9 Ways to Answer Questions from Your Audience
If you bungle the questions at the end of a presentation you are making, it may be judged by this bungle. The questions must be answered expertly, especially if you are endorsing a business.
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. 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. 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. Say thank you to the person questioning you – This shows a sign of respect and is a breather for you to decide what your answer will be.
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. 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 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.
The better you handle this type of situation, the more professional and businesslike you will look.
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