ReThinking The art of the interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin
70 snips
Oct 21, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Ross Sorkin, a prominent business journalist and founder of DealBook, shares his insights on mastering the art of the interview. He likens interviews to tennis matches, emphasizing the importance of balanced exchanges for audience engagement. Sorkin recounts his experience with Elon Musk, reflecting on how to navigate volatile moments. He also discusses the psychology of influential figures, revealing their insecurities. Finally, he delves into the lessons from his book on the 1929 stock market crash, tying past events to today's financial landscape.
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Corner With Care
- Use ordered questions to limit evasions and lead guests into harder answers (the "four walls" technique).
- Plan your interview arc but remain ready to shift when the conversation's "weather" changes.
Pivoting With Elon Musk
- Andrew pivoted during an Elon Musk interview when it threatened to spiral, focusing on Musk's motivations instead of products.
- That shift calmed the exchange and unlocked deeper conversation.
Simulate The Real Court
- Prepare by imagining where you want to place the ball and whether the guest can return it.
- In job interviews, simulate real work conditions rather than grilling with irrelevant stress tests.