9 Ways to Answer Questions from Your Audience

When making a presentation, it may well be judged by the way questions are answered at the end. If it is a business that you are promoting in your presentation, it is essential to answer the questions with expertise.

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. 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. Listen – When asked a question, listen and look like your listening. It may be something you’ve heard a million times before. Treat the questioner with respect and don’t trivialize their point.

5. Thank the questioner – It’s only polite, it shows respect and it gives you a bit more time to consider 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. Answer to everyone – Don’t fall into the trap of only answering the questioner. If they happen to be near the front then you could end up having a conversation with them and exclude everyone else.

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. Don’t bluff or bluster – If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so and find out. Suggest to the questioner that you’ll ‘phone them or come and see them with the answer. It can even be a good way to make further contact after the presentation.

As we all know, it’s possible that you may not be asked any questions and you then have that awkward silence. People may be thinking about what you’ve just said and may need more time to ask. They may also be a bit shy and may take a few minutes to speak out. Why not have a question of your own prepared and say something like. “You may be asking yourself………?” If you still fail to get any questions then go straight into your summary and closing statement.

Your professional demeanor is shown by being able handle the question and answer part of a public speaking presentation.

Tagged with: handling objections • handling questions • professional speaking • public speaking

Filed under: public speaking

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!