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deflect a question you don't want to answer, with or without giving a reason: "If I understand your question correctly, you're really asking if . . ." and give your own interpretation. "Your question prompts me to ask you something first. Is . . ." "I think the real question is not X but Y." "Let me phrase your question a little differently before I answer it. . . ." ''I'm sorry, but that information is confidential." "I'd rather not answer that question, if you don't mind." "I think that question doesn't have an answer." "The answer to that question would be purely speculative." |
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You can also use humor to deflect a question: "What a questiondo you want to get me fired?" (said with a light tone). "Don't we all wish we had the answer to that oneI'd settle even for half an answer." "Asking the questions is the easy part; answering them breaks me out in a cold sweat." "You must have spent all night phrasing that question; give me a couple of weeks to come up with an answer, will you?" |
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If you're unsure whether the questioner has manipulative intentions, you can always ask the reason for the question or explain your reluctance in a straightforward way: "I'm curious. Why do you ask that question?" or "As you might imagine, that question is difficult to answer. If I say X, you'll think Y; and if I say Y, I'll look uncaring. I don't think I could win with any answer to that question" or "Under the circumstances, I don't think I want to answer that question" or "Such a question makes me a little uncomfortable. I'm not in a position to know all the related facts." |
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Tip 543: Remember that the whole performance counts. |
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When it comes to questions, style is equal to substance. Your competence can be communicated in the clarity, resourcefulness, and conciseness of the content; in your delivery of the answerwith courtesy, confidence, composure, concern; and finally, in the results you achieve with your answer. Substance plus style equals success. |
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