Great communicators come to an interview determined to deliver a message regardless of the questions they are asked. They do so in a way that lets the interviewer and the audience believe that they are not trying to completely avoid the questions.
Retired Admiral James Stavridis is an expert at this approach to interviews. In his frequent television appearances, the former supreme allied commander of NATO is usually asked to analyze diplomatic and military issues.
In the clip below, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer asks Stavridis a question about the Iran War. Stavridis immediately acknowledges the question but first wants to deliver a key message important to him.
In delivering his heartfelt message about U.S. troops, it’s crucial that Stavridis first acknowledged that he heard Blitzer’s question about the war and intended to answer it. In doing so, Stavridis signaled to the audience that he was not going to avoid a tough question.
The retired admiral then kept his promise and gave a cogent answer that the audience could understand.
Not everyone has the communication skills that Stavridis possesses. But if you want to improve your skills, study his approach. It will help you become a more effective communicator.