How to Handle Difficult Questions

How to Handle Difficult Questions

The following is excerpted from a blog that I read in early December from Get Five, which is the coaching company I received my career coach training in 2011. While it was done in the context of difficult interview questions, the steps presented actually work with any difficult questions you may receive. Consider using this process in both formal and informal exchanges in your life, as helps you to get a focus on how you truly want to answer when faced with a question that you were not expecting.

STEP 1: RELAX

Even though you’re in panic mode on the inside, on the outside it’s important to look relaxed and confident. Resist the urge to immediately stumble through an answer. Take a deep breath and let go of any muscles you may be clenching due to stress. Look the one questioning you in the eye and move to the next step.

STEP 2: CLARIFY

Repeat the question and get clarification from the questioner. Many questions are broad, so asking for more detail demonstrates your attentiveness and focus. It’s also a great stall tactic while you internally brainstorm the point or points you want to make. Remember, a moment of silence while you collect your thoughts is not necessarily a bad thing.

STEP 3: ONE POINT

If you’re not 100 percent confident in your answer, stick to making one or two strong points in your response. If possible, support those points with evidence (recall an instance that supports what you’re saying to be true). Keep the conversation concise but not so brief that the interviewer feels you avoided a response.

STEP 4: BODY LANGUAGE

Sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it. Your body language exudes confidence and that confidence can make even a ho-hum answer seem like a good one to one questioning you. Be aware of your facial expressions, hand gestures and how you’re sitting. Avoid nervous ticks and maintain good eye contact. A warm smile and conversational tone of voice can also go a long way.

STEP 5: FOLLOW UP

After the conversation is over you may have a light-bulb moment and think of the perfect answer to that curve-ball question. If you really think you botched your response, consider following up in an appropriate manner. State you have had more time to consider their question and have some additional thoughts to share. Keep those thoughts brief and make your main point. When stated appropriately, a follow-up to a difficult question can give your questioner an exact appreciation for your point of view.