What to say to avoid answering a question? (2024)

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How do you avoid answering a question politely?

You can also refuse to answer the question, but be sure to be polite. “Say, 'I appreciate that this is of interest but we don't feel sharing the information is appropriate, especially at this time. But I'd be glad to answer other questions if you have them,'” says Sullivan. “Appreciate the interest but draw lines.”

(Video) How to avoid answering questions - Speaking Skill
(Learn English with KT)
How do you deflect a question?

8 ways to deflect tough interview questions
  1. Acknowledge the question without answering it. ...
  2. Ignore the question completely. ...
  3. Question the question. ...
  4. Attack the question, ...
  5. Decline to answer. ...
  6. Give an incomplete answer. ...
  7. State or imply the question has already been answered. ...
  8. Defer to the will of others.

(Video) 10 WAYS TO AVOID ANSWERING A QUESTION
(Literature and Grammar)
How do you deflect nosy questions?

10 assertive tips on dealing with nosy questions
  1. Go with your gut. ...
  2. Don't be rude back. ...
  3. Use “I” statements. ...
  4. Find out more if appropriate. ...
  5. Say how you feel about being asked or about giving the information. ...
  6. Depersonalise your answer. ...
  7. Express your feelings if you want to. ...
  8. Move them on.
9 Jan 2013

(Video) 10 English Phrases to Avoid Answering a Question
(Espresso English)
How do you dodge a question?

The simplest approach to dodge the question is just to refuse to answer. You can give a straightforward refusal or to act as if no question was asked and continuing the conversation by talking about something else, or come up with straight lies. “I'm not going to answer that.”

(Video) Best Way To Avoid Answering A Question
(Ncraft)
What does it mean to deflect a question?

to avoid something such as criticism, blame, or a question being directed at you: The president deflected criticism of his economic record by focusing on crime. He successfully deflected blame for his mismanagement of the crisis. I just tried to deflect questions the best way I could.

(Video) Tutorial: How To Avoid Answering A Question
(Leigh Stewy)
How do you say no indirectly?

Here are 10 ways for you to say 'NO' in a polite manner:
  1. I'm honoured but I can't.
  2. I wish there were two of me. ...
  3. Sorry, I'm booked into something else right now. ...
  4. Sadly, I have something else. ...
  5. No, thank you but it sounds lovely, so next time. ...
  6. I'm not taking anything else right now.
19 Apr 2019

(Video) How Politicians Avoid Answering Your Questions
(Nick Sheridan)
How do you respond to a rude question?

Useful Expressions to Handle Uncomfortable Questions
  1. I'd rather not say.
  2. I'd prefer not to talk about that.
  3. I'd rather not get into [this topic] at this event.
  4. I'd prefer not to discuss this right now.
  5. I'm sorry, that's private.
  6. That's a little too personal.
  7. That topic is too difficult to discuss at this moment.

(Video) How to Avoid Answering the Relocation Question
(Peggy McKee)
How do you respond to uncomfortable questions?

The best way to immediately respond to uncomfortable questions is a polite comment such as:
  1. I'm so sorry, I don't like talking about that.
  2. I'd rather not discuss that.
  3. I don't want to get into that.
  4. I'd rather not discuss this now/here.
  5. Sorry is it okay if we change the subject?
15 Aug 2018

(Video) how to avoid answering a question?
(English tutorial )
How do you stop someone from asking too many questions?

17 Amazing Tricks for Dodging Unwanted Questions
  1. Enlist the help of a friend. Sometimes, you just know someone is going to ask you an unwanted question. ...
  2. Restate—and reframe—the question. ...
  3. Deflect with a joke. ...
  4. Offer advice instead of an answer. ...
  5. Deflect the question back to the asker with a compliment. ...
  6. Turn the tables.
13 Feb 2019

(Video) Iain Duncan Smith - A lesson on how to avoid answering questions
(SAXON Media Professionals in Production)
How do you respond to unwanted opinions?

11 Ways to Handle Unsolicited Advice From Others
  1. Take a deep breath and count to ten before responding. ...
  2. Smile and thank them for their concern. ...
  3. Stop talking. ...
  4. Change the subject of the conversation by asking questions about them. ...
  5. Thank them for their advice, then do what you want to do anyway.

(Video) WAYS TO AVOID ANSWERING LIFE QUESTIONS // VEDSH 11
(Katie Vallis)

How do you respond to a loaded question?

3 Best Responses to Loaded Questions Aimed to Trap You
  1. Option 1: Never repeat a negative. State your positive.
  2. Option 2: Reconfirm your position and clarify.
  3. Option 3: Call attention to the faulty premise and disagree with it.
22 Sept 2020

(Video) 10 ways to avoid answering a question
(lets live)
What is another word for dodging a question?

What is another word for dodge the question?
be non-committalprevaricate
evade the issuefudge the issue
dodgeevade
fudgebe evasive
beat around the bushpuss*foot around
154 more rows

What to say to avoid answering a question? (2024)
Is avoiding a question lying?

Liars and truth-tellers both have pauses in their speech, but good liars avoid answering questions, scientists say. DESPITE WHAT YOU MIGHT think, it is almost impossible to tell a liar from the way they talk, according a new study.

