Difficult Interview Questions

Reporters can use questions that trip you up, if you are not alert to them. Here are a few.

The False Alternative	Example: "Was your decision based on poor judgment or did you just not know?"
	Solution: Ignore the alternatives and focus on your message. Lead the interviewer rather than allowing him or her to lead you. "The root of your question is motivation..."
The Hypothetical	Example: "If __ happens, what will you do?"
	Solution: Avoid speculation. Turn the conversation to a positive point. "I don't have a crystal ball, but… "
The Loaded Preface	Example: "Your company has been called inept by the unions. So what are you doing about the layoffs?"
	Solution: Try to correct the perception and then move on to the positive. "On the contrary, we..."
The Absent Party	Example: "So-and-so has stated that your organization is behind the times..."
	Solution: Don't argue with someone who is not present. Instead of commenting on that specific statement, turn to something else. "I’m not familiar with that remark, but we… "
The Inconsistency	Example: "In 1997, you said _____ ; now you're doing ____ . Why the change?"
	Solution: Take an historical perspective. "The environment was different in 2000 and we… "
The Irrelevancy	Example: "As President of XYZ Co. and an avid runner, what are you doing about running safety...?"
	Solution: Give a bit of information about running and then bridge to your major issues.
Putting Words in Your Mouth	Example: Did you abuse your wife? Answer: I have never abused my wife. Headline: "CEO says he did not abuse wife."
	Solution: Do not repeat inflammatory words that a reporter might feed to you. Rather, answer in neutral terms. "That is a question that I will not dignify with an answer.