How To Successfully Respond to a Question When You Are Full of Doubt
In the busy world of meetings and discussions, knowing how to respond to a question, even if you're unsure, is important. It's normal to sometimes not have all the information or feel uncertain. The trick is to handle these moments well and use them as chances to learn and grow.
Imagine you're in an important meeting, and someone asks you a tough question. You start to feel anxious and unsure about how to respond. We've all been there—feeling uncertain but wanting to stay professional. Answering tricky questions in a meeting can be tough, but don’t worry. In this blog, I’ll share some tips to help you handle these situations with confidence.
Here are some effective ways to handle tough questions in meetings while staying professional:
Acknowledge the Question: Begin by acknowledging the question to show you’re actively engaged in the discussion. This gives you a moment to gather your thoughts and formulate a response. You can say something like, "That's a great question," or "I appreciate you bringing that up."
Buy Time: If you’re unsure, buying some time before answering is okay. You can say something like, “That’s an interesting question. Let me think about it for a moment” or "Can we circle back to this in a few minutes?" This gives you a chance to compose your thoughts without feeling rushed.
Clarify the Question: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if the question is unclear. This gives you more time to understand the question and shows you’re committed to providing thoughtful answers.
Share What You Know: Even if you’re unsure about the answer, you might have some related information or partial knowledge. Start by sharing what you do know and explain any uncertainties you have. For instance, “I’m not entirely certain, b "Based on my understanding, I think…”
Use Conditional Language: When you're unsure, it's helpful to frame your response with phrases like, "Based on what I know," or "If I understand correctly." This shows that you're being thoughtful and open to further discussion, even if you don’t have a definitive answer.
Offer to Follow Up: If you’re genuinely unsure about your answer and don’t want to provide information, you can offer to follow up later. Say, “I’d like to double-check to "I'dvide the most accurate information. Can I get back to you after the meeting?”
Lean on Others: Sometimes, the best way to handle a tough question is to turn it into a group discussion. You can say, "I'd like to hear what others think about this," or "Does anyone have additional insights to share?" This not only distributes the pressure but also encourages collaborative problem-solving.
Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to the question and any follow-up points. This helps you respond more accurately and shows that you value the input of others. Nod, make eye contact, and provide verbal affirmations like, "I see," or "That's interesting."
Stay Calm and Confident: It’s natural to feel nervous, but staying composed is key. Take deep breaths, maintain a steady tone of voice, and remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers immediately. Confidence is often about how you handle not knowing rather than always having the right answer.
Learn from the Experience: After the meeting, take some time to reflect on what happened. What made the question challenging? How did you respond? What could you do differently next time? Learning from these moments helps you become more adept at handling uncertainty in the future.
Remember, being genuine is highly valued at work. Admitting when you don't know something isn't a weakness; it's a sign of healthy humility and a desire to learn and grow. By using these strategies, you can turn uncertainty into opportunities to contribute effectively, even when you don't have all the answers.
If you ever feel unsure at work and get nervous answering questions when you're doubtful, look at my signature programme, Career Confidence and Clarity. It's all about helping you with self-doubt, teaching you to quiet that nagging voice inside your head and learning how to replace it with solid confidence. The aim is to make you more impactful in meetings and to get the recognition you deserve at your job.
