How to Answer a Political Question

Whether you're giving a speech, participating in a political debate, or simply writing a paper, the ability to answer a political question can be the difference between success and failure. Answering a political question properly requires plenty of research and general knowledge about the subject on which you are being questioned. Politicians always seem polished when they give answers to political questions and with a little practice and plenty of research you too can answer a political question like the pros.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Paper or note cards
• Internet access

1. Do your homework. If you're a political candidate, debater, or student you should have some knowledge about the topic on which you're being questioned. Have some statistics available for topics on which you anticipate questions.
2. Listen carefully to the question asked. Don't assume you know where the question is headed, simply listen or carefully read the question as it is posed. If you need to, read the question again or ask the questioner to repeat it just to make sure you fully understand the question as it was asked.
3. Establish the history and background for your answer. Most political questions cannot simply be answered "yes" or "no," and they require that certain background information be revealed to lay the foundation for your answer. Be sure that when you establish history you don't get too long-winded or you'll lose your audience before you get to the meat of your answer.
4. Quote facts and figures as they apply to the question asked. Statistics are very important when answering political questions because they can help prove your point. However, it is important that you are certain of those statistics before quoting them. (See Step 1.)
5. Explain your answer by illustrating with examples. Tell the questioner why you answered the way you did and use facts and actions to back up your statement. Use examples of past mistakes to explain why you answered the way you did and explain how your way will eliminate past mistakes.
6. Answer the question. Many politicians respond to questions without actually answering them. Before you stop speaking or writing, reiterate your answer to the specific question as clearly as possible. If you avoid answering the question it will look as if you have something to hide.

Tips & Warnings

• Enunciate words properly so listeners can understand your answer.