Handling Questions
Positive Response
 
That's a good question
Thank you for that question.

 

Example

That's a good question.
Thank you for asking that question.
That's a really good one. It allows me to address the problems and offer some solutions.
Clarifying a Question
 
understand, catch, follow
If I understand you correctly, you want to know ...
You're asking me about ... right?

 

Example:

Sorry, I'm not sure I've understood. Could you repeat?
If I understand you correctly, you want to know if there are other ways of dealing with the decrease in our profits.
Do you mean to ask how it might affect their ability to sell their stock?

Avoiding Giving an Answer
 
I can't answer that
That's not my field
 

Example:

I'm afraid I can't really answer that.
Perhaps we could deal with that later.
I'm sure Mr. Smith could answer that question.

Checking the Questioner is Satisfied
 
Does that answer your question?
Is that clear now?

 

Example:

Does that answer your question?
Is that clear now?
Can we move on?

PRACTICE 1
 

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1. That's a good question.

2. Thank you for asking that question.

3. Sorry, I didn't catch your question.

4. Could you repeat that for me, please?

5. You are asking me about the possible problems that might arise with our new hiring policies, is that right?

6. I'm afraid I can't really answer that.

7. Perhaps we could deal with that later.

8. Does that answer your question?

9. Is that clear now?

10. Can we move on?
PRACTICE 2
 

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MAC: control+click to save mp3]

1. Thank you for asking that question. I guess I didn't make that clear enough in my presentation. You are asking me about the possible problems that might arise with our new hiring policies, is that right? I'm sure Mr. Smith could answer that question. He's much more familiar with the Equal Opportunity Employment act. May we go on to the next topic?

2. That's a really good one. It allows me to say that I don't think our shareholders need to worry about how this will affect their stocks. We've clearly shown that this kind of move has no effect on stock values. Do you mean to ask how it might affect their ability to sell their stock? I'm afraid I can't really answer that. Those kinds of decisions are up to the regulations board. Does that answer your question?
 





 
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