Difficult Questions

there are at least four very simple ways to answer questions you don't know the answer to: 

1. ask for more information
2. pass it back to the audience
3. set it as homework
4. say you don’t know and you’ll find out

your body language must never suggest you do not know the answer.  by all means panic on the inside, but always remain calm and composed on the outside.  make sure to look thankful the question was asked and remember to keep your body posture open and relaxed.

now answer those difficult questions with one of the statements or questions below:

1. ask for more information

look at the person asking the question and say one of the following, or something similar,

"can you explain this a little bit more?"

"what do you mean by ... ?"
"What do you mean about ... ?"
"Can you explain a little more about ... ?"

2. pass it back to the audience

address the entire group and ask one of the following, or something similar, 

"what do you think?"
"does anyone know ... ?"

"can anyone tell me the answer to ... ?"

3. set it as homework

"excellent question, let's set it as homework so everyone can find out the answer"

then make sure you, the trainer, find out everything there is to know about this particular question/s, and then ask questions about this particular subject at the next session

4. say you don’t know and that you’ll find out

only use this once on a course, or the students will think you don't know what you're talking about.  if you do use the words, "I don't know", or "I'm not sure", also include the words, "I'll find out and will send you the information by email" and take down email addresses, or say, "I'll find out and will explain at the next session".  and then be sure you find out and explain.

image taken from here