Answer the question, please

Instead of shying away from tough questions, tackle them head-on to demonstrate transparency and resilience.

Try this:
Answer the question directly (e.g., I don’t know, I can’t answer that right now, I can’t speak for others, we are grappling with that ourselves, have the same concerns).

Back up your answer with a fact, example or anecdote (e.g., It’s too soon to know, I haven’t read the report in detail, our subject matter expert in that area can help, we’re taking a good look at xyz to figure it out).

Use your prepared messages to control and correct the conversation.

This takes practice, but with time you’ll handle the questions that keep you up at night with confidence and poise.