Interviewing, Emceeing, Q&A From the Audience: Tips for Difficult Situations

I recently attended an event where journalist Judy Woodruff interviewed famed architect Santiago Calatrava. That interview surfaced two issues that show up routinely in the workplace: at management and sales meetings, at industry conferences, and during all-hands employee meetings.

What do these venues have in common? Frequent programming that features “interviews.” Moderators hosting a panel of experts. Emcees talking with guests from the audience. Speakers asking for input from volunteer...