Even experienced newscasters make the mistake of asking multiple questions, especially on the radio. After their question they continue with “is it about xxx, or is it xxx etc.” Not only does this constrict the interviewee, it can confuse them. Instead ask the question, and then go quiet. It’s their turn, not yours. For example, “What are your thoughts on the situation in the Ukraine?” is a better question than “Do you think we will have to go to war, or engage, or do you think diplomacy will work? I mean is this a Cuban Missile Crisis kind of thing?” Yikes!! If this happens to you when you are the interviewee you could:
- Respond by ignoring their prompts (it’s best just not to listen to them)
- Paraphrase the question again
- Say “Well actually it is none of those…here is what might be more useful.”