9 ways to give good answers



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  1. Think before you reply

    Even if you already know what you are going to say pausing for thought shows you are properly considering what they have said

  2. Build up the question

    If the question is unclear help the questioner seem cleverer than they are by building it into something more challenging

  3. Make eye contact

    Look your questioner in the eye when they are speaking and at the beginning and end of your answer Don’t do it the whole way through, especially if there is an audience who will want to feel that you are talking to them as well

  4. Repeat main points

    For all but the simplest of questions, repeating the main points before your answer ensures you have grasped the most important points

  5. Be direct

    Give the most direct answer that you can in the opening sentence, such as ‘yes’,'no’ or’by 23 October’

  6. Tell a tale

    Using stories or anecdotes to illustrate your answer gives colour Explain why they are relevant though and keep them short

  7. Summarise

    Before you finish, repeat your one-line answer – people are more likely to remember the first and last things that they hear

  8. Right answer?

    Check that your questioner is satisfied with your answer -this gives you another chance if you’ve missed the main issue

  9. Do your homework

    Think about all the tricky questions that you might be asked beforehand and prepare answers. Say them out loud – you will quickly spot what sounds right and what doesn’t and you can edit any that are too lengthy

What do you think? Have I missed any points? Please leave your comments below:

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Originally posted 2009-01-28 06:17:54.

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