The interview has been going great when suddenly your interviewer changes from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde and zaps you with a nasty question.
How do you avoid looking like a deer in the headlights? Here's a technique to help you stay in control.
- - - P A U S E - - -
and quickly remind yourself:
- You are in total control of what you say. No one can force you to say anything you don't want to. (Most news operations prohibit waterboarding.)
- You want to be cooperative, but you are not required to answer any questions. (This isn't a deposition!),
- What result are you trying to achieve by doing the interview?
Assuming you have prepared properly for the interview, this will take two or three seconds. While that may seem like an eternity to you, it won't seem uncomfortable to anyone else.
Then answer or address the question, and transition to one of your messages. You'll be in control.
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