Linda Chavez describes the first time she met WFB, and what she learned from it:

I was very nervous, never having been on national television before. But Buckley was disarming, with his characteristic wide-eyed grin — that is, until the interview started. Suddenly, he was transformed into this intimidating presence on stage. He peppered my colleagues with questions, and then turned his attention to me.
While I heard words coming out of his mouth, I had no idea what he was asking because most of the question was in Latin. I must have looked like a deer in the headlights, but I managed to say something about the importance of judging people as individuals, not as members of racial or ethnic groups.
Afterwards, he complimented us on our performances. “It would have been a lot easier if all the questions had been in English,” I bantered.
He raised his eyebrow, with that famous twinkle in his eye, and said, “Linda, I’ve taught you the most important lesson you will ever learn about being interviewed. Ignore the question you’re asked and make your best argument. Your aim isn’t to please the interviewer but to influence the audience.”