With preparation, being challenged by a KOL won’t have you running for the door, even when you’re taken by surprise. Be sure your questions are open-ended, requiring the KOL to think critically about their comments and expand on their thoughts. Give them time to respond (3-5 seconds) and don’t interrupt (it’s rude and worse, it confuses the other person) as will derail the KOL’s thought process and the insights you are hoping to gain! Ask-Wait-Listen-Respond. Acknowledge their response with body language (a head nod or by leaning in) and listen closely to hear what they are saying. Avoid thinking about your response as you will miss the nuances of their reply!
Anticipate challenging questions/comments and practice your response aloud with a colleague (they will likely face the same objection), or aloud when you are alone in your car or record a Zoom meeting with yourself answering the question. Multiple practice sessions give you what actors call “muscle memory” which are the options you can go to effortlessly. Practice makes perfect!
Being questioned by a KOL, whether it’s easy or difficult, is an opening for further discussion, and ideally, a more meaningful one! Use this opportunity to strengthen your relationship and prove your value for the company and to your KOL. Their patients will appreciate it.