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Ugh, there's nothing worse than that sinking feeling of being totally and completely prepared for your high-stakes meeting...only to have a VIP in the audience throw a question your way that you simply don't know how to answer. It feels like a pin just popped your confidence bubble and is rapidly draining it.
But hold the phone, because all is not lost! You didn't just blow it and you can recover...right there, on the spot!
Before I reveal what to say, let's do a little mindset check first. Assuming there's not an obvious miss, like you just gave a presentation about the state of Minnesota and get asked to name its capital city. (Bonus points if you reply to this email with the answer!), don't lose sight of everything else you've prepared and shared. Of course, it won't feel good at the moment, but it also doesn't negate the value of everything else you just shared.
Second, if you practice the essential virtues of honesty and curiosity, and commit to taking action, your recovery from the current situation may prove to be even more in the long run.
Here are strategies for the next time phoning a friend, ChatGPT, or running out of the room are not viable options and you need to think on your feet.
1. DO NOT LIE. Don't make up an answer. Especially because filler words often accompany lies, no one is going to believe you anyhow. Your internal insecurity alarms will be screaming and could cause a downward spiral.
2. Tell the truth. Say, "I don't know." Here's what is key. Say it with conviction. Don't clench your teeth, allow the pitch of your voice to go up, nor your volume to go down. State the flat-out truth in a neutral and committed voice. "I don't know." Then, proceed immediately to #3.
3. Insert time-stamped action. "I don't know, and I will find out (action) and get back to you by 2pm today (time-stamp)."
4. Additional alternatives include:
- "That's an interesting question, let me get back to you on that."
- "I don't have the information on hand, but I will get in touch with the expert on my team, and get back to you shortly."
- "I am curious about that too. I'll find out and get right back to you."
- "One of my teammates is the expert on that and will have the exact answer you need. I'll connect you to her."
- "I'm not familiar with that but will research it and get back to you by Thursday."
- "Tell me more. I'm not sure I understand the question."
- "Give me a moment while I look at my notes and think through your question." (My personal favorite)
5. Be mindful of your confident Voice Mechanics! Keep your tone, pitch, and volume in the proper ranges to project assurance and executive presence.
Remember, no one knows everything, nor can you predict every question that comes your way. You do impeccable work. You prepare for meetings and your performance is top-notch. You may not always know the answer, but you can always have the plan to recover.
You've got this, Shero!
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