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. 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. 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. 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 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 during your public speaking presentation.
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