9 Tips for Handling Public Speaking Questions
How you handle questions from an audience can often be the deciding factor as to how your presentation is received. If you’re pitching for business, then it’s absolutely vital to handle questions well.
1. Preparation – When composing the presentation you will give, write down what the most likely questions you will be asked are and how you will answer them. If there is a question you will not want to answer at the present, figure out a response that will be satisfactory to the person asking the question.
2. Succinct and to the point – When starting you may make the decision that questions will be answered either at the conclusion of your presentation or as you are speaking. The one you decide to do should be adhered to and change in the middle of your presentation. When responding to questions during your speech, the time will stretch beyond the original stated. Keep in mind, audiences expecting fifteen minutes of a presentation will not be forgiving of a half hour.
3. Do not allow questions at the very end – Ask for any questions the audience may have at least 10 minutes before concluding. Answer them and move on to your big ending. When presentations end with questions and no one has any, it is a bit awkward.
4. Be attentive to the question – Concentrating on the question while it is being asked is extremely important. This may be a question that you have been asked a hundred times, but do not let this show. Stay interested looking and answer with respect.
5. Tell the questioner thank you – This shows that you are a respectful person and it also allows you a couple of seconds to think of your answer.
6. Restate the gist of the question – This is often beneficial for those who may have missed the question. When you answer they may not have any idea of what you are talking about. It is aggravating not to know what was asked and this also allows you time to consider the response. In addition, it is a good control maneuver.
7. Do not exclude the audience – When answering the question, look at everyone. The person asking may be near the front and it you look only at them, this appears to leave everyone else out of the conversation.
8. The simpler, the better – When answering a question, do not get too detailed. The relaxation that you feel should not make you go on and on. Often because someone was interested, you feel entitled to keep talking. DO NOT DO THIS.
9. No bluffing – When a question is asked that you have no answer for, say so. Tell them you will find out the answer and you will let them know. This is also a way to be able to contact them further.
As is often the case, there may be no questions asked. If so, this creates a silence that can be embarrassing. They may be considering what you have just imparted and need a few minutes. They may also be nervous to ask and have to get up the courage. You can say “If you are asking yourself…?” If there are no questions, then finish the presentation with a closing.
Handling a question and answer session well during your public speaking event, demonstrates your professionalism and reflects on your message.
This entry was posted on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 4:50 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.