What To Do (& NOT DO!) When You Get A Difficult Question
Have you ever thought to yourself: "How the hell did they get out of answering that question?!"
I'm convinced that talented politicians and other good public speakers have strategies for avoiding questions they don't want to answer.
For example, what happens when someone answers a difficult question with humor? People usually laugh and then move on. But, IT'S NOT MAGIC.
When you’re speaking in front of a group and a question that you’d rather not answer comes at you, there are a few things you can do. There are also a few things you shouldn’t do.
Here are 3 strategies to help you handle difficult questions:
1.USE HUMOR
+Next time you're asked a question you'd rather not address, DO say something funny. You'll be surprised at how it lightens the mood...and the question is often forgotten in the lightheartedness.
-DON’T make a joke when it could be seen as inappropriate or insensitive.
2. ASK QUESTION (Boomerang Effect)
+If you feel a question is inappropriate or you're simply not ready to address it, DO answer it with a question. This takes the focus off you and puts it on them.
-DON’T ask a question if it'll make you look defensive or like you're trying to hide something.
3. BE HONEST
+DO be honest about what you know (and can share), even if it makes you look bad. People will see you as a trustworthy straight shooter.
-DON’T opt out of answering - it'll make people suspicious and make you look untrustworthy.
Golden Rule: Always use your best judgment and match your (appropriate) reaction to the situation.
How do you handle difficult questions? What’s missing for you from my list?________________________________________________________________________
Drop me a note here on LinkedIn or at [email protected] and let's start a dialogue about what you need to GROW YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT.