9 Ways to Answer Questions from Your Audience
Friday, 11 December 2009 09:24 | 
Written by Alex Brooks |
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.
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. Be prepared for questions - When you write your presentation, think about what you're likely to be asked and what your answer is going to be. Maybe you won't want to answer a particular question there and then, so think about what you'll say to satisfy the questioner.
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. Finish with a conclusion, not questions - When giving the presentation, about 5 to 10 minutes from the conclusion, ask if there are any questions. This allows you an opportunity to continue talking if no one has any questions and avoids a stale silence.
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. Thank the questioner - It's only polite, it shows respect and it gives you a bit more time to consider your answer.
6. Reiterate the basics of the question - There may be someone who did not quite hear the question therefore whatever you answer will be meaningless. This is bothersome. Once again, this allows you a little more time to consider the answer and is beneficial for making you look intelligent and at ease with your control of the presentation.
7. Direct your response to everyone - When answering the question direct your response to the audience, not just the questioner. This appears as if you are excluding everyone else especially if the questioner is up front and closer to you.
8. Short and sweet - Answer the question and move on. Sometimes speakers tend to get too involved in the answer. They are at ease and happy someone asked a question and their answer is too long. DON'T DO THIS.
9. Be honest - If someone asks a question that you do not know the answer to, say so and tell them you will get back to them with the answer. This is one way of keeping in contact after the initial presentation.
There is the possibility of no questions being asked. This can cause an uncomfortable silence. It may be that your presentation is sinking in and they need time to think of their questions. They also might be somewhat bashful about asking questions. Use your own question and say " In case you are wondering...?" If this does not work, conclude your presentation.
Handling a question and answer session well, demonstrates your professionalism and reflects on your message.
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. Be prepared for questions - When you write your presentation, think about what you're likely to be asked and what your answer is going to be. Maybe you won't want to answer a particular question there and then, so think about what you'll say to satisfy the questioner.
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. Finish with a conclusion, not questions - When giving the presentation, about 5 to 10 minutes from the conclusion, ask if there are any questions. This allows you an opportunity to continue talking if no one has any questions and avoids a stale silence.
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. Thank the questioner - It's only polite, it shows respect and it gives you a bit more time to consider your answer.
6. Reiterate the basics of the question - There may be someone who did not quite hear the question therefore whatever you answer will be meaningless. This is bothersome. Once again, this allows you a little more time to consider the answer and is beneficial for making you look intelligent and at ease with your control of the presentation.
7. Direct your response to everyone - When answering the question direct your response to the audience, not just the questioner. This appears as if you are excluding everyone else especially if the questioner is up front and closer to you.
8. Short and sweet - Answer the question and move on. Sometimes speakers tend to get too involved in the answer. They are at ease and happy someone asked a question and their answer is too long. DON'T DO THIS.
9. Be honest - If someone asks a question that you do not know the answer to, say so and tell them you will get back to them with the answer. This is one way of keeping in contact after the initial presentation.
There is the possibility of no questions being asked. This can cause an uncomfortable silence. It may be that your presentation is sinking in and they need time to think of their questions. They also might be somewhat bashful about asking questions. Use your own question and say " In case you are wondering...?" If this does not work, conclude your presentation.
Handling a question and answer session well, demonstrates your professionalism and reflects on your message.
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