45-Minute Impromptu Test

A unique interview technique that reveals someone's depth of knowledge by asking what topic they could give a 45-minute impromptu talk on.

Key Points

• Question: "If you had to give an impromptu 45-minute talk on a subject, what would you give it on?"
• Reveals:
  • Person's areas of deep expertise
  • Passion topics
  • Hidden knowledge/interests

Example Response

• Sam Parr's answer: History of denim
  • Could discuss pre-1944 shutter looms
  • Post-war machinery movement to Japan during Hiroshima rebuilding
  • Demonstrated unexpected but deep knowledge

Why It Works

• Forces people to identify areas where they have:
  • Deep knowledge
  • Genuine interest
  • Enough content to fill 45 minutes
• Reveals more authentic expertise than typical interview questions
• Shows what topics someone has naturally gravitated to learning about

Business Context

• Used as a "get to know you" question in business settings
• Described as "dorky but actually good"
• Helps identify unique perspectives and knowledge bases in potential partners/hires