How do you say I can't answer the question?

Asked by: Prof. Destin Thiel III  |  Last update: October 3, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (15 votes)

Try one of these:
  1. “Unfortunately, that falls outside the scope of my research/this project, but thanks for your interest. ...
  2. “Can I connect you with someone who might be better able to answer your question?”
  3. “I don't know, but I'd be happy to look into that and get back to you with an answer.”

What to say when you can t answer a question in a meeting?

Would it be possible to give me a brief rundown of what I missed so I can share some thoughtful input? Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. If you don't know the answer to a question, you can ask for help from another person in the meeting or ask for time to find the answer. Here's how you can ask for help.

What to say when you don t have the answers?

If someone asks you a question that you probably should know, you can say, “I don't know the answer to that, but it's something I should probably dig into, so I'll do some research and get back to you.” That accepts that it's within your field and you are responsible to provide an answer.

How do you politely not answer?

Good ways to say anything but "No Comment" to questions you really don't want to answer:
  1. "I'm sorry but I'm not able to speak to that subject"
  2. "Thanks for asking but I'm not able to answer that question"
  3. "I'm sorry but that information is proprietary"

How do you say no answer?

Say No and Apologize
  1. Sorry, but I'm swamped (busy) right now!
  2. Sorry, but it just won't work for me.
  3. Sorry, but I have something else.
  4. Sorry, but I can't make it.
  5. My apologies, but I can't right now.
  6. My apologies, but it's not possible.
  7. I don't think it will work. I'm sorry.
  8. I can't. My apologies.

“WHAT TO SAY when you cannot ANSWER an INTERVIEW QUESTION!”

19 related questions found

How do you not answer a question without being rude?

Saying “No”
  1. I'm sorry, but I'd prefer not to say.
  2. I'm sorry, but I don't want to share that information.
  3. I don't mean to be rude, but I don't want to answer that question.
  4. No offense, but I'd rather not say.
  5. Let's just say it cost more than my old one. ...
  6. All I will say is that both sides are happy with the result.

How do you professionally say you can't make a meeting?

You might say, “No, I can't attend the meeting, but I am happy to review the minutes and give you my feedback.” Another response could be, “No, I won't be there, but I'll be glad to ask someone on my team to cover for me.”

When someone can't answer a yes or no question?

A person who won't answer Yes or No is more likely afraid than deceitful. They are afraid that the one-word answer won't provide crucial context, and will be misinterpreted.

When someone doesn't answer a question directly?

Question dodging

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.

What is it called when a question has no right answer?

A rhetorical question may be intended as a challenge. The question is often difficult or impossible to answer.

When someone won t answer a simple question?

You could ask them if they have seen your question and if they have, let them know you have been wondering why they haven't answered. They might've missed it, something might be going on for them or they've felt uncomfortable answering that question. Either way, getting an answer will help you take it from there.

How do you say no professionally?

I would appreciate it if you accepted my choice." "I know that's challenging for you, but I don't have the capacity to help you at the moment." "I can't help, but I have some resources I can forward to you." "Out of respect to my privacy, I hope you can understand my answer is no."

How do you politely refuse someone to meet?

  1. 1 Feel confident about your reason for not attending. ...
  2. 2 Figure out whether the meeting is truly necessary. ...
  3. 3 Suggest another time. ...
  4. 4 Say “no, but…” ...
  5. 5 Stay polite, and be direct and clear. ...
  6. 1 A template for sending a coworker in your place. ...
  7. 2 A template for finding a way to speak separately before the meeting.

How do you politely say you Cannot attend a meeting?

“This is going to be an important discussion. I'm not able to attend, but I will find some time to share my thoughts so you can include them in the discussion.” “I'm sorry that I can't attend the meeting. If I prepare you in advance, could I ask that you represent my ideas at the meeting?”

How do you respond to a disrespectful question?

Advice on Disrespectful Questions from Great Britain
  1. Derail. Give a deadpan, non-confrontational, mono-syllabic response that sucks the oxygen from the fire, such as “OK,” or “thanks.” (If you like more syllables, try “Interesting.”) Then move on without skipping a beat. ...
  2. Divert. ...
  3. Delegate. ...
  4. Reframe. ...
  5. Relate. ...
  6. Retreat.

How do you respond to a rude answer?

Sometimes, the best response for a situation might not be verbal. Instead, you can try to make them see how their words made you feel. For example, you could try shaking your head, stepping or turning away, leaving the room, or even showing your hurt on your face.

Is it lying to avoid answering questions?

Liars and truth-tellers both have pauses in their speech, but good liars avoid answering questions, scientists say. DESPITE WHAT YOU MIGHT think, it is almost impossible to tell a liar from the way they talk, according a new study.

How do you reject someone clearly and kindly?

Here are a few more simple things you can say to reject someone nicely:
  1. “I really enjoyed getting to know you. ...
  2. “I'm sure you're amazing in many ways, but I have a good handle on what I want at this point in my life, and I don't see us as a good match. ...
  3. “I really appreciate your interest, but I just don't feel the same.

How do you use respectfully decline in a sentence?

I must respectfully decline the invitation. If you have to leave early, do it respectfully.

How do you say no when someone wants to talk?

10 different ways to say no
  1. Sadly, I have something else going on.
  2. I have another commitment.
  3. I wish I were able to.
  4. I'm afraid I can't.
  5. I don't have the bandwidth for that right now.
  6. I'm honored you asked me, but I simply can't.
  7. Thanks for thinking of me. ...
  8. I'm sorry, I'm not able to fit this in.

How do you say no graciously?

Saying “No” to an Invitation or Offer
  1. I appreciate the offer, but I can't.
  2. I'm honored, but can't.
  3. I'd love to, but I can't.
  4. I appreciate the invitation, but I am completely booked.
  5. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can't.
  6. Regrettably, I'm not able to.
  7. You're so kind to think of me, but I can't.

How do you say no smartly?

How to say no in any situation – 20 phrases
  1. I appreciate the offer/invite, but I can't commit.
  2. I'm honored by the offer/invites, but can't.
  3. I'm flattered you considered me, but unfortunately I'll have to pass this time.
  4. I appreciate the offer/invite, but I am completely booked.
  5. Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't.

How I confidently say no professionally?

6 tips for saying no professionally
  • Assess the request.
  • Know your priorities.
  • Be straightforward and authentic.
  • Bring up an alternative/solution.
  • Build trust with your boss and colleagues.
  • Practice before the conversation.

When someone hesitates to answer a question?

When people pause before replying to a question, even for just a few seconds, their answers are perceived to be less sincere and credible than if they had replied immediately, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. And the longer the hesitation, the less sincere the response appears.

Is not answering questions Gaslighting?

Narcissists use gaslighting to get others to question their own sanity, memories, and/or perception of reality. It is very common for narcissists to attempt to gaslight you by refusing to answer your questions. You see, one of the six types of gaslighting that narcissists use is called mind reading gaslighting.