
Paul Taylor/Getty Images
Summary.
Traditional “tough” questions often elicit polished talking points rather than candid answers. A more revealing approach is the curveball: a question that is closely tied to what
We’re all taught to ask tough questions. Interviewers are coached to use open-ended prompts to get beyond rehearsed answers. Managers press for specifics when employees speak in generalities. Journalists and negotiators follow up when someone evades the point. The aim is the same: to uncover information the other person may be reluctant to reveal.

