How to Pivot: Bridging Tough Questions with Confidence
Have you ever been put on the spot with a question you didn’t want to answer — or worse, one you honestly didn’t know? It happens all the time. In media interviews, in leadership meetings, even in casual networking conversations.
And here’s the truth: the difference between looking nervous and looking confident doesn’t come down to knowing everything. It comes down to one communication skill — bridging.
What Is Bridging?
Bridging is the art of acknowledging a question, but steering your answer back to the message you want to deliver. Think of it as building a bridge: you start where the question begins, but you guide the conversation across to where you need it to land.
It’s a strategy PR professionals have used for decades, and it’s just as effective for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to show up with confidence under pressure.
Why It Works
When you freeze, ramble, or guess, you lose control of the conversation. But when you bridge, you stay in control. You don’t dodge the question — you acknowledge it respectfully — but you also don’t get stuck in the weeds. Instead, you guide the conversation back to your key points.
That’s the difference between being on the defensive and leading the discussion.
An Example in Action
Imagine someone asks: “Why did sales dip last quarter?”
Most people would panic, over-explain, or try to justify every detail. A stronger response would be:
“That’s a fair question, and what’s important to know is how we’re already turning it around.”
Do you see the shift? You didn’t ignore the question, but you also didn’t let it derail the message. You pivoted. You bridged. And you stayed confident.
Three Bridge Phrases You Can Use Today
The good news is, you don’t need to memorize long speeches or have the perfect answer to every possible question. You just need a few go-to phrases that create a natural bridge back to your message:
“What really matters here is…”
“The bigger picture is…”
“Let me put this in context…”
These simple phrases buy you time, reset the focus, and remind your audience what’s most important.
Keeping the Spotlight on Your Message
At Iris Communications, we teach leaders, teams, and organizations how to communicate with clarity and confidence — even when the spotlight gets uncomfortable. Bridging is just one of the many tools that make the difference between looking unprepared and showing up like a pro.
So next time you’re asked a tough question, remember: don’t freeze. Build the bridge. Guide the conversation. And keep the spotlight right where it belongs — on your message.
📍 Want to sharpen your communication skills? Let’s connect. Iris Communications helps leaders from Jacksonville to Orlando strengthen their voice and lead with confidence.
