If caught off guard by an unexpected question or asked to give an opinion on an unfamiliar topic, try one of these six strategies recommended by Fast Company to give professional and confident answers. 

1. Express Gratitude. Thank the person for asking you the question: “That’s a great question. Thanks for asking. It is important to consider ‘X’.”  

2. Repeat the Question. By repeating the question and asking for clarification, you gain time to prepare a thoughtful answer: “When you say you’d like to know about ‘X’, would you like me to focus on ‘Y’ or ‘Z’?”  

3. Share an Example. When asked for an opinion on strategy, for example, tell a brief story about how you handled a similar situation. 

4. Offer a Bridge. Steer the conversation in a different direction with a bridging statement: “I cannot speak to X, but what I can say is Y.” Or “While X is important, it is also important to consider Y.” 

5. Use the PREP Approach. Here is how to ‘PREP’ your response: 

• Point: “We should take direction X.” 

• Reason: “We have received positive feedback about this approach.” 

• Evidence: “For instance, our president supports it.” 

• Point: “That’s why direction X makes sense.” 

6. Answer Later. Respond after you have the information: “Let me do some research and get back to you,” or “I’d like to check with a few colleagues, and I will touch base with you by Friday. Does that work?”