How do you politely not answer a question?

Useful Expressions to Handle Uncomfortable Questions
  • I'd rather not say.
  • I'd prefer not to talk about that.
  • I'd rather not get into [this topic] at this event.
  • I'd prefer not to discuss this right now.
  • I'm sorry, that's private.
  • That's a little too personal.
  • That topic is too difficult to discuss at this moment.
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How do you politely avoid answering a question?

Try one of the following evasive maneuvers instead.
  1. Answer with another question. Pause and respond with a question of your own. ...
  2. Dodge the question. ...
  3. Shame the questioner. ...
  4. Start with “No.” ...
  5. Ignore the question. ...
  6. Put them on the defensive. ...
  7. Use a canned answer. ...
  8. Give a general answer to a specific question.
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How do you decline an answer?

You can also refuse to answer the question, but be sure to be polite. “Say, 'I appreciate that this is of interest but we don't feel sharing the information is appropriate, especially at this time. But I'd be glad to answer other questions if you have them,'” says Sullivan. “Appreciate the interest but draw lines.”
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Can you decline to answer questions?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.
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How do you deflect a conversation?

Five savvy experts, including a former FBI special agent and a bar manager, divulge their finest conversational exit strategies.
  1. Make a Pit Stop. ...
  2. Use Flattery. ...
  3. Enlist Help. ...
  4. Play Word Association. ...
  5. Deflect.
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How to avoid answering questions - Speaking Skill



What to say if you don't know the answer in a defense?

If you have prepared well, you should be able to answer. If there is a question that you do not know the answer to, it is okay to say "I don't know, but that is an interesting question because XYZ." Sometimes, teachers will ask questions for you to think out-of-the-box.
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How do you say politely refuse?

Declining an offer or invite
  1. I appreciate the offer/invite, but I can't commit.
  2. I'm honored by the offer/invites, but can't.
  3. I'm flattered you considered me, but unfortunately I'll have to pass this time.
  4. I appreciate the offer/invite, but I am completely booked.
  5. Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't.
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How do you politely say no?

Different Ways to Say No and When to Use Them
  1. I appreciate the offer, but I can't.
  2. I'm honored, but can't.
  3. I'd love to, but I can't.
  4. I appreciate the invitation, but I am completely booked.
  5. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can't.
  6. Regrettably, I'm not able to.
  7. You're so kind to think of me, but I can't.
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What is a polite way to say none of your business?

A generic, less direct answer would be "I'd rather not say." Or you can tailor your answer to the query: Someone asks, "How much money do you make?" A polite sidestep would be "Enough."
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What is it called when you avoid a question?

Question dodging is a rhetorical technique involving the intentional avoidance of answering a question.
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How do you shut down a nosy question?

10 assertive tips on dealing with nosy questions
  1. Go with your gut. ...
  2. Don't be rude back. ...
  3. Use “I” statements. ...
  4. Find out more if appropriate. ...
  5. Say how you feel about being asked or about giving the information. ...
  6. Depersonalise your answer. ...
  7. Express your feelings if you want to. ...
  8. Move them on.
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How do you dodge a question?

The simplest approach to dodge the question is just to refuse to answer. You can give a straightforward refusal or to act as if no question was asked and continuing the conversation by talking about something else, or come up with straight lies.
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How do you say politely doesn't concern you?

"I don't think it concerns you" is certainly correct, but it's much like saying "this is none of your business" and it implies that he's butting in. Packard's "I don't think it involves you" is a good suggestion.
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Is it rude to tell someone it's none of your business?

It is rude, and even more so if you say the whole sentence and add an adjective like "goddamn" or an "f-word": "It's none of your goddamn business." However, if the shop assistant is filling a form, it would be appropriate to say: "Omit that item, please."
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Is none of your concern rude?

Senior Member. ' ... it's none of your concern', which is brusque, and ' ... it isn't any of your business' which is ruder.
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What can I say instead of no?

NO Synonyms
  • Nah.
  • Nope.
  • No way.
  • Sorry.
  • Not now.
  • Certainly not.
  • By no means.
  • I shall not.
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How do you say no in a smart way?

Here are 17 smart ways to say no when you need to.
  1. No.: The simple way. ...
  2. I don't do that. ...
  3. I've got to go with my intuition and say no. ...
  4. I wouldn't be comfortable with that. ...
  5. That doesn't fit in with our current program. ...
  6. My team/boss/family would kill me if I did that. ...
  7. I can't afford it/It's not in the budget.
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How do you say no without giving a reason?

Here's how you can effectively say no:
  1. Say it. Don't beat around the bush or offer weak excuses or hem and haw. ...
  2. Be assertive and courteous. ...
  3. Understand peoples' tactics. ...
  4. Set boundaries. ...
  5. Put the question back on the person asking. ...
  6. Be firm. ...
  7. Be selfish.
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How do you refuse without offending?

The art of politely decline engagements you don't wish to attend without offending people.
  1. Practice saying no. ...
  2. Keep it simple. ...
  3. Delay if you're unsure. ...
  4. Be gracious. ...
  5. Offer an alternative (if you want) ...
  6. Stay firm. ...
  7. Remember: It's OK to say no.
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How do you reject someone professionally?

How to politely decline a request
  1. Understand the reason for the request. ...
  2. Brainstorm several solutions. ...
  3. Firmly, but gently, decline the request. ...
  4. Give a reason for declining the request. ...
  5. Offer alternative resolutions.
  6. As a last resort, ask for help. ...
  7. Turning down a meeting.
  8. Saying no to a project.
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What does politely decline mean?

verb. to refuse to do or accept (something), esp politely.
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How can I be more confident in oral defense?

Oral Exam Preparation Tips
  1. Prepare. Like any other test, the key to acing an oral exam is preparation. ...
  2. Be punctual. Never arrive late for an oral exam. ...
  3. Give a good first impression. ...
  4. Don't forget to listen. ...
  5. Don't ramble. ...
  6. Practice makes perfect. ...
  7. Use technology wisely. ...
  8. Pay attention to your body language.
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How do you say no problem in a formal way?

No Problem Synonyms
  1. You're welcome (Formal)
  2. Sure thing (Informal)
  3. No worries (Informal)
  4. Cool (Informal)
  5. It's all gravy (Informal)
  6. It's all right (Informal)
  7. Certainly (Formal)
  8. Of course (Formal)
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What do you say when you don't want to answer a question in court?

Unless certain, don't say “That's all of the conversation” or “Nothing else happened”. Instead say, “That's all I recall,” or “That's all I remember happening”. It may be that after more thought or another question, you will remember something important.
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