Does preparing for an interview hurt your spontaneity during the job interview?

One of the ways I like to give back is by answering career questions on Quora.  One recent question is one that I have been asked numerous times and want to share my answer here on the blog.  
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Does preparing for an interview hurt your spontaneity during the job interview?

A savvy candidate would definitely prepare for the interview. However, It can go very wrong if the candidate over-rehearses. For this reason, I recommend to my clients to use bullet-points and not remember a script.

A candidate who is over-reliant on a script can jeopardize the interview by doing the following:

• Focusing more on the script than on the non-verbal cues of the interviewer and engaging the interviewer.
• Failing to completely answer the question or miss the intent of the question because it wasn’t in the “script.”
• Losing composure if the candidate forgets one small word or minor aspect of the script and then obsessing on the miss thinking they’ve failed the question when the interviewer had no idea of what they “intended” to say in the first place. In effect, causing internal drama where none actually exists.

 
Many candidates are not aware that they actually control the “feel” of the interview in how they carry themselves, non-verbal and verbal cues and engaging the interviewer through “connection.” I recommend that candidates prepare but remain aware. Lead the interview into more of a discussion, than an “interview.” 
 
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