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Jefferson Fisher

how to respond to inappropriate questions

Published about 1 year ago • 1 min read
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Hey Reader,

Someone just asked you an inappropriate question.

You feel uncomfortable and aren’t sure how to respond.

What do you say?

1: Say nothing and ignore it.

If you get an unwanted email, put it in the junk folder. If you get an unwanted call, you don’t answer it.

In the same way, you don’t answer inappropriate questions. You give it five or ten seconds of silence and then look at them as if, “Is that really what you’re going to ask me?”

Trust me. The silence is going to say more than anything your words can.

2: Ask, “Is this important to you?” or “Why should you know?”

I like to use these phrases because they’re a little more direct and give off the idea that you are not important enough to me for me to share this with you.

3: “I like to keep a little mystery.”

If you need to keep it lighthearted, pause and say this phrase.

They appreciate the humor and catch the drift that you’re not going to answer.

And that’s how to respond to an inappropriate question.

J

P.S. Sometimes the most powerful answer is the one you don’t give.

Silence can be your sharpest tool, especially when it leaves them questioning their own words.

Get daily practice: Join The School of Communication here.

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156 S. Main Street Ste 300 #769, Lumberton, TX 77657

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Jefferson Fisher

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

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