How To Answer Interview Questions Professionally?

How to answer interview questions confidently and professionally? I’ve been on a few interviews recently and noticed that even when I prepare ahead of time, I still end up second-guessing myself during the actual conversation. I either talk too much and lose focus, or I cut myself off because I feel like I’m rambling—even when I know what I want to say.

I’ve tried writing answers out, rehearsing them, watching interview tips on YouTube, all of it. But when I’m sitting in front of someone—whether it’s on Zoom or in person—I just don’t come across the way I want to. I want to sound confident and clear without memorizing a script or feeling robotic.

So I’m asking those who’ve either mastered this or have gone through the same struggle: what is your strategy for how to answer interview questions in a way that sounds both professional and real? Do you use frameworks like STAR? Do you prep differently depending on the role? How do you keep your answers tight but natural?

Would really appreciate any advice or techniques that have worked for you—especially if you’ve done well in competitive interviews.