In this Q and A segment, Steven Colbert grills Google CEO Eric Schmidt about privacy on the net in hilarious fashion. Colbert is amazingly relaxed in front of the camera, and his one-liners are to die for, but let’s look at this Q and A from Eric Schmidt’s perspective. How do you think he handles these questions?

I think he does a good job because he abides by a simple rule when it comes to Q and A’s; keep it simple, stupid. There is no reason for endless answers. Be as clear as you can, tell the truth, give you opinion, and avoid straddling the fence….you know, avoid answering questions the way most politicians do.

When asked about Google in China, Schmidt’s simple answer: “We didn’t like their laws.” When asked about a comment he made about net privacy: “It was a joke.” This doesn’t mean that Schmidt doesn’t elaborate, he does, but he does so in a concise fashion. It helps a good deal that he is not afraid to smile, he is reasonably in on Colbert’s joke, and he uses open gestures.

What do you think?

Jeffrey Davis is the owner of Speak Clear Communications. He is a public speaking coach and accent reduction coach in New York City.

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