Question

11 - preparing for and conducting a q&a session

learning objective: identify methods of conducting an effective q&a session.

during her q&a session, deirdre does not have an answer for a question she is asked.

how should deirdre respond?

a.) tell the questioner she does not have an answer but will get back to them with one.
b.) ask for clarification.
c.) apologize for not having the answer.
d.) deflect the question by asking if anyone in the audience would like to answer it.

Explanation:

Analyze the scenario

The speaker, Deirdre, is asked a question during a Q&A session for which she does not know the answer.

Evaluate the options

• a.) Tell the questioner she does not have an answer but will get back to them with one: This is the standard professional practice. It maintains honesty, preserves credibility, and offers a constructive follow-up.
• b.) Ask for clarification: This is only useful if the question is unclear, not when the speaker simply does not know the answer.
• c.) Apologize for not having the answer: While polite, an apology alone is passive and does not provide a constructive path forward or maintain professional momentum.
• d.) Deflect the question by asking if anyone in the audience would like to answer it: This can be seen as evasive or shifting the speaker's responsibility onto the audience, which may undermine credibility.

Select the best response

Option (a) is the most honest, professional, and constructive way to handle an unknown question during a Q&A session.

Answer:

• a.) Tell the questioner she does not have an answer but will get back to them with one. (Correct answer)
• b.) Ask for clarification.
• c.) Apologize for not having the answer.
• d.) Deflect the question by asking if anyone in the audience would like to answer it.