Every trainer, no matter how experienced, will eventually face a question they can’t answer. It’s inevitable.
However, how you handle that moment can make the difference between maintaining credibility and losing the trust of your learners.
When caught off guard, some trainers instinctively say, “I don’t know much about this.” While honest, this can backfire, making learners question the depth of your expertise. Others might try to improvise an answer, which is even riskier if they get it wrong.
The best approach? Acknowledge the question, take control, and commit to finding the correct answer.
What to Say Instead
Next time you’re unsure about a question, try this response:
👉 “That’s an excellent question. Let me take note of it, and I’ll get back to you on this after the break when we wrap up this module.”
This response does three important things:
✅ Shows you value the question.
✅ Buys you time to do a quick research check during the break.
✅ Ensures learners still see you as a knowledgeable and resourceful trainer.
Even if you don’t come back with a fully formed answer, you can still offer insights or perspectives rather than leaving a gap in your credibility.
From This Author’s Experience
Some years ago, I attended training to become my company’s designated Mental Health First Aider. The course was excellent until we touched on recognising external signs of mental distress.
At one point, I brought up Stockholm Syndrome (the psychological phenomenon where a victim starts defending their abuser). To my surprise, the trainers had never heard of it.
Instantly, something shifted. If they didn’t know about a widely recognised concept, what else were they missing? It made me question their expertise and the credibility of the course itself.
Of course, no trainer can know everything. But had they said, “That’s an interesting case – I’ll check the research during the break and let’s come back to it,” I would have left with more trust, not less.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a walking encyclopedia to be a great trainer. What matters is how you manage uncertainty. A well-handled moment of not knowing can build credibility rather than diminish it.
Next time you face a tricky question, remember to pause, acknowledge, take control, and follow up. That’s how you maintain trust and authority in the room.
Can I have a moment of your time?
As of the end of January 2025, we have written and sent out over 70 Friday Fresh newsletters!
Despite being in the age of AI and content generation without much thought into it, we have decided that providing you with value is too important of a task to allow for the common mediocrity and AI and write everything ourselves.
Over the past year and a half, many of you have said that you love this newsletter and that it often makes you re-think concepts. These comments have been the inspiration we needed to carry on.
And today, we’d like to use your help (it will take a couple of minutes)
We are considering submitting the Friday Fresh series for a content award (or a few), and we would love to include YOUR THOUGHTS and COMMENTS. Feel free to be brief or detailed, specific or not, flattering or criticising. Whatever your feedback, it won’t go unnoticed. Taking a moment to drop us a few words will be deeply appreciated.
Thank you for taking a moment to read this!
Warm Regards,
Nina Alexander & The CPDSO Marketing Team
