In my previous profession, I gave numerous stage presentations.
Early in that job, I would shy away from doing Q&As because I was afraid of not having an answer to someone’s questions.
As the years went on, I wanted a more two-way conversation rather than a one-way monologue, so I started experimenting more with taking questions.
A couple of things surprised me.
- I was surprised by how many questions I had answers to.
Since I had been wrestling with the topic of my presentation for weeks, I had learned a lot more about the subject than I could present. So when someone asked a question, I had more information available than I realized.
- How powerful it is when you say, “That’s a great question. I don’t know.”
When you say it, people are so glad that you were honest with them.
Even better, say, “I don’t know, but let me get back to you in the next couple of days on that.”
Saying “I don’t know” builds trust for several reasons.
- It communicates that you are comfortable in your skin.
- It suggests you’re more interested in providing the correct answer, not just any answer.
- It shows your humanity. (In the AI world, people crave genuine human connection.)
- It displays maturity. (The older and wiser I get. The more questions and less answers I have.)
- It provides an opportunity to continue the conversation.
So, the next time someone asks you a question that you don’t know how to answer.
Admit it.
It will elevate you in their eyes.