Sneaky Personal Questions w/ Assumptions

My current challenge in communicating is what to do when I find myself confronted with a loaded question I really don't want to answer.

I'm trying to think of some examples.

I think the most blatant is when I'm in a discussion with someone, and then they try to shift the discussion to my motives for the discussion.

I provide a service for people with my business, and I've had people question my ability, either outright, or in a subtle underhanded way.

I sometimes feel frustrated afterward, in situations like these, that I wasn't more convincing or less defensive. And yet, I also don't want to inauthentic. I feel my best when I'm honest about myself and am being authentic.

If anything, I'd like to get better at hiding my body language. Because my emotional state has no bearing on either situation.

It helps to pinpoint where defensiveness comes from. However, a quicker approach is study up on public speaking techniques. Pause, take a sip of water, say great question. That gives the proper amount of time to think. Then answer.

When in business, sometimes questions aren't about doubt, but are about interest in the sales pitch. Maybe they are the middle man or need to clear funds? It's not you personally, it's what they might need to answer/business.