How do you answer “stupid” questions effectively? Don’t call them stupid!

Do you like to answer questions? Some questions are easy to answer. Others are difficult.

Sometimes what makes a question difficult has nothing to do with knowing or not knowing the answer, but with maintaining a respectful response. Answering a “stupid” question falls into this category.

Answering questions effectively is an important skill for a nutrition communicator and is the topic of this blog series.

• The first post provided the 6 essential steps for answering questions effectively as found in Chapter 36 of Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide.

• The second post explored how to effectively respond to questions when we don’t know the answer.

This post describes how to respond to questions that are often labeled “stupid.” It shares an excerpt from Chapter 36, updated to reflect answering questions in person, virtually, and in writing, such as on social media or responding to comments online.

Let’s take a closer look at what we mean by a “stupid” question and examine the best ways to respond.

What do we mean by a “stupid” question?

A “stupid” question is not stupid to the person asking the question. Therefore, the advice in the title holds true: Don’t call the question stupid! Doing so will offend the asker and eliminate their trust in you and your answer.

Questions we might consider stupid will generally be one of two types, those with answers that should be obvious to the audience and those that indicate ignorance about a subject.

 

Questions your audience should know how to answer.

One example of a “stupid” question is one in which the answer is fairly obvious. However, just because it is obvious to you, doesn’t mean the audience member realizes they have any knowledge of it.

For example, an audience member asks a question that you just covered in your presentation or was the topic of a preceding class or session. Maybe it is answered in some material you provided such as an article or infographic.

In any case, the thought that crosses your mind is “Weren’t they even paying attention?” Additionally, other audience members may be rolling their eyes and groaning because they know the answer.

Questions demonstrating audience ignorance about the topic, possibly stemming from misinformation.

Another common type of “stupid” question may be one that demonstrates the questioner is uninformed about a topic or possibly misinformed.

Consider the widespread misinformation your audience members read on social media or in tabloids, hear from friends, or on podcasts by uncredentialled influencers. The more one hears or reads misinformation, the greater the likelihood they will believe it.

When your accurate messaging contradicts the misinformation your audience has heard, it may lead to a question based on ignorance, such as, “Isn’t eating that much fruit bad for you because it is so high in sugar?” Or, “Isn’t raw milk better than regular milk?”

What are recommended ways to respond to a “stupid” question?

Certainly, don’t say a question is dumb or stupid – avoid even thinking that.

Your response will vary depending on whether the question falls into the obvious category, or the ignorant category, as follows…

Answering questions that you think should be obvious to your audience.

Help the questioner save face. Consider this type of question an opportunity to review the topic. Maybe probe the questioner for what is unclear or to reveal a deeper question, “Tell me more about what you specifically find confusing about…”

If confident that other audience members will know the answer, pose the question to the entire audience saying something like, “Let’s look at the answer to that together.”

This discussion can provide for a quick review that the questioner needs and could benefit everyone. Avoid the temptation to make a sarcastic comment about sleeping during the session or not reading the entire article.

Answering questions stemming from ignorance about the topic.

Acknowledge that their question is something people are commonly confused about. Recognize the prevalence of misinformation (knowing they might not like to hear that word), and if possible, explain why the belief exists.

For example, say something like, “Fruit does contain naturally occurring sugars so thinking it is bad for you is not uncommon. And yes, eating an unlimited amount is not advised. However, fruit is an excellent source of nutrients, fiber, and many phytochemicals important for good health, so including moderate amounts in meals and snacks is very good for you and not something to avoid.”

To answer the raw milk question, one could say, “Raw milk is not better than regular pasteurized milk; in fact, raw milk has too much potential for causing foodborne illness and is therefore not recommended for consumption. The only raw milk considered safe to drink is the breast milk a mother makes for her infant. Did you know donor breastmilk that is banked for hospital use is pasteurized for safety?”  

Your goal is to inform the questioner using language they understand, with a respectful tone and demeanor. Putting them down will close them off to your response. Encouraging and enlightening them will open them to your message. Help them to feel knowledgeable and not “stupid.”

Remember: There are no stupid questions.

For more, check out these previous posts about responding to questions effectively, which link you to 5 tips for mastering the Q and A:

• 5 Tips to prepare for questions

• Questions lead to greater understanding

"The problem with stupidity is that it doesn’t always recognize itself." ~ Will Stainton

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