Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
An email from Ricochet member Jo:
Hi Peter,
Recently Ricochet solicited questions from members and what a thrill when mine was mentioned in a podcast - "how many last questions does Peter ask per episode [of Uncommon Knowledge]?" It was meant in warmth and fun. I'd always assumed your last questions were a result of your curiosity and passion and every last question made me smile.
But now it appears you're not using this technique any longer. I'm sad. I hope you didn't change your methods because of me. Please, more last questions!!
My reply:
Dear Jo,
Your comment, to be honest, did get inside my head, in that Dumbo-do-you-really-believe-that-feather-enables-you-to-fly kind of way. All of a sudden, I realized that in taping Uncommon Knowledge I quite often promise a guest three, four or five times in a row that this question really is the last question. But in each the last couple of episodes, I was very careful to ask only one last question, making the last question the last.
Now I'll try to reverse myself, going back to my old ways, proffering not just one last question, but a plenitude. I warn you, though, that it won't be any easy. Was Dumbo able to regrasp the feather?
As I say, I'll do my best. But if in the next few episodes you see me crashing to earth--I lack Dumbo's saving ears--you'll all know why.
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Comments:
May '10
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Have Diane tape this to the table in front of you...
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Whether this graphic will have the same effect on anyone else, I cannot say. But I happened to call it up while a telephone call at the office just now, and I had to excuse myself for bursting into laughter.
There's only one EJ.
(And thank goodness.)
Edited on May 26, 2012 at 3:18amSep '10
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
"Ears to you, EJ"
Mar '11
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
There's something eerie about that picture...
Sep '10
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Makes me catatonic.
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
It's nice when he instructs us how to get under his skin, isn't it?
In all seriousness though, I for one appreciate knowing that even a successful guy like Peter feels self-conscious now and then. Makes my own self-consciousness seem appropriate.
Sep '10
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Diane Ellis, Ed.
It's nice when he instructs us how to get under his skin, isn't it?
In all seriousness though, I for one appreciate knowing that even a successful guy like Peter feels self-conscious now and then. Makes my own self-consciousness seem appropriate. · 2 minutes ago
Its like how I start most of my phone calls:
"This will just take a minute..."
May '11
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Peter, I have always admired the fact that you actually listen to and think about what the guest is saying. Unlike other interviewers (Rose or Moyers) you ask the follow-up questions that summarize what the guest has said then challenge some or all of it. You are a master interviewer and the tons of in depth preparation you put in is obvious.
When I listen to Uncommon Knowledge, I'm all ears...too.
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Pilli: Peter, I have always admired the fact that you actually listen to and think about what the guest is saying. Unlike other interviewers (Rose or Moyers) you ask the follow-up questions that summarize what the guest has said then challenge some or all of it. You are a master interviewer and the tons of in depth preparation you put in is obvious.
When I listen to Uncommon Knowledge, I'm all ears...too. · 8 minutes ago
You just made my day. Muchisimas gracias.
May '10
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Peter, you need to invite Piers Morgan to a taping and show the little git how it's done!
Mar '11
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Pseudodionysius
Makes me catatonic. · 60 minutes ago
still got it
Mar '11
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
You might just need a jolt to the old self-esteem.
Change the theme music of Uncommon Knowledge to Frank Sinatra singing My Way, get yourself a fedora, and press on!
Piece of cake.
Jan '11
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
I always thought "one last question" was patented by this guy ...
Feb '12
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
I'm not surprised that the rest of the right-wing rabble that post on your pitiful little site (which will be outlawed come next year and Obama 2.0) missed your obvious attempt to make fun of our glorious President's ears. This is plain out and out earism which needs to be eradicated immediately by Federal law, or failing that Presidential decree. Never again shall those blessed with and abundant auditory intake devices be made to feel bad about themselves by the puny eared 1%
I'm sorry. What was the question again?
Edited on May 26, 2012 at 2:00amApr '12
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Too bad you can't have multiple likes count.
Feb '12
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
Peter, I saw my first Peter Robinson interview less than one year ago, but you have quickly become my favorite. At this point, there isn't a close second. Until now, though, it I have had a terrible time articulating WHY I appreciate your approach so much. Many thanks to Pilli (comment #8) for shedding some light on it. When you give an interview, I get the sense that you truly want your audience to know your interviewee--his or her thoughts, history, and aspirations. With other interviewers, I get the sense that they care neither for their guests nor their audience. They seem to care most about promoting themselves. Thank you for being different. Your humility and selflessness are refreshing.
Aug '10
Re: Last Questions and the Curse of Sudden Self-Consciousness
You do a great job interviewing for Uncommon Knowledge and on the Ricochet podcast. If "one last question" is the secret ingredient to making a good interview then have at it. Your interviews make for good listening.