How To Say "I don't know" With Credibility!

[@alexanderlyon]

Free Communication Skills Resources: www.alexanderlyon.com/free-resources

[@r-as6870]

More gold!! Sometimes prefacing by thanking the person for their question, or acknowledging its relevance or timeliness helps pave the way for them to accept your "I don't know."

[@alexanderlyon]

That can work great in small doses, but I've seen speakers thank people for a few questions in a row and then it can then seem like it's no longer sincere. So, the tip is to use that in moderation.

[@r-as6870]

Yes, all things in moderation!

[@ManyGhosts]

Depending on the situation, it can sometimes pay to focus on the question rather than on the fact that you don't have the answer. A way of framing the person's inquiry to feel more collaborative, like it's something you can investigate together. It can be a way of simultaneously validating the other person's questions/concerns/observational skills while drawing them into the dilemma or mystery you've been facing and have not yet resolved. It can be a great segue into "next steps" as well. Saying to the person, essentially, "Sharp question. It's something I've been investigating myself. Let's discuss ways of digging deeper together."

[@alexanderlyon]

Good suggestion!

You're videos are amazing!! Lot's of love from India 🇮🇳

[@alexanderlyon]

Thank you so much 😀

[@cherylecooper906]

Love this! Thank you, Alex. 🥰 Sometimes I have used the following (if I do not have or know the answer immediately): "Wow! That's a great question. Let me dig into that and get right back to you." Then, I would be sure to follow up with the person and ensure that I have answered his or her question or concern satisfactorily. ❤🙏

[@alexanderlyon]

Love that!

[@marymitchell8717]

If I don't want to say "I don't know" to a client bc it's a particular situation I have used phrases like "in the past I've done x, and that got this result" or "in past experiences we've done x, but that might not work here/I think we should try y because..."

[@alexanderlyon]

Good one!

[@naqiajahiz8292]

Thank you for such a great video ❤

[@WendyDeBruyne]

This is so helpful.

[@alexanderlyon]

Thank you! Great to hear from you on here. 😀

[@aryabest9981]

Thanks for the informative and educative video

[@rvinodkumar7673]

I don't have any idea but I'll look into it and get back to you...this might sound good...

[@garymailer6765]

Most excellent Alex, I didn’t realise I knew so much 😁

[@victorsauvage1890]

Sound and reassuring.

[@abdulhafizbozdag2988]

Thanks sir

[@khanbabu2635]

Sound good.

[@jacksonamaral329]

Hey from Brazil.

[@brendagraham8611]

NZ's Prime Minister sometimes repeats the question back, to buy him time as to how the best way to respond!

[@victorsauvage1890]

One communication difficulty which may confront students or middle ranking administrators is the problem of discussing simple conflicts of principle. In particular the difficulty of being clear while also being economical. (A fist year / freshman economics text or law text may use a very large volume of words to describe some simple principle.) It is also difficult to put forward a contrary principle without seeming to be insensitive. Any suggestions?

[@revzone3544]

Just be direct, say good question, but I don't know !

[@alexanderlyon]

Potential Client: "Can we order the same product, but in red instead of orange?" Answer: "Good question, but I don't know." Potential Client: "Okay, bye."

[@Spacelover777]

Hi sir

[@gorillamacgyver7411]

circle back

[@alexanderlyon]

That used to be more acceptable, but I've been hearing that it now annoys people because it has been overused. I think that depends on the specific culture of your team.

[@ronin2963]

I almost always $h!7 leaders, mentors, and teachers with difficult or impossible questions. "I don't know" is just about the smartest thing anyone has ever said. Be warned, you are setting yourself up for some serious homework if the individual puts the burden back on you. If you ask a question you know the answer to already you had better wait a day to get a detailed response.