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. Below you will find nine tips that will help you handle these questions professionally.
1. Preparation – When composing the presentation you will give, write down what the most likely questions you will be asked are and how you will answer them. If there is a question you will not want to answer at the present, figure out a response that will be satisfactory to the person asking the question.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Your professional demeanor is shown by being able handle the question and answer part of a presentation well. For more great information on public speaking click here.
To Your Success,
