COMMUNICATION COACH SKILLS FOR RISING LEADERS
  • Home
  • Resources
    • FREE 7 Instant Tips for Confident Speaking
    • Free Quick Guide to Communication Skills
    • Online Public Speaking Course
  • My Story

How to Answer Hostile Questions

3/30/2017

Comments

 
Presenters sometimes get easy, softball questions after presentations but not always. It seems like there is always at least one person who asks a prickly or hostile question. 
​
It is obviously very important to handle moments of pushback like these with composure to maintain your own credibility and listeners’ goodwill. Here are a few important tips for responding well to hostile questions.First, do not repeat the negative language of the person asking the question. Let’s say they ask, “Don’t you think the costs are ridiculously high for that proposal?” You do not want to begin your answer by saying, “No, I don’t think the costs are ridiculously high . . .” It’s not a great way to begin an answer when those negative words are coming out of your own mouth.
Instead, I recommend using a cost-benefit-analysis style format to respond to hostile questions. The basic philosophy of this approach is to acknowledge the cost or downside implied in the question but quickly pivot to the benefits of the direction you are suggesting.
See the video for specific details and examples for crafting your response.

Comments
    7 Instant Tips for Confident & Composed Public Speaking
    Visit YouTube Channel
    View my profile on LinkedIn
    Picture

    Alex Lyon, Ph.D.

    If you're an emerging leader interested in increasing your impact, this is the place for you.

    Past Posts

    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Resources
    • FREE 7 Instant Tips for Confident Speaking
    • Free Quick Guide to Communication Skills
    • Online Public Speaking Course
  • My Story