interview tactics

The thing about conversations with fellow journalists -- two of them over two consecutive nights -- is that you are all too aware of the little interviewing tricks they employ to draw you out. And vice versa.

"So, you were saying..."
"Tell me more about..."
"What do you mean exactly by..."

And are they really interested or are they just extending professional courtesy?

Last night's topics included: childhood, being good at studies, being a single woman, never having a serious girlfriend, how to appreciate pasta, career moves...and being a slave.

Tonight's topics included: childhood, studying overseas, being the eldest son, having to escape for Chinese New Year, parents who don't appreciate pasta, career moves...and being a king.

I'm experiencing deja vu.

[For the record, none of the two dinners were dates. Two people just happened to be hungry -- at the same time.]