Take charge as soon as you walk into the room. Pick your chair even if a PR person has already selected one for you. Pay attention Most interviewers just don't listen to the people they are interviewing, or pick up on obvious verbal or non-verbal cues. Many interviewers don't listen to the answers they receive or effectively prepare a series of questions for maximum effect. You are there to interview the subject, not impress them with your brilliance.
Interviewers have a tendency to try and impress the people they are interviewing.
Michael Dell does not want to hear about the homemade computer you produced for your high school science project. Nor does Michael Jordan want to see your jump shot. If you don't understand the answer, don't assume your readers will. Let the person you are interviewing know that you don't understand. The same goes for suddenly furrowing your brow, frowning or appearing alarmed while making eye-contact.