How to answer tough questions and influence people.
In anticipation of President Biden’s first press conference,64 days into his term, the media was abuzz with concern that he had been avoiding having to face tough questions from the press. After all, at the same point in his predecessors’ terms, they had already faced the music multiple times: Barack Obama had held two such events, George W. Bush three, Bill Clinton five, and Trump one. The media concern about the 78-year old’s fitness was further heightened when, last week, he tripped while heading up the stairs to Air Force One. Biden dispelled all those concerns by demonstrating his expertise in six skills any presenter must have when facing tough questions: 1. Preparation. When White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked how he was preparing, she replied, “How is he preparing for it? Looking at your Twitters and seeing what’s on your mind.” But it was clear that Biden had prepared. After he finished his brief opening remarks and opened the floor to questions, he picked up a small spiral bound tablet that was apparently filled with notes for his answers. As the session progressed, however, he rarely glanced down at it. 2. Facts. His thorough preparation was apparent in his wonky, fact-filled answers. Aware of his reputation of being longwinded, Biden stopped himself in the midst of a long laundry list of statistics about the border issue, and said, “Am I giving you too long an answer? Because if you don’t want the detail…” But it was quite evident that he had many details at his fingertips.
