4 Smart Phrases to Handle Q&As Confidently

You’ve wrapped up your presentation. The slides are done. And now comes the part that makes many professionals nervous: the Q&A.

What if someone asks a question you can’t answer?

What if the question is too broad… or too detailed… or too something?

Here’s the thing: answering questions with confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means knowing how to respond, even when you don’t have the perfect answer.

In this post, you’ll learn 4 professional phrases that will help you handle Q&A sessions with clarity and composure. These expressions work just as well in presentations as they do in meetings, demos, and everyday conversations at work.

(Need help clarifying questions before answering? Learn 3 phrases to confirm what someone is really asking.)

Why It Matters

Q&A sessions can shape how your audience remembers you. A strong answer builds credibility. A poor one (too vague, too long, too defensive) can hurt your message, even if your presentation was solid. By using the right language, you can:

• Stay in control of the conversation

• Buy yourself time when you need it

• Show confidence and humility at the same time

These four phrases will help you do just that.

1. “I'm so glad you asked that.”

Use this when the question touches on something important, but maybe you didn’t cover it in detail earlier.

It makes your audience feel heard and valued, and it gives you a smooth transition into a strong follow-up point.

Example: “I'm so glad you asked that. It ties directly into what we’ve seen in our latest data.”

Tip: Great for moments when the question helps you reinforce your message.

2. “That’s a great question.”

Simple, professional, and flexible. You can use this phrase when:

• You need a second to think

• You want to show appreciation

• You genuinely don’t have the full answer (yet)

Example: “That’s a great question. I hadn’t thought about it from that angle before.”

Tip: Use it to acknowledge the question and keep things positive, even if you’re stalling for time.

3. “Let me look into that and get back to you.”

You don’t need to have all the answers on the spot. This phrase lets you admit that—and still come across as competent. It tells your audience you’re thoughtful and responsible, not unprepared.

Example: “Let me look into that and get back to you by the end of the week. I want to make sure I give you the most accurate info.”

Tip: Always follow up if you say you will. It builds trust.

4. “Would you like the short answer or the long answer?”

Some questions open the door to deep dives. Instead of launching into a 10-minute explanation, give your audience the choice. It keeps things efficient and shows you respect their time.

Example:

“That’s a big topic –would you like the short answer or the long answer?”

Tip: This one is great for executive meetings, where time is tight.

Practice Makes Confident

These phrases aren’t scripts. You don’t need to memorize them word-for-word. But the more familiar they feel, the easier it becomes to respond with clarity and calm under pressure.

The goal isn’t to sound rehearsed. It’s to stay composed, show credibility, and keep the conversation flowing, even when the question catches you off guard.

The best way to build that kind of confidence? Practice. Hear how these phrases sound in real conversations. Try using them in different situations. Reflect on what works for you.

That’s where the Talaera platform can help. We built an interactive lesson where you can learn which phrase fits which type of question, practice your responses in realistic Q&A situations, and get instant personalized feedback.

And when you create a free Talaera account, you’ll also get access to a curated selection of lessons and tools to boost your Business English. No credit card needed.

▶️ Try the lesson on handling Q&As confidently and take your communication skills to the next level.