9 Helpful Hints for Questions During Public Speaking Engagements
Friday, 11 December 2009 09:20 | 
Written by Alex Brooks
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.
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 equipped - As you prepare the presentation for the public, decide what you will probably be asked at the end and be ready to answer the questions. In case there would be a couple you are not ready to answer at this time, a satisfactory response will have to be ready to use for an answer.
2. Make it clear at the start - You may decide to take questions as you go or at the end of your presentation. Whatever you decide, make it clear at the start and don't change your mind. I would suggest questions at the end in a short presentation; if you take questions as you go, then your timing will get knocked out. And always remember, an audience won't forgive you for taking half an hour when you were only scheduled to speak for fifteen minutes.
3. Never finish with questions - Far better to ask for questions five or ten minutes before the end, deal with the questions and then summarize for a strong finish. Too many presentations finish on questions and the whole thing goes a bit flat - particularly if you don't get any.
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. 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. 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. 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, demonstrates your professionalism and reflects on your message.
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 equipped - As you prepare the presentation for the public, decide what you will probably be asked at the end and be ready to answer the questions. In case there would be a couple you are not ready to answer at this time, a satisfactory response will have to be ready to use for an answer.
2. Make it clear at the start - You may decide to take questions as you go or at the end of your presentation. Whatever you decide, make it clear at the start and don't change your mind. I would suggest questions at the end in a short presentation; if you take questions as you go, then your timing will get knocked out. And always remember, an audience won't forgive you for taking half an hour when you were only scheduled to speak for fifteen minutes.
3. Never finish with questions - Far better to ask for questions five or ten minutes before the end, deal with the questions and then summarize for a strong finish. Too many presentations finish on questions and the whole thing goes a bit flat - particularly if you don't get any.
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. 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. 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. 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, demonstrates your professionalism and reflects on your message.
About the Author:
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