Start with a softball

Since baseball season is just around the corner, I thought it might be time to use a national pastime analogy as it relates to interviews.

We all saw plenty of "softball" questions during the last political campaign, directed at both candidates. It almost seems as if reporters are walking on eggshells, not wanting to offend the person being interviewed. Hardly anyone plays hardball anymore, as politicians are routinely allowed to squirm off the hook as the "follow up" question has become a lost art.

However, the softball does have its place. A baseball pitcher might feed a batter a dose of slow breaking pitches before firing a bullet down the middle of the plate. Reporters can also "set up" an interview subject with soft stuff before throwing one high and tight.

One example I've mentioned before was the time I was sent to ask a politician about cheating on his wife. He'd never met me, but the rumor had just broken and I knew he'd be on his guard. So I had to let him get comfortable with some easy lobs over the middle of the plate.

Me: "So, why is foreign trade so important to this community?"

Politician: (Gives standard political answer. I can see it in his eyes that he's thrilled I didn't ask THE question.)

Me: "Do you foresee any specific trade agreements that might be beneficial?"

Politician: (Gives another pat answer. Now he's really relaxed. At this point the catcher puts down number one and it's time for a fastball.)

Me: "So, what's the deal about this alleged affair?"

The guy had no chance. Never saw it coming. He dodged the question with his words but his facial reaction told the story as I got the death stare and the twitchy lip.

Remember, your job is to ask the tough questions. If that means setting someone up with bogus fluff, fine. Softball questions are fine, as long as you follow them with hardball questions.