“Take ownership of how you feel about the question — use 'I' statements,” said Donaldson, who is also a celebrity communication and body language expert and a No. 1 bestselling author. “If you would rather not share that information, say so.” For example, she said you could reply by saying, “I'd rather not share that.”
Use “I” statements
Statements such as, “I'm not comfortable being asked” or “I don't discuss personal issues at work” takes responsibility for the way we feel about the question. Since each one of us will feel differently about whether a question is nosey or not, this approach is polite and respectful.
If you are unsure or don't want them to know what you are doing, don't lie to them, tell them to mind their own business, or get defensive, just say "I don't know". Sometimes it can be enough to hush them up. If they persist, just carry on saying I don't know. Eventually, they will stop asking.
Your asker could be doing this due to various reasons, including: Nosy. Rebellious – They know it is wrong or uncomfortable but do it anyway for the shock value and rebel against social norms. Clueless – They are truly unaware it is inappropriate to ask the question(s) or behave that way.
Good ways to say anything but "No Comment" to questions you really don't want to answer: "I'm sorry but I'm not able to speak to that subject" "Thanks for asking but I'm not able to answer that question"
Asking about religion, money or politics is known to be rude, but it's also rude to ask about relationship status, weight and sexuality. And once you know what questions are rude, you may know how to conduct a friendly, polite conversation.
Ask "why" and "how" to follow up and gain a more thorough answer after asking a closed-ended question. When the participant has finished talking, ask an open-ended question that refers to what they just said, or is related to what they just said. This keeps the conversation flowing in an open and engaging way.
There are many reasons why someone might ask too many questions. For example, the person might be very anxious and need to keep up conversation. Or the person may not have the social etiquette to know when questions begin to feel invasive rather than signaling genuine interest.
Noseyness arises from a place of insecurity. Those who're not sure about the progress they've made in life will seek to re-assure themselves by being nosey with a desire to find out that others are behind too.
Choose the answer that is right for you and the situation, and then provide that answer. An easy phrase to remember for starting your answer, no matter what the trap question, is the following: “Here's my answer to that….” Never make up an answer if you don't know. This is a self-inflicted trap in itself.
Asking Questions Instead of Listening
Being the only one asking the questions is a known tactic for asserting authority and keeping control. Being made to answer questions, rather than share your thoughts, makes sense if you are in a police line-up.
Questions trigger a mental reflex known as “instinctive elaboration.” When a question is posed, it takes over the brain's thought process. And when your brain is thinking about the answer to a question, it can't contemplate anything else.
Open-ended questions start with “Why?” “How?” and “What?” They encourage a full answer, rather than the simple “yes” or “no” response that is usually given to a closed-ended question.
Definitions of questioner. someone who asks a question. synonyms: asker, enquirer, inquirer, querier.
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.”
Keep your response simple and clear. Often all that's required is something like this: 'Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't make it I'm sorry. ' Most people won't ask any further questions – and if they do, you can consider how to respond then.