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understand?" Most people will nod and answer affirmatively. To say otherwise would be tantamount to saying "No, I'm stupidI don't get it" or insulting you with "No, your answer wasn't clear." |
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Instead, ask for more explicit feedback to make sure the person understands: "Is that information helpful?:" "Did that overview give you enough background to begin the task?" If you want to make very sure you are understood, you can ask for even more specific feedback: "Let's see how clear I was. Based on the information I just outlined, what do you think would be your first two or three steps in implementing this policy in your department?" The answers will confirm whether your original comments have been understood. |
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On occasion, you may not want to answer a question at all. Routinely asking, "Did I answer your question" or "Is that clear?" may get a response such as "Not really" or "No, what I really wanted to know was . . ." You'll be left looking incompetent, foolish, or, at best, on the spot trying again with an answer you don't want to give. |
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Tip 537: Forget feedback if you want to show confidence in your answer. |
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In situations with your superiors, to end a question with "Did I answer your question?" or "Did I cover what you wanted to know?" makes you appear insecure, lacking confidence in your ability to answer. Give the best answer you can and wait for your superior to assume his or her question was unclear or inadequate. If the question is rephrased, make another attempt to answer it. |
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Tip 538: When piggybacking someone else's answer, frame your comments tactfully. |
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For example, in a meeting, your human resources director has answered a question about compensation packages and has omitted an important point; you feel the need to add your answer. Here's a no-no: "Elaine left out an important point that I want to mention." Better: "I want to add a point to what Elaine explained." Best: "Elaine's answer brings up another consideration. What we plan to do about X. Let me mention that briefly. . . ." |
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Your piggyback answer should not make the previous answer seem inadequate or wrong. |
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Tip 539: Set boundaries for which questions you will and won't answer-and stick to them. |
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A doctor sets limits on his or her expertise with a difficult-to-diagnose case. "If the tests show that the problem is X, I can help you with medication. But |
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