How do you politely avoid answering questions?

Asked by: Armani Cummerata  |  Last update: March 18, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)

10 Ways to Avoid Answering a Question
  • No comment.
  • I'm not at liberty to say. (= I don't have permission to give the information)
  • Wait and see. ...
  • Let me get back to you. ...
  • I'm sorry, that's confidential.
  • I'm sorry, that's personal.
  • I'd rather not talk about it.
  • It's none of your business.

How to politely not answer a question?

  • That's none of your business
  • I don't feel the need to answer that
  • I won't discuss that with you
  • I'm not going there
  • Thank you for adding something else to the list of things we won't be talking about
  • No
  • We're not talking about that

How do you tactfully avoid answering questions?

In real life, when someone asks me a question I don't want to answer for whatever reason, I have done the following successfully.
  • I ask, “Why do you need to know?” ...
  • I say, “I cannot provide my source” if someone wants to know where I got a key piece of confidential information. ...
  • I change the subject.
  • <silence>

How do narcissists avoid answering questions?

However, a narcissist will make it a point to flip the script to keep their ego intact. They will berate you and answer your question with a question — effectively confusing you and making you vulnerable to their manipulation.

How to shut down intrusive questions?

A good response to an intrusive question is either to ignore it and talk about something else or ask ``Why do you want to know?'' When they answer you can just say ``Oh, right.'' And then not answer. If they don't take the hint you can walk away.

How to avoid answering questions - Speaking Skill

42 related questions found

How do you politely deflect a question?

No matter the snoopy question du jour, you can always respond with a simple, “I'd rather talk about something else” or “Can we change the topic?” or “This topic makes me feel uneasy.” Still, navigating these situations with a bit of finesse can help ease any tension and prevent the asker from asking again in the future ...

How to shut down predatory questions?

Karthik Gunnia, a clinical assistant professor of applied psychology at New York University, offered his go-to response for invasive questions. In a calm, neutral tone, simply say, “I'd rather not talk about it," he suggested.

What is the one question to identify a narcissist?

Analyzing their data, they found that they could reliably identify narcissists simply using the question: “To what extent do you agree with this statement: 'I am a narcissist. ' (Note: The word 'narcissist' means egotistical, self-focused and vain.)”

What is it called when someone avoids answering questions?

Several terms describe individuals who habitually avoid answering questions. An “evasive individual” often deflects inquiries, while a “question dodger” frequently skirts direct answers. A “non-responder” may contribute silence, causing confusion. An “elusive speaker” engages yet remains indirect, using vague language.

What type of person will a narcissist avoid?

What type of person will a narcissist avoid? - Quora. People with strong boundaries who don't tolerate nonsense. They have a strong sense of self and the confidence to say "no," "that doesn't sound right," or "I think you're lying right now." That's why narcissists test them early on.

Why would someone avoid answering your question?

This may occur when the person questioned either does not know the answer and wants to avoid embarrassment, or when the person is being interrogated or questioned in debate, and wants to avoid giving a direct response.

How to deflect nosy questions?

What to Say When People Are Nosy
  1. Redirect the conversation. A savvy conversationalist is able to steer the conversation away from the topic at hand. ...
  2. Be vague. It's okay to be a bit mysterious. ...
  3. Kindly decline the question. ...
  4. Excuse yourself from the conversation.

How do you politely avoid a conversation?

You might say, "I have to go now, but let's talk more later!" This lets the other person know you're leaving the conversation for now, but you're open to chatting more at another time. It's polite and leaves the interaction on a positive note.

How do you deal with someone who doesn't answer questions?

First, when you are faced with a random non-answerer, look for cues about where your question might have missed the mark. Maybe it was too personal. Maybe “What's new” was pretty terrible, and your question wasn't that innocent after all. You might also be asking the question at the wrong time.

Can I say I don't answer questions?

You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions. In general, only a judge can order you to answer questions.

How to tell someone you're not comfortable talking to them?

You can choose a direct approach by talking to them honestly, respecting their feelings, and setting new boundaries. You can also minimize hurt feelings and avoid conflict by choosing an indirect approach, such as avoiding them and staying busy with other things.

How do you stop answering questions without being rude?

10 Ways to Avoid Answering a Question
  1. No comment.
  2. I'm not at liberty to say. (= I don't have permission to give the information)
  3. Wait and see. ...
  4. Let me get back to you. ...
  5. I'm sorry, that's confidential.
  6. I'm sorry, that's personal.
  7. I'd rather not talk about it.
  8. It's none of your business.

Why do people deflect from answering questions?

We first learn deflection as children, when we lie about our actions to avoid getting in trouble, and this is actually a normal part of development. As adults, we can use deflection either consciously or unconsciously, and, in general, we deflect because we don't want to feel bad and take a blow to our self-esteem.

What are the five main habits of a narcissist?

Others often describe people with NPD as cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronizing, and demanding. This way of thinking and behaving surfaces in every area of the narcissist's life: from work and friendships to family and love relationships.

What is the fastest way to spot a narcissist?

Lacks empathy and is unwilling to identify with the needs of others. They seem to have no desire for real connection. They don't feel empathy for people in trouble. Has an overblown sense of self-importance.

How to deflect a question you don't want to answer?

No matter who's asking what, you can decline an awkward question politely by telling them that they have made you uncomfortable, and then shift to another topic. For instance, if you are asked to speak about your former partner, you can say: "I feel very emotional about the breakup, so I'd rather not talk about it.

How to respond to prying questions?

Politely decline the topic and initiate another topic.” “Often these questions are ice breakers, and if it's a conversation with a distant family member, they might not know much about your life, priorities, or goals. If you want, share with them what is important right now.

What is an example of an intrusive question?

Perhaps How much do you earn? or When are you going to start a family? or Why aren't you drinking tonight? Your first reaction to such intrusive questions might be to say Mind your own business!