![[Home]](GIFs/LatestEofEHead.gif) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Responses to Difficult Questions & Questioners
Craig Harrison
Craig@ExpressionsOfExcellence.com
Below are some standard responses you can employ when fielding difficult questions.
• That’s out of my area of expertise. Please direct that question to _______________
Don’t get caught speaking out of your area of expertise/responsibility.
• I believe I’ve already addressed that question. (Repeat earlier response.)
Answer what you’re prepared to speak about. If necessary, reiterate what you’ve said.
• I’ll be happy to take questions at the end of my remarks/speech/presentation.
Buy yourself some time. Perhaps your comments will answer their current questions.
• Please submit your question in writing
This let’s you read it, see it and have time to respond to it. Now you’re responding to a piece of paper rather than an emotionally charged person. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
• What do you mean by that question? What exactly do you mean? What is your point?
Put them on the spot to clarify their intentions. What’s their ulterior motive?
• Can you rephrase your question?
Sometimes hearing a question restated makes it easier to understand and answer.
• That question is off-topic. I must confine comments to our current topic. Thank you.
Control the scope of the discussion.
• I find that question to personal to answer, thank you.
You define what you’re comfortable responding to. Draw a line to protect yourself.
• I’d prefer not to answer that. Next question (turn to other person, or just smile!)
Done. Move on. Don’t give any more of a response than that!
• I won’t dignify that question with a response.
Refocus questioner(s) to the issues at hand. Let them know personal attacks are out-of-bounds.
Courtesy of Craig Harrison: (510) 547-0664
|
