Columbo is the TV series that influenced me the most in my interactions with others. I continue to watch it after almost five decades.
I vividly remember watching it on French Television as a teenager in the late seventies. I loved the character played by Peter Falk. He also had a unique car—a 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet. And to top it all off, I used to have the same dog breed—a basset hound!
Most importantly, I drew valuable lessons from Detective Columbo’s unassuming approach to solving crimes. It offers a masterclass in effective interviewing techniques. Columbo’s method works perfectly, particularly his famous “Just one more thing…” question. It exemplifies how we can all use empathy, open-ended questions, and strategic pauses to gather crucial information through open communication.
Here are the essential techniques I learned from him. I have tried to apply them ever since in many social encounters, including with customers, job candidates, and colleagues.
Empathy and Understanding
One of the most striking aspects of Columbo’s interviewing style is his ability to empathize with everyone he interacts with, from witnesses to murder suspects.
Columbo’s interactions are characterized by his gentle demeanor and his knack for putting people at ease. He avoids confrontation and instead uses a conversational tone, allowing his subjects to relax and open up.
This method is particularly effective when creating a safe space for dialog, which can lead to more honest and insightful exchanges.
The Power of Open-Ended Questions
Columbo’s effectiveness as an interviewer also lies in his use of open-ended questions. Rather than asking direct, yes-or-no questions, he invites people to elaborate on their experiences and perspectives. This technique uncovers more detailed information and helps the interviewee feel valued and heard.
Instead of asking, “Did you see anyone suspicious?” Columbo would say, “Tell me about what happened that day.” This subtle shift encourages a narrative response, providing richer context and more comprehensive details.
We can all adopt this strategy to gain deeper insights during interviews, meetings, or performance reviews.
Keeping It Informal
Columbo’s informal style is another crucial element of his success. He often appears disheveled, with his iconic rumpled raincoat and a cigar in hand. This unpretentious approach actually lowers the defenses of those he questions. It makes him seem less intimidating and more approachable.
It inspired me to foster a relaxed, informal atmosphere during interviews or discussions. By supplementing a warm tone with personal anecdotes, I made these interactions feel less like an interrogation and more like a friendly conversation.
The Strategic Pause
Perhaps the most iconic aspect of Columbo’s technique is his use of the strategic pause, famously embodied in his “Just one more thing…” question.
After appearing to conclude the interview, Columbo turns back with a seemingly offhand remark or question that catches his subject off guard. This tactic helped reveal critical information that might otherwise have remained hidden.
The lesson was clear: some of the most valuable insights can emerge at the end of a conversation when people believe the interaction is over and their guard is down.
By pausing, followed by questions like, “Is there something I haven’t asked that you think I should know?” I’ve often been able to uncover additional layers of insights.
Inspector Columbo’s interviewing techniques can give you a powerful blueprint if you’re seeking to enhance your communication and information-gathering skills. They lead to more open and productive dialogs through empathy, open-ended questions, an informal tone, and strategic pausing to ask that one last question.
You’ll gather facts and build stronger relationships and trust with others. If you are in doubt, watch a few episodes of the show online.
And, remember, the most critical piece of information often comes close to the end when you ask the powerful, “Just one more thing…”