qa fundamentals

--- title: "Q&A fundamentals" slug: "qa-fundamentals" type: "guide" excerpt: "A simple framework for handling tough judge questions with clarity and confidence." difficulty: "intro" readingTime: 5 topics: ["qa", "defense", "communication"] categories: ["guides"] publishedAt: "2025-12-20" updatedAt: "2025-12-20" ---

Great Q&A is about structure, not perfect knowledge. Judges want to see how you think under pressure.

The 3-step answer

1. Answer the question directly 2. Give one supporting reason or data point 3. Close with the implication for your recommendation

What to do when you do not know

• Acknowledge the gap
• Offer a reasonable assumption
• Explain how you would validate it

Common judge questions

• Why did you pick this segment?
• What happens if your key assumption is wrong?
• How would you implement this in 90 days?