Asking Questions Makes You Look Good

Imagine you are in a meeting.  Now imagine the presenter saying something you don’t quite understand, or that could be taken one of two ways.  Should you

• Keep quiet - because you don’t want to look dumb.
• Mumble to someone beside you that you aren’t sure what that means.
• Ask the presenter to explain that in more depth, or to clarify the statement for you.

It’s OK to not understand something and ask for more information.

It’s OK to admit you don’t know what a word means or that you need more information or clarification.

What’s NOT OK is to act like you understand every word, when you really don’t.  That presentation may well be the foundation for a project or a new policy, and if you don’t speak up, you won’t understand the importance of the announcement.  AND if YOU don’t understand, others may not either.

You aren’t expected to know everything, but you may well be expected to ask about what you don’t know so that you can help your company grow and find success.

Other questions, such as “How will this work within our structure?”  Or “Will this add additional time to complete our weekly reports?” will show that you grasp the concept and want additional information about how it will affect your contribution.  Or “Did I understand that you are advocating X Y or Z to help grow the company, or please the customer?”

Asking questions all the time may not be in your best interest.  Perhaps the time to ask isn’t during the presentation and from the audience immediately after; perhaps you can wait until there is a private time to express your concern, especially if it will sound as though you are challenging the concept.  But it is always OK to ask sincere and well-thought-thorough questions.  Show that you have been listening by making sure the question wasn’t answered in the context of the presentation, or conversation.

Asking an interested and respectful question within your company can facilitate a great discussion resulting in brainstorming, camaraderie, and friendship.

If you are the presenter, be prepared for questions, welcome them, encourage them, and don’t be afraid to say, “That is a very good question; one I wasn’t expecting.  Let me get back to you with an answer.”  Because, even as a presenter, you don’t need to know everything either.  Be honest, you will be respected for it.