Never Be Blindsided by an Unexpected Question Again
Author’s Note: This article features some AI generated by NotebookLM. Have a listen to the podcast, and let me know if you found it helpful in understanding the gist of the article.
We’ve all experienced it — facing a question we didn’t anticipate. In the moment, we do our best to respond, but later, a better answer comes to mind. We wish we could rewind and deliver that better response with clarity and poise.
Why were we thrown off-guard? In stressful moments, our thinking often becomes clouded. However, when we’re relaxed — like in the shower — our minds work more clearly, free from pressure.
One of the most insidious traps we fall into when answering an unexpected question is THINKING OUT LOUD:
- We start drafting our answer as we speak, which often leads to rambling through disjointed thoughts.
- Phrases like “and another thing…” or “sometimes such and such” make the response unclear and unfocused.
What should you do instead?
In hindsight, the solution seems simple. Here’s how to handle unexpected questions better in the moment:
Step 1: Listen Carefully
- Take a moment to fully understand the question.
- Paraphrase the question back to the person asking the question. This not only buys you time to think but also shows you’re actually listening.
Step 2: Ask yourself: Should this question be answered right now?
- Here are some reasons to defer a question:
- Lack of context: the question doesn’t provide enough background for a meaningful response.
- Lack of knowledge: the topic might be outside your area of expertise (e.g., Spain’s Non-Disclosure Agreement laws).
- Controversial Subject: Sensitive topics like drug legalization or abortion may require careful consideration to avoid alienating your audience.
- How to politely defer a question:
- Offer a Follow-Up Conversation: Suggest discussing the topic later to gain more context and provide a well-thought-out response.
- Mention the Need for Research: Propose doing further research and returning with a well-prepared answer after the event.
Step 3: If You Choose to Answer the Question, follow these A B C’s to stay organized:
A. Listen and Paraphrase
- Listen carefully to the question.
- Paraphrase it back to confirm understanding and seek clarification if needed.
B. Formulate Three Key Points
- Use active listening to buy time.
- Decide whether to answer or defer.
- Present your response with a clear structure.
C. Structure Your Answer
- Start by stating your three key points.
- Expand on each point, then summarize them for clarity.
Conclusion
When faced with an unexpected question, follow these three steps:
- Actively listen to buy yourself time and think.
- Formulate three key elements to structure your response.
- Reiterate your key points to ensure your answer is clear and memorable.
By adopting this approach, you’ll feel more confident the next time you’re confronted with an unforeseen question!