How to Answer When You Don't Know

Master polite responses for situations when you don't know the answer with this practical video lesson.

It’s common to face questions you don’t know the answer to, but handling them gracefully is a valuable skill. This video lesson provides 4 polite ways to respond when you’re unsure.

• "I am afraid I do not know, but I will find out and get back to you". This response shows your willingness to find the answer and follow up.
• "To be quite honest, I don't really know. Can I get back to you about that?". Honesty is appreciated, and this response promises future clarification.
• "I am afraid I am not in a position to comment about that. It would be better to ask my colleague, Dave Myers. Dave, could you answer that question for us, please?".  Redirecting the question to someone more knowledgeable shows resourcefulness.
• "I am afraid I don't have that information at hand, but I'd be happy to forward it to you if you give your contact details". Offering to send the information later is a courteous way to handle the situation.

Using these phrases can help you maintain professionalism and politeness, even when you don’t have the answer. Practice these polite ways to respond when you don’t know the answer to enhance your communication skills and handle challenging questions with confidence.\