A Journalist's Guide to Asking Hard Questions Without Feigning Humility

Imagine yourself in a room, surrounded by power and influence. Susie Q, a renowned senator, sits across from you, armed with expectations. Your performance as an interviewee's interlocutor is about to be put to the test. But how can you ask tough questions without sounding rude or aggressive, and without doubting their sincerity?

1. Pose Questions With a Fake Humor: The Mike Wallace Approach

To appease the room and set the atmosphere for the tough questions, a little humor can go a long way. Instead of diving straight into complexity, you can play it cool: “Senator, let’s pretend for a moment that I’m throwing tough questions at you, just like another Mike Wallace.”

2. The Art of Honest Questions: Uncovering the Truth

When it comes to asking tough questions, honesty is key. Before posing your question, remind yourself that the answer you seek may not be evident. This is not an attempt at deception, but a genuine inquiry about the true nature of the subject at hand.

Why Do I Ask?

First, a question worth asking should be based on a honest curiosity. If I already knew the answer, then why am I asking? Simply because the truth may be hidden or complex, and I want to uncover it. Be open to multiple answers, including those that challenge your own beliefs. This is the essence of the inquiry. Let them feel safe to provide a clear and honest response.

From Interest to Chase: Pursuing the Answer

Second, my intent is genuine. If the subject I’m questioning is passionate about their beliefs, most people love the thought of a sincere and interested audience. My curiosity is real, and I want them to explain their viewpoint further. This makes the interview engaging and reveals more about their perspective.

3. Encouragement Over Adversarial: A Helping Hand, Not a Trap

Often, journalists face a tricky situation when the interviewee finds it difficult to explain the truth as they see it. In such moments, be a helpful guide rather than a trapsetter. Offer suggestions like, “Maybe it works this way” or “Did you mean this.” These are not meant to challenge their beliefs, but to help them explore their thoughts further.

Guiding with Care: Not Pouncing on Mistakes

It’s important to show empathy and support rather than a critical eye. Instead of focusing on the mistake, concentrate on understanding the overall narrative. Your primary goal is to help them see the bigger picture. Don’t be pushy or show disinterest in their hang-ups or uncertainties; instead, be a supportive guide who helps them navigate the complexities of their views.

4. Dealing with Hard-to-Explain Answers

Occasionally, you might find that not all points are satisfactorily clarified. Some answers might hit a wall of confusion. In such cases, it’s okay to let it go, as long as the core message was understood. These unexplained points can linger in the interviewee's mind, prompting them to seek answers on their own. They know there is a way to explain, and they're likely to find it.

Exploration is Key: A Positive Loop

When you show interest and help them explore their views, those points become memorable and meaningful. They can recall these moments with clarity and confidence, unlike answers slammed with confusion. Don’t dismiss the value of these points, even if they weren't fully explained, as the interest and support you offered will stick with them.

5. Proving People Wrong: A Worthless Exercise

Lastly, avoid the trap of trying to prove people wrong. It’s a futile exercise that rarely leads to a breakthrough. It’s not about downing them with gotchas; it’s about understanding their perspective and showing them different angles. If someone held a view that later turned out to be wrong, they likely couldn’t articulate their thoughts clearly in the moment. They need that moment to reconsider and refine their beliefs.

Respectful Exploration: A Rewarding Journey

Instead of focusing on proving their wrongness, focus on understanding their journey. A journalist's role is not to highlight flaws but to provide a platform for exploration and learning. By doing so, you enable better understanding and trust.

While it might be tempting to aim for clarity and right answers, sometimes the journey to understanding is more valuable. By asking tough questions with sincere curiosity and a guiding hand, you can uncover the truth in a way that respects and enriches both parties involved.