Speculating during an interview is a trap that can land you in hot water. Afterall, no one has a crystal ball and speculating about the future usually distracts from your key messages.
However, there are occasional exceptions to this rule and we found one in a CNN interview with Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. He is asked to essentially speculate about what the future holds for Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. The question is a bit convoluted but Blair was almost certainly prepared for it in one form or another. So, he jumps at the opportunity to deliver two clear and unambiguous messages. You can view the clip below.
Blair may or may not be proven right in his assessment of Russia’s future. Either way, he has the stature to speculate and be taken seriously. But, as the saying goes, don’t try this at home! Speculating about future events that you have no control over is not a winning strategy while speaking with a reporter. It’s okay to admire Blair’s rule-breaking interview. Just don’t follow his example!