What is the best way to respond to a question you Cannot answer?

Asked by: Ms. Linnea Oberbrunner  |  Last update: September 29, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

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

How to successfully respond to a question you really don t want to answer?

Useful Expressions to Handle Uncomfortable Questions
  1. I'd rather not say.
  2. I'd prefer not to talk about that.
  3. I'd rather not get into [this topic] at this event.
  4. I'd prefer not to discuss this right now.
  5. I'm sorry, that's private.
  6. That's a little too personal.
  7. That topic is too difficult to discuss at this moment.

What is a word for a question you can't answer?

When you ask a rhetorical question, you don't really expect an answer.

How do you respond to a difficult question?

How to respond to questions effectively
  1. Prepare for tough questions. ...
  2. Pause before responding. ...
  3. Monitor your body language. ...
  4. Reword the question. ...
  5. Take more time if you need to. ...
  6. Acknowledge the other person's emotions. ...
  7. Answer a portion of the question. ...
  8. Ask questions about the question.

How do you deflect questions you don't want to answer?

Here are some smart ways you can deal with tough questions:
  1. Acknowledge the question without answering it. ...
  2. Ignore the question completely. ...
  3. Question the question. ...
  4. Attack the question, ...
  5. Decline to answer. ...
  6. Give an incomplete answer. ...
  7. State or imply the question has already been answered. ...
  8. Defer to the will of others.

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

24 related questions found

How do you deflect invasive questions?

Ten strategies to avoid answering inappropriate questions
  1. Answer the original question with another question. ...
  2. Respond with sarcasm or a joke. ...
  3. Redirect the question to a topic that you do feel comfortable discussing. ...
  4. Call it out. ...
  5. Begin your answer by saying the word “No” ...
  6. Answer ambiguously or immediately change the subject.

Why do narcissists deflect questions?

One reason narcissists don't answer questions is they think you don't deserve answers. One of the traits of a narcissist is the belief that they are unique and special and can only be understood by other special and high-status people.

How do you respond smartly?

Take a beat, watch your tone, and other techniques to deal with a challenging line of questioning.
  1. Make Sure You Understand The Question. ...
  2. Take Time To Respond. ...
  3. Answer Part Of The Question. ...
  4. Postpone Your Answer. ...
  5. Turn Around the Pronouns. ...
  6. Divert The Question. ...
  7. Give The Asker Some Control. ...
  8. Watch Your Tone.

How do you answer a loaded question?

A common way out of this argument is not to answer the question (e.g. with a simple 'yes' or 'no'), but to challenge the assumption behind the question. To use an earlier example, a good response to the question "Have you stopped beating your wife?" would be "I have never beaten my wife".

How do you respond to a nosy question?

10 assertive tips on dealing with nosy questions
  1. Go with your gut. ...
  2. Don't be rude back. ...
  3. Use “I” statements. ...
  4. Find out more if appropriate. ...
  5. Say how you feel about being asked or about giving the information. ...
  6. Depersonalise your answer. ...
  7. Express your feelings if you want to. ...
  8. Move them on.

What do you call a question asked not to get an answer but to make a point?

A rhetorical question is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point, rather than to get an answer.

How do you respond to a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is, by definition, one you are not expected to answer. So if you know it is a rhetorical question then that resolves the issue: don't answer, there is no need (and the professor would likely be caught off-guard if you did answer).

How do you handle no as an answer?

How Do You Feel About Taking No For An Answer?
  1. Make a distinction as to how you would respond based on who is saying no.
  2. If it's a supervisor saying no, respond that you would respect his or her decision.
  3. It's also a good idea to mention your willingness to understand the decision so that you can improve for the future.

What does deflecting questions mean?

to avoid something such as criticism, blame, or a question being directed at you: The president deflected criticism of his economic record by focusing on crime. He successfully deflected blame for his mismanagement of the crisis. I just tried to deflect questions the best way I could.

How do you answer a trap question?

Choose the answer that is right for you and the situation, and then provide that answer. An easy phrase to remember for starting your answer, no matter what the trap question, is the following: “Here's my answer to that….” Never make up an answer if you don't know. This is a self-inflicted trap in itself.

What is a funnelling question?

Funnel Questions

This technique involves starting with general questions, and then drilling down to a more specific point in each. Usually, this will involve asking for more and more detail at each level.

What is an example of a question fallacy?

Also known as (or closely related to) a loaded question, a trick question, a leading question, the fallacy of the false question, and the fallacy of many questions. "Have you stopped beating your wife?" is the classic example of the complex question.

What's the best way to reply?

If you're responding to a message from another person, get them engaged within the conversation and give them a true response that is at least a sentence or 2 long. Sometimes, it's perfectly acceptable to respond with “OK” if it makes sense in the context. But avoid the “K” reply, which can feel terse and rude.

How can I respond better?

Top 7 Ways to Practice Thoughtful Response and Avoid Hasty Reactions:
  1. Train and Plan. ...
  2. Get Perspective. ...
  3. Mindfulness - Considering the 360° View. ...
  4. Manage Emotions Balanced with Facts. ...
  5. Pause and Breathe. ...
  6. Consider the Consequences of your Choices.

What is the one question to identify a narcissist?

To what extent do you agree with this statement: 'I am a narcissist.'

What does a narcissist say when confronted?

If you confront a narcissist about something hurtful, they may downplay what occurred or minimize the events that took place. This could sound like: “Relax, this isn't a big deal.” “I did that before and you didn't care.”

What is the real reason the narcissist cheated?

The narcissist needs constant re-assurance that they are the superior person they believe they are. When their partner is not providing this re-assurance and re-supplying their depleting feelings of superiority, they will seek it from someone else.

What are the signs of a nosy person?

One of the most obvious signs of a nosy person is that they ask too many personal questions. They might ask about your relationship status, how much money you make, or even your medical history. While it's natural for people to be curious about others, asking these types of questions takes it to a whole new level.

How do you respond to aggressive questioning?

So, distill the question into a cogent issue, focus on that issue, and respond to that issue. Remember: The next time you get blindsided by a verbal jab, don't get defensive. Don't get angry, get analytical.