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. But, you are not expected to know everything.
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How would you answer a question that you don't know the answer to?

How to answer questions you don't know
  • Take your time. ...
  • Think aloud. ...
  • Admit you're unsure. ...
  • Use flexible thinking. ...
  • Repeat the question. ...
  • Ask follow-up questions. ...
  • Offer to come back to the question later. ...
  • Acknowledge the question's value.
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What to say when you don't know the answer in a presentation?

Acknowledge the question positively. Explain that you don't know the answer in a clear and concise manner. Tell them you will find out for them. Clarify how you will get back to them.
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What do you say when you can't answer a question?

Try one of these:
  1. “Unfortunately, that falls outside the scope of my research/this project, but thanks for your interest. ...
  2. “Can I connect you with someone who might be better able to answer your question?”
  3. “I don't know, but I'd be happy to look into that and get back to you with an answer.”
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What should I do if I can't answer a question during my thesis defense?

If you're not sure you understood the question, rephrase it. If appropriate, you might explain why your dissertation research didn't address the specific point, that the posed question could lead to further research, and you might improvise what a project designed to answer the question might look like.
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When You DON'T KNOW the Answer — How to say "I don't know" with confidence



Can you fail thesis defense?

Yes. (Don't google it.) Though it's cold comfort, a failed dissertation defense reflects much more poorly on the committee chair and the department than it does on the student. Keep in mind, your committee is deeply invested in your success.
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How do you introduce a defense?

Use an appropriate language register (avoid informal language), but be approachable and natural. "Welcome to the thesis defense on [the title of your thesis]". Next, introduce yourself with your name and give a short description of your background and occupation. Don't forget to say “thank you for attending!”
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How do you deflect a question?

Here are some smart ways you can deal with tough questions:
  1. Acknowledge the question without answering it. ...
  2. Ignore the question completely. ...
  3. Question the question. ...
  4. Attack the question, ...
  5. Decline to answer. ...
  6. Give an incomplete answer. ...
  7. State or imply the question has already been answered. ...
  8. Defer to the will of others.
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How do you deflect personal questions?

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 politely decline a question?

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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What would you do if you didn't know an answer to the asked question in interview?

What You Should Do If You're Stumped During an Interview
  1. Calm down. First of all, the most important thing to do is stay calm. ...
  2. Don't say, "I don't know," off the bat. ...
  3. Ask questions. ...
  4. Tell your interviewer what you do know. ...
  5. Tell them how you would find the answer. ...
  6. Know the right time to come clean. ...
  7. Send a follow-up email.
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How do you say you don't know professionally?

Here are a few other ways to say it that can help preserve your credibility, and even build it. “I don't know the answer to that, but I'm anxious to find out.” “Let me tell you what I know, and what I'm still learning.” “That's an important question and I don't want to give you a half answer.
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Is avoiding a question lying?

Liars and truth-tellers both have pauses in their speech, but good liars avoid answering questions, scientists say. DESPITE WHAT YOU MIGHT think, it is almost impossible to tell a liar from the way they talk, according a new study.
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How do you greet in defense?

In most cases, there is no requirement, and you can just say, "Good [morning/afternoon], my name is [name], and welcome to my thesis defense."
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What are the common questions in title defense?

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS FOR TITLE DEFENSE:
  • What is the Study all about? ...
  • Why did you choose the nursing students to be your subject. ...
  • Why did you choose this topic. ...
  • How will your study contribute to the existing body of knowledge? ...
  • Why chose those Research Variables?
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What is mock defense?

Mock Defense is a preparatory activity for the oral defense. This may be conducted prior to the proposal defense and final oral defense under the supervision of the research adviser.
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What is PhD short for?

The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a research degree, which is one of the most common types of doctoral degrees, and is awarded to graduates in many different fields. For those asking, “Is a PhD higher than a doctorate?” the answer is simple: no.
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Do people ever fail their PhD defense?

Having a PhD student fail a defense is extremely embarrassing and can end the career of a professor. Having a master student fail a defense isn't considered such a big deal.
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What do you wear to a dissertation defense?

If everyone is in shorts, a full suit won't be necessary, but a button up shirt and dress pants can be a nice touch. The defense is long and stressful: don't wear clothes that will make it worse. If you have to stand and give a presentation, don't pick shoes that hurt.
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What can I say instead of I don't know?

List of 40 other ways to say I don't know in English.
  • Beats me.
  • Hmm…
  • I am not the best person to answer that.
  • I can find out for you.
  • I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll get back to you on that.
  • I don't have that information here right now.
  • I don't know anything about…
  • I have no clue/idea.
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How do you say I don't know in a nice way?

English Skills: 7 ways of Saying “I don't know”
  1. Dunno. ...
  2. I have no idea/I haven't a clue/I haven't the faintest idea. ...
  3. How should I know?/ ...
  4. Who knows?/ ...
  5. Your guess is as good as mine. ...
  6. Not as far as I know. ...
  7. It beats me.
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How do you say I will let you know professionally?

Senior Member. "I would like to inform you that ..." (But that's a bit too formal.) "I would like to let you know that ..." (Better.)
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How do you say no politely in an interview?

Hi [Name], Thank you so much for taking the time to review my application and inviting me to interview for the [position] role at [Organization]. However, I regretfully need to withdraw my application from this process at the moment. Thank you again for your time and consideration and I hope we can stay connected.
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How do you approach a task that you've never done before interview question?

So, here comes a simple, five-step approach to help you impress your interviewer.
  • Step 1: Identify your example. ...
  • Step 2: Describe the situation and your task. ...
  • Step 3: Describe your actions. ...
  • Step 4: Describe the results. ...
  • Step 5: Formulate your answer.
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