Q&A Fundamentals

Q&A is where rankings often shift. Judges test whether your logic survives pressure.

Use the A-R-I structure

• Answer: respond directly first
• Reason: show the core logic
• Implication: explain what it changes in the recommendation

5 judge questions to prepare for

1. What is the single assumption your case depends on most? 2. If budget is cut by 30 percent, what changes first? 3. Why did you prioritize this customer segment over alternatives? 4. Why is your recommendation better than the second-best option? 5. What must happen in the first 90 days for this strategy to succeed?

If you do not know the exact answer

• acknowledge the uncertainty
• give a bounded assumption
• explain how you would validate quickly

High-value rehearsal drill

Run one 20-minute "hostile Q&A" session where teammates attack the weakest assumptions. Fix those assumptions before final submission.