The 3 Words That Make You a More Respected Speaker

As a motivational speaker, delivering a compelling talk is only part of the job. The real test often comes during the Q&A session. It’s unpredictable, unscripted, and sometimes, you’ll face a question that stumps you. What do you do when you don’t have the answer?

Many speakers panic, try to bluff their way through, or offer vague responses to maintain authority. But there’s a far more powerful response—one that will set you apart from 99.99% of other speakers.

Three simple words: “I don’t know.”

At first, admitting this might seem like a risk. After all, aren’t speakers supposed to be experts? Wouldn’t acknowledging uncertainty damage your credibility? In reality, it does the opposite. Here’s why embracing “I don’t know” is one of the smartest things you can do.

The Short-Term vs. Long-Term Perspective

In the moment, saying “I don’t know” might feel like you’re losing ground. You might worry that the audience will see you as less knowledgeable. But let’s consider the alternative. If you pretend to know something and someone calls you out later, you risk real damage to your reputation.

By contrast, admitting when you don’t know something shows honesty and humility—two traits that audiences respect. You become more relatable, more human. Over time, this builds a reputation of integrity. When you do provide answers, people will trust that they’re well-founded and credible.

Why “I Don’t Know” Builds Trust

1. Honesty is rare and refreshing.
   Most people instinctively sense when someone is bluffing. By being upfront about your limits, you create an atmosphere of authenticity. Audiences appreciate speakers who are real rather than performers trying to appear infallible.

2. It demonstrates confidence, not weakness.
   Paradoxically, acknowledging what you don’t know signals confidence. Insecure speakers feel the need to prove they have all the answers. Strong speakers understand that real expertise includes recognizing gaps in knowledge.

3. It opens the door to deeper learning.
   Instead of ending the conversation with a guess, “I don’t know” invites engagement. You can follow up with, “That’s a great question—I’d love to explore that further.” This turns a potential weak moment into an opportunity for growth.

How to Say “I Don’t Know” Effectively

Admitting you don’t know something doesn’t mean leaving the audience hanging. Here’s how to handle it gracefully:

1. Acknowledge the question.

   • “That’s a really insightful question.”
   • “I appreciate you bringing that up.”

2. Be honest about your knowledge.

   • “I don’t know the answer to that right now.”
   • “I haven’t come across that before.”

3. Offer a next step.

   • “Let me look into that and get back to you.”
   • “I’d love to explore that further—let’s connect after the session.”
   • “Does anyone else here have insights on this?” (Engaging the audience can turn it into a shared learning moment.)

The Speakers Who Win in the Long Run

The best speakers aren’t those who have all the answers; they’re the ones who create trust. Every audience is different, and no matter how prepared you are, there will always be unexpected questions. The speakers who rise above aren’t the ones who try to fake their way through but those who lead with honesty.

Over time, your willingness to say “I don’t know” will earn you credibility that far outweighs the small discomfort of admitting it in the moment. You won’t just be another speaker trying to impress—you’ll be a speaker people respect.

So next time you face a tough question, don’t be afraid to say those three powerful words. Your future self will thank you.