In the Line of Fire: How to Handle Tough Questions—When It Counts, Second Edition

Chapter 7. Provide the Answer

(Martial Art: Balance)

Yin and Yang are basic precepts in Chinese philosophy and refer to two opposing forces joining; the ultimate expression of balance.

Here we are about halfway into this book, and I have yet to provide you with advice on how to answer tough questions. This delay is fully intentional. Results-driven people, like you, tend to rush to answer too soon, which can produce the negative results that befell George H. W. Bush. During the delay, we’ve established three vital prerequisites to the answer:

Listen for the Roman Column.

Confirm the Roman Column in the Buffer.

Look for the head nod from the ...