Bridging Techniques Part 1

Bridging from Questions to Answers

Researchers say that when answering a question the first five seconds are the most important — when you "bridge" from question to answer. The way you start answering a question shows the following.

• You're listening
• You want to answer
• You know what you're talking about
• You're sincere and honest

Here are a couple of bridging techniques.

1. Compliment and thank

This is the most obvious bridging technique, and a good one if you sound sincere when you use it.

• "That's a good question, and I can best answer it by telling you..."
• "Thanks for asking that question. I know I didn't address it earlier, but I'd like to do so now."

Warning: Don't overuse this bridge. If you start every answer with "That's a good question", the annoyed listener might doubt whether you know how to recognize a good question from a bad one.

2. Acknowledge the Questioner's Viewpoint

This a versatile and diplomatic bridging technique that shows you're listening and have respect for the questioner.

• "I appreciate your point of view, and you have some very good reasons, but let me explain my thoughts on that topic..."

You might agree or disagree with the viewpoint. You might add facts that the questioner doesn't know. You might describe viewpoints held by others. The important thing is to acknowledge the viewpoint, not to dismiss it.

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