No matter where it happens — whether it’s at a family holiday gathering, at the office, or among friends — being on the receiving end of a highly personal question can be jarring. Sure, the person asking the question may have good intentions, but their request for information you don’t want to share may leave you taken aback (not to mention make you angry or upset).
As satisfying as it may be to tell them it’s not their job, it’s not always the best option. Luckily, the folks at Talking Points for Life have put together list of canned responses To help you out from situations like this. Here’s what to know.
how to answer tricky questions
we learned first talking points for life from website recommended newsletter, and after exploring it a bit, thought it would be the perfect time of year to share some of my strategies for answering those pesky questions that arise when meeting with family members and friends. they include,
stunned silence
Not sure what to say? Don’t say anything Let the question sit there. “A long silence may also provide the offender with an opportunity to better think about his question and possibly cancel it,” according to talking points for life,
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redirect conversation
Use bridging messaging To steer the conversation—and the inquiry—in another direction. In fact, if you’re dealing with someone who loves to talk about themselves (or their kids, job, pets, etc.), ask them a question they’ll be more than happy to answer. Yes, that means you’ll be stuck listening to them, but at least you’ll be off the hook (at least temporarily).
Have Canned Responses Ready
it Page on Talking Points for Life Provides a list of canned answers to goofy questions—many of which involve deflection with humor, or a smart-ass answer. In some situations, they can go a long way toward reducing stress; In others, they may make things worse. Use your best judgement.
here are some of them Common Canned Responses Which can work for a variety of goofy questions:
- I don’t want to talk about it, if you don’t mind.
- can we talk about something else?
- I am not in the mood to talk about it right now.
- If you forgive me for not answering, I will forgive you for asking me this.
- Why do you think you need to know this?
- I’m discreet and loyal, which is why I can’t reveal it to you, but it means that I treat you with the same courtesy that you tell me.
This is only the beginning. check out talking points for life For answers to more specific questions about marriage, having children, gray hair, and more.