What to Say at Work When You Truly Don’t Know

When you’re hit with a daunting question in a meeting, how do you reply? In this common situation, it’s normal to panic or blurt out an uninformed answer just to have something to say. Today’s episode dives into the concept of bridging phrases, which can help you pivot professionally. Taking a beat and presenting an honest, if incomplete, response is always going to make you look more competent and confident than mumbling something inaccurate and circling back later to correct yourself. In this quick episode, I share three go-to phrases to help you navigate hard workplace questions with leadership style. 

It’s time to start bridging—not bluffing—with conviction:

• What to say when you need to fact-check yourself first;
• How to respond when you only know part of the answer;
• The perfect phrase for when you need to phone a friend for help.

Related Links:

• SPEAK UP: an assertive communication course for women in the workplace - https://www.bossedup.org/speakup
• “Why You Should Pause During Presentations & 7 Ways to Master It” - https://www.maptive.com/pause-during-presentations-ways-to-master-it
• Episode 417, The Truth About Women’s Communication at Work - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode417
• Episode 419, I Was Called “Aggressive” at Work…Now What? - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode419
• Episode 490, How Do We Unlearn Silence and Voice Our Worth? - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode490
• Bossed Up Courage Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927776673968737/
• Bossed Up LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7071888/