Why do many bright, ambitious people answer direct questions vaguely?

How we answer an ad hoc question has unfairly become an audition for memorability and conviction. Way too many of us fumble the return. Reading from this week's popular Substack post, we ponder on why a simple question does not always yield a simple answer. Also, how answering ad hoc questions in vague, convoluted ways can kill an interview, torpedo a first date, even start a fight with someone we love. Why? Because it frustrates and evades what they asked of us. You can read the full Substack here, which is free to subscribe and loaded with culturally sensitive tips and tactics throughout the week on your biggest, most stubborn communications challenges. Debbi McCullough has written for the Economist, Financial Times of London, and Guardian. She is certified with the International Coaching Federation as a Master Certified Coach and is a trusted communications coach for Fortune 500/100 leaders. Find her on LinkedIn.  Book her for a consult. Train with her on Maven.