To answer questions appropriately, remember these guidelines:

• Listen carefully. If you feel the question is unclear, ask politely for clarification.
  
• Pause before answering to consider all facts that may substantiate your response.
• Always offer positive information.
• Get directly to the point. Ask if the listener would like you to go into great detail before you do.
• Discuss only the facts needed to respond to the question.
• Do not open yourself to areas of questioning that could pose difficulties for you.
• Be truthful, but do not offer unsolicited information.
• Focus and re-focus attention on your successes.