What's it called when someone doesn't give a straight answer?

e.g. She gave an evasive answer Merriam-Webster. To be evasive is to avoid something, whether it's a touchy subject or the person who's "it". If you're dodging the truth and not giving straight answers, then you're being evasive, which is probably not the best strategy when the police are asking the questions.

How do you respond to difficult questions?

Answering Tough Questions in the Moment
  1. A five-step process for thinking on your feet and saying what you want. By Pamela Ziemann. ...
  2. Listen to the Question. ...
  3. Pause. ...
  4. Repeat the Question. ...
  5. Respond Honestly. ...
  6. Know When to Stop.

What kind of person deflects?

Deflection is a defense mechanism that involves redirecting focus, blame, or criticism from oneself onto another person, in an attempt to preserve one's self-image. This inclination toward shifting blame can be seen in anyone from young children to grown adults.

How do you argue with someone who deflects?

How do you deal with deflection? The best way to deal with deflection is to communicate how you feel by having a conversation. Point out that you feel the person is deflecting their fault onto you and that it is not appreciated.

How do you say no in a smart way?

Different Ways to Say No and When to Use Them
  1. I appreciate the offer, but I can't.
  2. I'm honored, but can't.
  3. I'd love to, but I can't.
  4. I appreciate the invitation, but I am completely booked.
  5. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can't.
  6. Regrettably, I'm not able to.
  7. You're so kind to think of me, but I can't.

How do you respond when someone answers your question?

Good manners says to say thank you when somebody answers your question. E-mail load control suggests not replying "thanks" because it's too much e-mail and people would rather have less.

How do you handle no for an answer?

Points to Emphasize

Make a distinction as to how you would respond based on who is saying no. If it's a supervisor saying no, respond that you would respect his or her decision. It's also a good idea to mention your willingness to understand the decision so that you can improve for the future.

What does it mean to deflect a question?

to avoid something such as criticism, blame, or a question being directed at you: The president deflected criticism of his economic record by focusing on crime. He successfully deflected blame for his mismanagement of the crisis. I just tried to deflect questions the best way I could.

How do you avoid answering personal questions at work?

Ten strategies to avoid answering inappropriate questions
  1. Answer the original question with another question. ...
  2. Respond with sarcasm or a joke. ...
  3. Redirect the question to a topic that you do feel comfortable discussing. ...
  4. Use the shame game. ...
  5. Begin your answer by saying the word “No”
21 Mar 2016

How do you respond to uncomfortable questions?

The best way to immediately respond to uncomfortable questions is a polite comment such as:
  1. I'm so sorry, I don't like talking about that.
  2. I'd rather not discuss that.
  3. I don't want to get into that.
  4. I'd rather not discuss this now/here.
  5. Sorry is it okay if we change the subject?
15 Aug 2018

What do you say when someone keeps asking why?

What do you say when someone keeps asking why? “I don't know” is polite, and often true. If you do know, and you want to be honest, then you can say, “I'd rather not discuss this anymore.” This is also perfectly polite.

Are one word responses rude?

One word answers are considered rude because they are often dismissive, as if you can't be bothered with the person or the question. For example, someone may ask, “Did you have fun today?” They don't want a simple yes or no.

What is the word for not taking no for an answer?

To persist steadfastly in pursuit of a goal, especially despite challenges. persevere. persist. endure. pursue.

How do you reply no U?

For example, when someone opens the door for you and you say to that person you first, and then he/she says “no you”. The normal or tipical response should be thank you or something similar.
...
  1. Damn. Okay, yes, me.
  2. Ofcourse you no(know) me.
  3. Me? Im the Batman [In that typical harsh tone]

How do you politely deflect personal questions?

Useful Expressions to Handle Uncomfortable Questions
  • I'd rather not say.
  • I'd prefer not to talk about that.
  • I'd rather not get into [this topic] at this event.
  • I'd prefer not to discuss this right now.
  • I'm sorry, that's private.
  • That's a little too personal.
  • That topic is too difficult to discuss at this moment.

How do you respond to difficult questions?

Answering Tough Questions in the Moment
  1. A five-step process for thinking on your feet and saying what you want. By Pamela Ziemann. ...
  2. Listen to the Question. ...
  3. Pause. ...
  4. Repeat the Question. ...
  5. Respond Honestly. ...
  6. Know When to Stop.

What kind of person deflects?

Deflection is a defense mechanism that involves redirecting focus, blame, or criticism from oneself onto another person, in an attempt to preserve one's self-image. This inclination toward shifting blame can be seen in anyone from young children to grown adults.

What do you say when someone asks too many questions?

Mention that you notice that he has many questions, and you would like to find a way to help him be more self-sufficient. Don't be overly critical about the amount of questions he asks – you don't want to be so harsh that he feels uncomfortable asking important questions in the future.

Why do people avoid answering questions?

Question dodging

This may occur when the person questioned either does not know the answer and wants to avoid embarrassment, or when the person is being interrogated or questioned in debate, and wants to avoid giving a direct response.

How do you respond to a nosy coworker?

How to Deal With Difficult & Nosy Coworkers
  1. Evaluate Objectively. ...
  2. Control Your Reaction. ...
  3. Anticipate Behaviors. ...
  4. Deflect the Conversation. ...
  5. Minimize Contact With Nosy Coworkers. ...
  6. Express Your Feelings. ...
  7. Escalate the Situation.

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