Euphemisms for Saying "I Don't Know"
Euphemisms for Saying "I Don't Know"
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
Euphemisms for Saying I Dont Know - To learn more about this author, visit Jeanie Marshall's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
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
Euphemisms for Saying I Dont Know - To learn more about this author, visit Jeanie Marshall's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 | |
 |
No article feedback found. |
| |
Leave Your Feedback |
 | |
| |||
|
To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us. |
 | |
|  |
Subscribe to Jeanie's articles
 | |
|
|  |
 | |
|
| |
 | |||||||
|
 | ||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
| ||
 |
| Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details. |
|
|
 |
| Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media |
|
|
 |
"Learn straight from Evan how you can Make a Full Time Income (And More) from a Website"
Click Here To Learn More |
|
|
|
|
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
|
|
|
 Strategic Planning Guide Instant Yellow Pages Warning Signs Checklist Small Business Financing Challenges Of Change |
|
 | ||
 |
Guide To ERP Software
Business Management Software | |
 |
Top 50 Raising Capital Blogs
Top Blogs To Watch In 2008 | |
| ||
 | ||||
| ||||
|
| ||||
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
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 and Sean Combs!
|
|
|
