What do I do if they ask a question and I don't know the answer?
The iSpeak approach: don't fake it and don't give bad information. Instead, admit you don't have it and commit to a follow-up.
The phrase that works best is: "Thank you for the question. I don't have that information with me. Let me make a note — can I get you a response by close of business tomorrow?"
This accomplishes three things: it acknowledges the question, it's honest without implying incompetence, and it sets a specific timeline so the questioner knows you'll follow through.
A second option, depending on the relationship, is to assign the to-do to the questioner: "Would you please send me an email with that request? I'll research it and get back to you within a day of receiving it." Use judgment here — if your CEO is asking, don't assign the task to them.
Why it matters: Q&A rarely leaves your credibility unchanged. A hesitant or evasive response to a question you can't answer chips away at the trust you've built throughout the entire presentation. A graceful, honest bridge keeps it intact.
Practical Tips:
- Write down the question. Visibly making a note signals you're taking the question seriously and commits you to follow-through.
- Give a specific timeline — and keep it. "By end of day tomorrow" is far more credible than "I'll look into it." If you say it, do it.
- Know your hierarchy before you assign the to-do. Redirecting a question back to the person who asked it can work well with peers or direct reports — but not with leadership above you.
Practice Exercise:
Use the iSpeak AI Coach to simulate a Q&A session. Ask it to throw you a question you genuinely can't answer and practice delivering your bridge-to-follow-up response out loud until it feels natural, not rehearsed.
Related Resources:
Corporate Ovations: Your Roadmap to More Effective Presentations
This is iSpeak's comprehensive guide to presentation and communication skills. Each chapter focuses on a critical aspect of preparing, developing, and delivering messages that inform, influence, and inspire.
Chapter 11 of Corporate Ovations ("Handling Questions") teaches that how you respond to audience questions will either build or damage your credibility, and that the key to handling even the toughest questions with confidence is preparation, a calm acknowledge-repeat-respond process, and the willingness to say "I don't have that information with me" rather than fake an answer.
Thinking on Your Feet Shortcut Card
Get this downloadable reference guide based on our Thinking on Your Feet workshop. It summarizes the key frameworks for answering questions, organizing responses, and handling challenging interactions with confidence.
Communication Insight
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