Even if you are a top expert in your field of expertise, it can still be challenging to answer questions in a way that effectively meets the client’s needs and requirements. The following is intended to help you structure your answers in a more straightforward and fact-driven manner to increase the likelihood of further paid engagements with our clients.
1. Answer the question that was asked
At the risk of stating the obvious, answering the question as posed by a client is crucial to securing approval for your answer. In addition to functioning as a clear response, a good answer also takes into account the client’s mindset and motivations for posing the question. Avoid stating common knowledge or information that a client can secure through a simple internet search. Take care to ensure that your answer is well-considered and provides the client with in-depth knowledge and insights, written in a manner that reflects your intention to assist them with their query. The easiest way to tell if your answer fulfills these criteria is to assess whether it tackles all the points mentioned by the client in their question.
2. Support your answer with a compelling rationale
Helpful answers use a logical structure to build an argument and include a convincing rationale. Avoid providing clients with a simple summary of general facts followed by an overly broad prediction that is not testable.
3. Provide arguments that are built around facts
Even if a question asks for your opinion, formulate your arguments based on factual evidence, demonstrating why your answer is accurate. Sometimes, you may encounter general questions that may require you to respond with conditional statements (e.g. “If you are tall, I recommend X; if you are short, I recommend Y”).
4. Demonstrate credibility
To show that your insights are derived from credible sources, you can refer to reliable online resources, list real-world applications supporting your arguments, or elaborate on credentials that qualify you as a top expert in the area at hand. Some of the best answers do not require you to cite sources, as they may reflect an expert’s first-hand knowledge and experience. However, if you provide an answer based on third-party sources or analysis (as opposed to personal knowledge), it is helpful to state your sources and provide any relevant links.
5. Make sure your answer is well-structured and clearly written
A good answer is one that is clear and easy to follow through. Besides being well-structured, a good answer must also have proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The response should also be written professionally, avoiding jokes, sarcasm, and overly casual language.
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