How to Answer a Question You Don't Know the Answer To
How to Answer a Question You Don't Know the Answer To
When "I don't know" isn't enough.
Use these talking points when you don’t know the answer, can’t answer, or aren’t the best source of information.
Start Here
Give the reason why you can’t answer the question.
Tell them when you will follow up with them.
Make sure you follow up (even if you don’t have any new information).
Repeat the question (optional).
Admit openly that you don't have the information at hand, but express eagerness to find out or learn more about it.
Suggest a follow-up after researching the topic or recommend someone with expertise.
Ask clarifying questions if you think you might understand the context better with more information.
Emphasize your commitment to accuracy and truthfulness by not venturing a guess without solid information.
Talking Points
Let me confirm/double-check and follow up with you.
Let me look into it and get back to you.
We’re still looking into it…
I expect to be able to tell you more by…
What I can tell you is…
I’m unsure, but I’ll find out and let you know.
I’ll find out.
I’ll look into it and get back to you with what I find.
That’s a good question, and I want to get you the right information. Let me get back to you by end-of-day.
I don’t want to speculate…
I’m not the best person to answer that <Name> would be a better resource, but… my understanding is…
Before I answer, can I get a bit more details/context?
Let me see if I can’t find some more information on that. Thanks for asking!
Good question. Let me get back to you.
That's a great question. I don't have the information on that right now, but I'll make sure to look into it and get back to you as soon as I can.
I'm not sure about that at the moment. Let me find out more and I'll update you.
I don't have the details on that right now. However, I can suggest [specific resource or person] who might be able to give you a more immediate answer.
I appreciate your patience on this. I want to provide the most accurate answer possible, so let me do a bit more research and I'll follow up with you.
Guide to Handling Unanswerable Questions
Acknowledge the Complexity
Start by recognizing the complexity of the question. It's important to communicate understanding and respect for the depth of inquiry.
Share Perspectives
Offer various perspectives on the topic. This approach encourages a comprehensive view of the subject matter, highlighting different angles and considerations.
Admit Limitations
It's okay to admit that some questions don't have clear-cut answers. This honesty fosters trust and sets realistic expectations for the discussion.
Encourage Exploration
Invite further exploration of the topic. Encouraging curiosity and open-mindedness can lead to valuable insights and discoveries.
Focus on the Journey
Emphasize the value of the discussion itself. Often, the journey through the conversation yields more learning and growth than a definitive answer could.
Provide Examples
Use examples or analogies to illustrate complex ideas. This can help make abstract concepts more relatable and understandable.
Invite Participation
Encourage others to share their thoughts and questions. A collaborative dialogue can offer a range of insights and deepen the conversation.
Summarize Key Points
Conclude by summarizing the main ideas discussed. This helps to consolidate understanding and acknowledges the contributions of all participants.
Teacher or Parent Talking Points
This question really opens up a lot of avenues for thought and discussion.
Exploring this kind of question helps us understand the limits of our knowledge and the potential for new insights.
It's fascinating to consider the different perspectives and interpretations that arise from this question.
Acknowledging that we might not find a simple answer allows us to appreciate the journey of exploring the question itself.
This question challenges us to think beyond our immediate assumptions and consider broader, more complex possibilities.
Engaging with questions like this is a valuable exercise in critical thinking and open-minded exploration.
It's important to remember that the value of some questions lies in the discussion they spark, not necessarily in the answers they elicit.
By considering various viewpoints, we can gain a more rounded understanding of the topic, even if we don't arrive at a single, definitive answer.
Admitting there's no easy answer can be a starting point for a deeper dive into the subject matter.
This type of question encourages us to think creatively and explore the edges of our understanding.
Let's keep the conversation going and see where this question leads us. The insights we gain along the way are invaluable.
Reflecting on this question highlights how much there is to learn and discover.
Encouraging everyone to share their thoughts can lead to a richer, more diverse exploration of the topic.
Summarizing what we've discussed so far can help us see the question in a new light and appreciate the depth of our exploration.