April’s Reviews > Speak Like a CEO: Secrets for Commanding Attention and Getting Results > Status Update

Use the Trigger Method when responding to questions: Method 1 - Repeat the End of the Question. Method 2 - Make a Qualifying or Opinion Statement (when asked your opinion. “The best thing about X is Y.”

Even if you can anticipate 98 percent of the questions, 2 percent can surprise you. One way to deal with the unknown is to talk to members of the audience in advance. Get there early and mingle.

Don't ever wing the answer to a question that involves litigation, privacy; sensitivity, a misunderstanding, or a mistake. Determine what you can say, as well as what you can't. If you cannot answer, explain why you cant.

To put the 98 Percent Solution into practice, write down the worst questions the ones you don't want to answer. Don't bother to write down the questions you would like people to ask, because you already know the answers to those. Write down the questions you wish no one would ask, even the ones that make you cringe…By writing it out, you clarify and internalize the message.

Four rules for dealing with Q&A questions:
1) Be calm. 2) Be honest. 3) Be available. 4) Be open-minded.

Presentations - “Inclusive language is a subtle, but powerful, technique for winning over any audience. Once you get into the habit it becomes second nature.” Instead of I, we, our, use you, your, our, us. Make them the subject of your remarks.

Sharing your values is a surefire way to build bridges. People prefer a leader with the courage to talk about convictions over one who says what everyone wants to hear. This is true in politics and business. It's really pretty simple: express your values, and act on your values, and people will respect you and believe that you are genuine.

I think what works is when you are excited about what you are saying. It isn’t just the idea, but the emotion behind the idea, that makes you successful.

What works for me is to have my stuff around the office — family pictures, and model cars on top of the filing cabinets because people know I love NASCAR . . . . If people know something about you, they feel you are genuine, and it makes everything you do more believable.

“You need to answer the questions. Answer honestly, even if it's not what everyone wants to hear. Candor is essential to leadership whether you are running for office or running a company. Take tough questions head on. Earn the respect of your audience, even if you know they will disagree with you.”