answer that includes key points without overwhelming the interviewer with excessive detail. Speaking for about two minutes gives you enough time to effectively communicate your qualifications, experiences, and understanding of the role while keeping the interview engaging and interactive.

Shorter responses, like one minute, can sometimes lack depth, making it difficult to convey your full message. Speaking for a longer time, such as three or five minutes, risks losing the interviewer's attention and may lead to unnecessary repetition or digression from the main topic. Thus, maintaining a two-minute response is generally seen as the most effective approach to ensure clarity and maintain engagement during an interview.