Think of the last time someone asked you something you didn't have the answer to.

回想一下，最近一次人家问你某件事，而你又不知道如何作答是什么时候？

What was your response?

你的回答是？

If you're like most people, you answered quickly with a short, "I don't know," so that you could move on, escape the conversation, and carry on with your day.

为了能够马上去干另一件事，或者不想再说下去，大多数人都会简单说一句“不知道”。

However, you don't need me to tell you that simply claiming your own ignorance and hanging that other person out to dry isn't necessarily an effective communication strategy.

但是，不用我多说，简单地告诉别人自己不知道,又把别人撂一边并不是一种高明的沟通方法。

But, there are alternative phrases that are much more helpful than the obvious brush off a standard "I don't know," provides.

但是，说一些别的话，可能比简单冷冷的一句“我不知道”会更有帮助。

Here are four you can use the next time you don't have an answer.

以下四句话，在下次不知道问题答案的时候，你可以用。

1. 'I'll find out' 我努力找找答案。

This response is a tried and true fallback for a reason — it's both supportive and self-assured.

这是个屡试不爽的话术 — 听起来不推卸责任，同时也更显自信。

Replying with a shrug of your shoulders and a curt, "I don't know," shows that not only do you not have the answers, but you also aren't willing to put in any work to find them.

耸肩和唯唯诺诺的回答道“我不知道”不仅表现出你不知道答案，而且你不愿意通过努力去找到答案。

In contrast, assuring someone you'll do the legwork to get the information that's needed makes you look like a cooperative, valuable, and resourceful team player.

相反，向别人保证你会通过跑腿去去获取必要的信息让你看上去像一个能积极配合工作，有价值和资源丰富的团队合作者。

2. 'I have that same question' 我有相同的问题

There are those moments when you just don't have the answer. But, beyond that, you also have absolutely no idea where you'd even begin to look for it.

有的时候，你仅仅是不知道答案。但除此之外，有的时候你根本不知道该从哪里着手。

In those cases, you're better off assuring your conversational partner that you're seeking that same information. It accomplishes the same thing as saying, "I don't know," — it explicitly states that you don't have the answer that's needed.

在那些情况下，你最好向你的谈话的对象确保你正在寻找同样的信息。这好过说一句“我不知道”－只是简单陈述你还没有需要的答案。

However, it goes one step further and unites you with that other person. Rather than looking like you're simply trying to avoid the question, you're both sympathizing and joining in on the mission to get the required information.

然而，这可以让你继续往前联合其他的人一起。而不是看起来就像是要试着去逃避问题。你不仅博得了同情并可以和其他人一起去获取信息。

3. 'My best guess is..' “我最好的猜想是……”

Unfortunately, sometimes an educated guess is the best you can do. You're put on the spot, and you need to draw a conclusion based on the information and evidence that's directly in front of you.

不幸的是，有时候，你只能做出一个礼节性的猜测。你被放在风口浪尖上，需要利用现有的信息做出判断，得出结论。

It's in those cases when you should offer some sort of explanation based solely on what you know — making it clear that your answer is simply a theory, of course.

要真是遇到这种只能凭现有信息给出建议的情况，你得明确说明你的答案只是理论。

You won't want your guess to be accepted as hard fact. But, at the same time, you don't want to come up short and seem like you're trying to completely avoid the question.

你不想让别人把你的猜测当成是板上钉钉的事实。但同时，你也不想简单搪塞。

So, go ahead and share your hypothesis or a few ideas. If nothing else, it's a much better launching point for brainstorming and discussion than a simple, "I don't know."

所以，一些假设和个人想法都可以用来分享。实在不行，那就作为一次“头脑风暴”或者讨论会的主题，这总比简单说一句“我不知道”好吧。

4. 'Why don't we ask [name]?' “为什么我们不问问（某人）”

What should you do if you're truly not the best person to be answering this question? What's the best way to handle that scenario, without relying on the trusty three words you've grown accustomed to?

对于一个问题，如果你的确不是最适合给出答案的人。又不想说“不知道”三个字，那么最好的办法又是什么呢？

It's simple: Own it. Admit that it's not quite in your wheelhouse, but that you can undoubtedly find the person that's best for the job.

很简单：大胆承认。承认这不在你的能力所及范围，但是你可以找到能回答这个问题的人。

You might feel like you're shirking responsibility or trying to pass the buck. But, in the long run, you're smarter to send things along to the people who are best equipped to handle them. It's both more effective and more efficient.

你有可能觉得你在回避责任或是尝试推卸责任。但，长期看来，你的做法更明智，把事情交给一个最适合的人来做。不仅更有效而且更高效。

"I don't know," is one of those phrases that can easily fly out of your mouth before you even realize what you're saying. However, there are plenty of better responses you should be employing.

“我不知道”这句话很容易在你想明白之前就脱口而出。但要记住有许多话比这更好。

Give these four alternatives a try, and prepare for your communication skills to instantly improve.

试着用上面的四中选择来代替“我不知道”，你的沟通技能兴许有快速的提升。