In the Line of Fire: How to Handle Tough Questions -- When It Counts

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Book Description Answer even the toughest, most hostile questions brilliantly: Universal Challenges, Universal Solutions Chapter 1.

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Universal Challenges, Universal Solutions Chapter 1: Agility Versus Force Chapter 2: Effective Management Implemented Chapter 4: There are also other factors that negatively affect the questioner, such as 1 nonlinear brain thinking; 2 unprepared extemporaneity; and, 3 anxiety about standing up exposed in front of an audience.

Because of these, the questions come out jumbled up and garbled. It's up to you then to weed through the excess to figure out the heart of the issue. Always listen to your audience and observe carefully their non-verbal behavior. Keep your questioner's key words in mind, because as soon as you reiterate them, it will make your audience feel that you were definitely listening to every word and that you understood the matter at hand. Keep in mind these non-verbal gestures: Maintain a balanced stance, with your weight distributed evenly on both feet; 2.

Keep eye contact by locking your eyes on your questioner; 3. Nod your head once in a while, which shows that you're in receive mode; 4. Keep your fingers steady, making sure that you don't twiddle or fidget. If you're not sure about the question, don't attempt to answer. Refrain from saying any of these statements: Retake the Floor Martial Art: Self-defense Once the attention is redirected back, you once again have the chance to exercise control of the situation. When you get a challenging question, always remember that you shouldn't repeat the question nor should you even attempt to answer it.

Instead, paraphrase what the questioner has just said. When paraphrasing, you're merely restating in your own words what the questioner has just said, subtly clarifying that you're on the same page. With this technique, you're not really evading the question but merely deflecting it. The best way to paraphrase is to start your response with an interrogative word and end your statement with a question mark. Note, however, that the paraphrase is not a question about the original question.

When you do this, you will be perceived as trying to evade the issue, which will in turn frustrate the questioner and most probably irritate the audience. By learning how to paraphrase, you're able to control any situation given whatever kind of challenging question. You can turn a negative interrogation into positive by responding only to the areas that were discussed. Keep in mind that there's no such thing as an irrelevant question. Make sure that you answer every question, no matter how inappropriate it may seem to you.

When asked multiple questions, you're never expected to remember each and every single one. And when you're asked a question about something that you tackled in your presentation, avoid the temptation to restate everything. Instead, just recap the main features. Remember, make it short and simple.

Another option is for you to use buffers. Even for questions that aren't really challenging, it's a good exercise to use a buffer or two, which allows you to delay answering the question for a bit. Provide the Answer Martial Art: Balance One governing rule that you must keep in mind is that when you are asked something, no matter what the question is, you have to answer it. But if you don't know the answer, then don't pretend that you do because you'll end up irritating your audience. Don't even try to duck an issue because you will still appear either defensive or evasive.

Whenever you give an answer, make sure that you're straight-to-the-point and honest. Instead, tackle the issue at hand— nothing more, nothing less. The floor was only opened to clarify what has already been discussed, and not anything else. Your answers have to be concise, lest you want to launch into another mini presentation, which shouldn't be the case. When doing your advanced preparation, make sure that you compile a list of the most difficult questions you can come up with and, as much as possible, ask for the help of your colleagues and other people that may help you.

Always assume the worst-case scenarios, and be prepared for them. Once you have identified them, most importantly in relation to the matter at hand, figure out what your stand will be and develop a position statement. These should be done before your presentation, and not during, unless you want a half-baked position. No one should expect anyone to be able to answer everything as if he or she was a walking encyclopedia.

No one's that good.

And because you're not expected to know every little detail, remember that you should always be honest. It's better to admit outright to your questioner and tell him or her that you'll get back to that later on, instead of pretending that you know. Topspin in Action Martial Art: Agility When humans are faced with conflict, either of two things can happen: Most people, however, especially presenters, when given a difficult question, react with either a defensive response or an evasive one. To be able to topspin properly requires a totally different kind of will power and mental skill.

But you can't just topspin whenever you feel like it. First off, you have to answer the question because if you don't, then you're being evasive. Once you have answered the question, then you'll be able to topspin and it'll have a seamless transition from your answer. The topspin serves as a counterbalance to the most challenging question. But before you can counter something, you have to neutralize it first by starting your response with a buffer and answer, and preferably support your claim with evidence. Then, you can topspin as you please.

Always be wary of the non-verbal communication or the physical gestures of your audience.

These reactions are completely involuntary, which will therefore give you a very clear idea of what they think of you and what you're saying. The ability to topspin and use buffers is not a skill that you can just pick up, because they are actually contrary to how humans instinctively react. If you want to be able to use buffers and topspin effectively, you'll have to be willing to learn, with patience and discipline. Discipline When trying to learn a new martial arts skill, the discipline that is required is just as important as the skill itself.

You can't have one without the other. You can't expect yourself or anyone else to learn a new skill without having the required discipline. Only then will you able to possibly achieve mastery of this new skill. One might think that learning how to manage or answer challenging questions may not be as difficult a task as compared to learning a new skill in the martial arts.

However, keep in mind Thomas Edison's formula: As with anything, you really have to work extremely hard first before you get the desired results. One of the most important parts of a debate or presentation is being prepared. Two techniques that you have to develop: Always, always expect the worst possible scenario. Come up [7] In The Line of Fire by Jerry Weissman with a list of the most challenging questions that you can come up with. Then prepare your answers for them by doing your research.

You can ask your colleagues to help you out by having them ask you tough questions. This way, you're not really practicing your answers but you're training yourself how to handle different difficult scenarios. The Art of War Martial Art: Self-control The martial arts do not have a formula for success. No two people can achieve the exact same level of skill.

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Everything depends on how you apply yourself, which you'll only find out once you're on the battlefield. In this case, once you open the floor to questions, then the battle begins.

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Of the three, the last one is the most negative because it shows a person's loss of control. In order to avoid this from happening, train yourself not to react to challenging questions with even the slightest hint of anger. Rather, respond in a firm but calm manner. Everything boils down to control. As long as you're able to control yourself and the situation, then everything will flow freely from there. An agile person has the makings of being a success.

Just like in verbal communication, too strong an approach can make you overshoot your target. In the same vein, a light approach can also make you miss the point altogether.

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Keep in mind the match between David and Goliath. People thought that David would be crushed and was no match for Goliath. But because of his skill, he was able to bring down a man who was far bigger than him. This holds true in every day life, when there are mismatched opponents.



If you feel that you're the underdog, don't focus on your opponent's skill or what he has that you don't.