How to manage challenging questions like an expert: insights from countless interviews If you've ever faced a challenging question durin...
How to manage challenging questions like an expert: insights from countless interviews
If you've ever faced a challenging question during a board meeting, media interview, or staff gathering and felt as though your spirit momentarily left your body, know that you're not alone. Even the most experienced politicians, CEOs, and celebrities experience tension when unexpected issues come their way... or land in their lap.
I have spent years speaking with hundreds of guests: business magnates, diplomats, startup founders, advocates, and lawmakers. Throughout these discussions, one aspect becomes clear:Hard questions won't harm you—bad answers will.
Let me share what the studio floor has shown me about remaining calm, self-assured, and trustworthy when pressure increases.
1. First rule: remain calm (even if your heart is moving to Azonto)
During live television appearances, guests occasionally respond to challenging questions as if they were required to recite the periodic table in reverse. Their eyes widen. Their breathing becomes shallow. Their fingers clasp tightly. It seems as though you could hear their heart pounding from across the studio.
But here’s the secret:
The viewers can overlook anything except fear.
When leaders panic, they:
- Talk too fast
- Talk too long
- Talk off-topic
- Talk themselves into trouble
Rather, take a break. Inhale. Remain motionless. Reflect.
A composed leader appears trustworthy—even when the issue is extremely heated.
2. Make sure you understand before you reply
Some questions appear difficult simply because they are unclear. I once asked a guest, "How do you account for your party's weak results in the by-election?" And he responded, "Well... there are various viewpoints... it depends... on... several... elements..."
Translation: He had no clue what I was referring to.
If a query is ambiguous:
- Ask for specifics
- Request clarification
- Narrow the focus
This provides more time, enhances your thought process, and stops you from confidently responding to the wrong question—which is the most dangerous form of confidence.
3. Cross the bridge like an expert. Transition from peril to security with elegance
The most effective approach in dealing with difficult questions is thebridging technique. This is how experienced leaders transition from a challenging question to a statement that reinforces their story without appearing to avoid the issue.
Example
Question:Why did your product not succeed in the marketplace?
Bridge:That's a significant matter, and this is what we discovered...
This method functions due to the following reasons:
- Acknowledges the question
- Shows respect
- Directs to your main message
- Keeps you in control
Bridging is not about avoiding issues, it's effective leadership communication.
4. Avoid over-explaining, as the more you speak, the more problems you create
Some leaders view challenging questions as tests: the more detailed the response, the better the score. Unfortunately, communication isn't similar to WASSCE.
I've seen guests shift from "everything is fine" to "we are launching an internal investigation" within a single response.
Here is a guideline from broadcast interviewing:
Concise, straightforward responses outperform lengthy, meandering explanations consistently.
If you can't condense your reply into less than a minute, it means you lack clarity about your own message.
5. Take responsibility for your errors. The audience can always tell when you're being insincere.
Humans are skilled at pretending not to know. Even when the proof is clearly visible, someone will always claim, "We don't know."
The truth?
Individuals admire leaders who acknowledge their mistakes.
If something went wrong:
- Acknowledge it
- Describe what steps you are taking to address it.
- Demonstrate how you will avoid it going forward
A powerful acknowledgment fosters confidence significantly more than a feeble rejection.
6. Keep a composed expression (your face might give you away!)
Occasionally, leaders provide ideal responses—but their expressions reveal something else.
Common leadership expressions:
- The "I wasn't prepared" quick strike
- The strategic water-sipping delay
- The artificial grin masking inner turmoil
- The unexpected urge to review non-existent notes
Your expression should align with your speech. Work on maintaining calm, composed facial expressions that convey assurance—rather than uncertainty.
Final cue
Challenging questions are not pitfalls—they present chances to showcase openness, strong leadership, and emotional awareness.
A skilled leader:
- Stays calm
- Clarifies
- Bridges
- Responds briefly
- Owns mistakes
- Maintains composure
Perfect these, and you will not only manage difficult questions—you willown them.
In leadership, much like in broadcasting, the most challenging times tend to highlight the most effective communicators.
>>> Need coaching? Email kafuidey.mc@gmail.com today.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
