And without lying.
2007-02-28 15:59:19 · 8 answers · asked by Ejsenstejn 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
simple: "I don't know."
not knowing an answer doesn't make you an idiot, it makes you human. NO ONE has the answer to everything. We are designed to take in new things and learn. If you don't know something, you'll never benefit or learn if you don't speak up. Trust me, no one really cares if you don't know something, they won't think you're an idiot. And if they do, then they're immature and their opinion of you is completely invalid as it is.
I'm working on my major and when I don't know something, I MAKE SURE I say so, otherwise I may never learn, and my future career is depending on me learning as much as I can!
You're not an idiot, the people who treat you like one for being honest and saying "I don't know" are the real idiots.
2007-02-28 16:21:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're being asked a question in a work sense, try "I'm not certain. Let me see what I can find out and I'll get back with you." Works for me everytime!
You give the impression of being competent and able to handle the situation as well as attending to the questioner's needs at the same time. You are not leading the person on, but are being honest and giving them the sense of being taken care of. Everyone appreciates that!
2007-03-01 00:11:36 · answer #2 · answered by GiggleFairy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"That's a good question. Let me answer it with another question."
"I've got a few ideas, but I'll need more information before I can help you with that one."
"I don't understand why you're asking me this question."
"There are a few different possibilities, but these depend on the relative environment of the situation or certain mitigating factors"
But seriously, the best way is to say "I don't know, but I might make a note of it and read up on that tonight." Idiots don't read up on things.
2007-03-01 00:14:11 · answer #3 · answered by Testaco 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "I don't know" with confidence... not like you're sorry for not knowing...then offer to find out, or help to find out, the answer being looked for
2007-03-01 00:04:09 · answer #4 · answered by Robert M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do what the politicians do. Ignore the question and talk about something else.
2007-03-01 00:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by Moral Orel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"it's not something I've ever studied"
"I haven't had any experience with that"
"I'm not sure, it's not my speciality"
"I could look it up for you"
"I'd only be guessing, but this is just my opinion...."
"As far as I know......but I'm really not sure, I haven't looked into it"
or as Austin Powers says, "It's not my bag, baby!"
2007-03-01 00:13:32 · answer #6 · answered by CheeseFest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "I don't have an answer right now".
2007-03-01 00:07:29 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I don't know. Can you help me?
2007-03-01 00:04:44 · answer #8 · answered by waway_bato2005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