You're facing a tough query from a top executive at your presentation. How will you handle it with finesse?

?? Start by acknowledging the question—this shows respect and attentiveness. ?? Take a moment to gather your thoughts—there’s no rush. A thoughtful pause can make your response more impactful. ?? If uncertain, offer to follow up with detailed insights later. Transparency builds credibility. Pro tip: Executives value clarity. According to Forbes, 65% prefer concise and direct answers over drawn-out explanations.

It primarily depends on how well you first of all prepare for Executive meetings. If preparations before meeting are sub standard, any amount of tips here will not help. I always try to think from multiple angles, past experience and guidance from senior management on what they would think. Or sometimes, talk to the champion from customer side and get his feedback coming into the meeting on the presentation. Ask him what kind executive one is, how they analyze problems, their style etc. And always keep 2-3 points in your back pocket which you can use to wow them. If you don't know answer to a specific question, see if something you know can offset that. Presence of mind is important.