9 Ways to Answer Questions from Your Audience
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 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. Clearly state the terms of the presentation – If your presentation is first and then questions or if you take questions as you go, stick with what you stated you were going to do. Do not change in the middle of your presentation. This will throw the timing off. Bear in mind, audiences that are told a presentation will be fifteen minutes will not like listening for 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. Pay attention respectfully – If you are being asked a question, even if is one that you have answered repeatedly, do not dismiss the question lightly. Answer it and pay attention to the person asking it.
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. 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.
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.
The better you handle this type of situation, the more professional and businesslike you will look during your public speaking presentation.
Tags: handling objections, handling questions, professional speaking, public speaking