It’s important not to ignore the question even if you don’t have an answer. If you don’t have an answer, “I don’t know” is a perfectly acceptable response. Ask the learner to write the question down, along with his or her contact information, and tell him or her that you’ll reply with a response as soon as you can. You can find a lot of information at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com or on the Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s website at www.drugfree.org.

If the question is off topic, remind the learner that you didn’t come here to discuss that topic, and quickly move on.

If the learner is trying to challenge you, stay calm and do not respond with a similar challenging or sarcastic tone. It damages your credibility. If it’s a legitimate question, rephrase and repeat in a calm manner to diffuse the confrontation. Answer as honestly and as completely as you can. All of the information in the presentation has been backed up with research.

If questions still remain, refer the participant to the source or the Get Smart About Drugs website at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com.