4. When asked a question that could provoke controversy.

Jean-Paul Sartre said, *Words are loaded pistols.* You can use word's explosive power in your favor by learning how to soften your introduction before delivering controversial ideas. Former President Clinton used this technique when he talked about sensitive issues such as abortion. It's a way of acknowledging a difficult issue or position while respecting your critics' or opponents' ideas. Also, by mentioning an opposing view, you automatically diffuse it. Examples, *People who disagree with me might say....* Or, *Other people who have opposing ideas may say...but I believe...for these reasons....* Or, *What I'm about to say may make a number of people angry....* A Gaelic proverb states, *if you want an audience, start a fight.*

5. When asked a question you don't want to delve into deeply.

State facts, statistics or quote someone else who has information relevant to your point. Surrounding yourself with other experts who agree with you creates a fortress of facts that support your views. Remember, you are in charge of how you are presented to public. Even when caught off guard, take a deep breath, reflect, and then say something that people will remember.

Learn how to handle 4 most difficult types of interviewers in *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul* (HarperCollins). Need to prepare for a meeting, promotion, presentation, job or media interview? Go to http://www.prsecrets.com

Copyright (c) 2002-2004 Susan Harrow, All Rights Reserved.

"What's with all changes?" I asked.

"It's all your idea," he said. "You are a marketing genius. If I can get people to start working on their next cavities as they are walking out from my office, I can increase my business by up to 17%."

As he began to work in my mouth, I noticed a TV screen above. "Datz nuu," I said.

"Oh yes," he answered, flicking a button. "See? I have it set at All-Sugar Channel."

The dentist finished excavating and reassembled what was left of my mouth.

"Here you go," He said proudly, handing me a lollipop.

"Didn't you used to hand out toothbrushes?" I asked.

"Shh. Don't remind anybody of that. Toothbrushes are bad for business," he explained.

I just could not believe what I had seen. I headed over to body shop to see how my car was doing. A few repairs were needed, thanks to some bozo on a cell phone who thought that a red light means "stop when you hit another car".

"How's my car doing, Jack?" I asked.

"It's OK. You didn't get hit too hard," he replied.

"Good thing he was only talking on a cell phone and not watching a game show on TV when he hit me," I remarked. "Hey did you see what's going on at dentist?"

"Yeah, what's he doing with all those cookie posters in his waiting room?" Jack asked.

I explained how woman's magazine was building its customer base by tempting dieters with cakes labeled "yum!"

"It's dentist's new business development program," I said.

I was about to pay for repair work when Jack held out a cell phone and a mini-TV set. "If you take cell phone, I give you a five percent discount. Take TV set and you get a ten percent discount."

"What are you, doing?" I demanded.

"Hey," replied Jack. "It's my new business development program."