When your data source is questioned during a Q&A, stay calm and confident. Explain the context of your research, focusing on why the data is relevant and reliable. If the source isn’t immediately clear, admit it honestly and promise to verify later. Shift focus back to the bigger picture, showing how the data supports your key message. By staying composed and prioritizing transparency, you reinforce trust even in challenging moments.

When someone questions your sources, stay calm and be respectful. Acknowledge the question and thank them for it. Clearly explain the sources around where your information came from and why it’s trustworthy- share anecdotes of how these data sources have come into play to build on your credibility. Incase people want additional information offer to take it offline to show you are there for them and open to answering any of their queries. Staying confident and open shows you’re professional and willing to learn, which earns their respect.

Don't get defensive. Allow an open space where the audience members can engage you without fear of being chastised for asking honest questions. As a speaker, you should leave room for questions from all angles, even the ones that may challenge you or the ones you don't agree with. Think of every question as an opportunity to test your confidence in your content. At the end of the day, a great speaker should be able to defend their content. It places them ahead of other speakers and allows their audience to be confident in the speaker and what the speaker has to offer.

When your credibility is questioned during a Q&A session, maintain composure and professionalism. Address the inquiry by clearly explaining the origin and reliability of your data, emphasizing the methodology or trusted sources used. If additional details are required and you don’t have them readily available, acknowledge the question’s importance and commit to providing a thorough follow-up. Demonstrate openness and respect for differing perspectives, reinforcing your credibility through transparency and a solution-oriented approach.

When your credibility is questioned, your response can either build trust or raise more doubts. Start by acknowledging the inquiry with respect—this shows you value the questioner’s perspective. Clearly explain the source of your data, emphasizing your diligence in ensuring its reliability. If you don’t have all the answers on the spot, don’t hesitate to offer a follow-up; it’s a sign of professionalism, not weakness. As Brene Brown says, “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort.”

La credibilidad no depende solo de responder preguntas difíciles, sino de generar confianza antes, durante y después de la interacción. Más que defender datos, lo esencial es conectar con la audiencia. Si se cuestionan tus fuentes, primero explora la intención detrás de la pregunta y empatiza con las inquietudes del público. Si hay errores, acéptalos con humildad, ya que la honestidad refuerza la autoridad. Y si los datos son sólidos, explica su contexto de forma simple, evitando tecnicismos que puedan alejar a quienes te escuchan. La clave es demostrar integridad, no perfección.

Calmly explain where the data came from, offer to provide more detailed sources if needed, and be open to discussion, transparency and humility go a long way in building trust.