the colombo question

Got an interview coming up? Watch out for the Colombo question.

What's that?

It's where the journalist does an interview that feels friendly and then chucks in the curly question at the end.

The hardest question is very often the last one.

Why?

It's functional. If you have to talk about something difficult, your subject might walk out or clam up.

You want to establish the basics before you get into risky territory.

So if you're expecting hard questions, don't get comfortable too early.

*scratches head, straightens dishevelled jacket and takes a drag from cigar.