Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









Euphemisms for Saying "I Don't Know"

Guest post by: Jeanie Marshall

Article Overview: There are times when the perfect answer to a question is, "I don’t know." At those times, say precisely that, with confidence or authority. Sometimes it's unwise to say "I don’t know."

Free Download - Finding the Rhythm in Your Breath By Jeanie Marshall
Name: Email:

Euphemisms for Saying "I Don't Know"

People ask questions for all different reasons. Sometimes it’s helpful to know the statement behind the question; other times, it would be insensitive to ask why someone is asking before answering, yet it might feel acceptable after giving a brief answer. The key is to find ways to respond that keep you feeling as empowered as possible. It’s also a good policy to respond in ways that the person who is asking feels empowered, or at least not disempowered.

Sometimes the perfect answer is, “I don’t know.” At those times, say precisely that, with confidence or authority.

Sometimes it’s unwise to say, “I don’t know.” At those times, you may want to avoid the question or answer another question. Most politicians do this very well. Not all questions are appropriate, but, even so, it’s also not always appropriate for you to highlight the inappropriateness of the one asking the question.

Here are some euphemisms for saying “I don’t know” when you’re asked for information and you don’t have the answer. Some of these are also useful when you’re being asked for your point of view, rather than for factual information. And a few of them might be appropriate when you really want to say, “it’s none of your business.”

In one-on-one situations...

1. I’ve been wondering the same thing.

2. I’ll be happy to get the answer for you.

3. That’s a really good question. I wish I had a really good answer. I think [name of person] will know the answer or have some ideas.

4. That’s something we’ve been working to discover. Let me tell you my thoughts so far.

5. Let’s think this out together.

6. That’s not my area of expertise. I’ll ask the appropriate expert to get back to you. (Or, I suggest you call [name of person] and say that I thought he or she can help you.)

7. I’ll check that out. (Or, I’ll have to check that out.)

8. I’ve got an idea about that, but I want to double check something first.

9. I can think of several possibilities (approaches, considerations). What do you have in mind? (Or, ….What have you tried so far?)

10. I’m hearing several questions in your question. Maybe we can get clear about what information you’re really looking for and then I can be more helpful.

11. I think that’s a really good question to ask someone else (or a specific person).


In group situations...

1. Has anyone in the group had a similar experience?

2. Can anyone in the group answer that question or at least shed some light on it?

3. I think that’s a wonderful question for us to explore together.


What are some of your euphemisms for saying “I don’t know”?

Copyright © 2006 Marshall House

Related Articles
  What is the best way to develop my sales skills?
  Profitable Online Business Ideas and the Recession Part 2
  Contribution
  How can you make more of your customers open your emails?
  Know your magic numbers

Home > Human-Resources > Jeanie Marshall > Euphemisms for Saying I Dont Know
Article Tags:

About the Author: Jeanie Marshall
RSS for Jeanie's articles - Visit Jeanie's website

Jeanie has an M. S. in Human Resource Development concentrating in Organization Development. She consults by phone in the areas of personal and organization development. As an Personal Development Consultant and Coach, Jeanie helps people to find the power within themselves. She uses traditional resources and innovative approaches to help her clients move from where they are to where they want to be. One of her greatest gifts as a consultant and coach is to hold the vision of her clients' true desires until they're able to step into the vision. Her consultation sessions are playful, inspiring, and transformative. She says, "the most joyous part of my professional life is working one-on-one with clients, which is a partnership of co-creative, empowering ideas." She's the author of multiple books, web sites, CD albums and other personal development products. She has been actively involved in the human potential movement for more than twenty-five years. She is a mentor, coach, facilitator, organizational development consultant, personal development consultant, and a writer. Portal to all her web sites is JeanieMarshall.com.

Click here to visit Jeanie's website
Dashed Line

More from Jeanie Marshall
Say Goodbye to Struggle
Your Focus of Attention is Your Key to Happiness
Creating the Reality of Your Life
Take Time to Save Time
Corporate Career Development Networking


Related Forum Posts
Re: How to Promote Your Blog – The Definitive Guide to Promoting Re: How to Promote Your Blog – The Definitive Guide to Promoting - Great Post! Dont forget to put your blog in Anchor Text For SEO purposes for the keywords you want when getting backlinks (for example with article marketing)...Very important. You can conquer quite a few small Niches and get your site on the number 1 spot in Google!
Re: Due Diligence, Market Research.. Ahead of the curve. Re: Due Diligence, Market Research.. Ahead of the curve. - Congrats! A few months ago I wrote extensively on market research. Check in the Inventors corner for the posts. Let me know if I can help further! Dont spend a dime on a protype or advertising until you do some research! Jude
Re: Who hates cold calling? Re: Who hates cold calling? - I saw this and had to chime in. I HATE COLD CALLS. lol its terrible and a wast of my time. Something i have done is gotten online and found all the networking event happening in my area for the next 2 months and i try and go to about 3 a week. Even just for an hour. Dont bring any business cards. Just meet new people ask them alot about what they do, not too much about what i do and follow up the next day or 2. Has worked well
Re: Businesswomen in the news Re: Businesswomen in the news - [quote="TheRainmaker":2susnvqs] Dont forget that the media is out for the media and scare tactics and bad news gets the coverage.... J[/quote:2susnvqs] This is true....
Re: How to Promote Your Blog – The Definitive Guide to Promoting Re: How to Promote Your Blog – The Definitive Guide to Promoting - [quote="T.J.":3s4z9eh8]Great Post! Dont forget to put your blog in Anchor Text For SEO purposes for the keywords you want when getting backlinks (for example with article marketing)...Very important. You can conquer quite a few small Niches and get your site on the number 1 spot in Google![/quote:3s4z9eh8] Using the anchor text for your chosen keywords is important for every link you create, internally and externally. Alan


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Log On

Unspoken Yet Important Rules for Book Proposals

Are You Listening?

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.