A post-presentation question-answer session is the litmus test of a good presenter — while anyone can repeat what's been rehearsed, only a thoroughly prepared presenter can successfully handle questions. Many believe questions are disguised aggression or tests. In fact, questions are evidence of the audience's engagement! It serves us well to believe each question's a genuine inquiry. The better you answer questions, the better your presentation is judged to have been.
Here are some steps to navigate Q&As:
Welcome questions: Acknowledge a questioner's point of view. Even if you don't agree, emphasize your recognition of the questioner's feelings by saying, "I know that can be frustrating," or "Sure, that sounds contradictory."
Listen patiently without interrupting: Understand the question and try to find parts to agree with. Then, state your opinion explicitly using data, with sentences like, "On the basis of this information, I have reason to believe that ..."
Avoid aggressive 'You' phrases: Phrases like "As I already told you" or "You don't realize" don't add value to a Q&A. Instead, try 'I' phrases like: "I believe that" or "In my experience and understanding ..."
Check if the question's been answered: Always ask, "Does that help clarify your thought?" or "Does that sound reasonable?" If the answer's no, probe areas of disagreement, trying to achieve rational mutual understanding.
Don't get emotional! Separate fact from feeling — and respond only to facts. Remember, the question is not necessarily about you. Often, aggressive or emotional questions are manifestations of the other person's needs and frustrations. Accepting this respectfully, without personalizing this, and isolating objective parts of an argument can help you both move a discussion to a productive close.
And that's the best answer to any question.
Here are some steps to navigate Q&As:
Welcome questions: Acknowledge a questioner's point of view. Even if you don't agree, emphasize your recognition of the questioner's feelings by saying, "I know that can be frustrating," or "Sure, that sounds contradictory."
Listen patiently without interrupting: Understand the question and try to find parts to agree with. Then, state your opinion explicitly using data, with sentences like, "On the basis of this information, I have reason to believe that ..."
Avoid aggressive 'You' phrases: Phrases like "As I already told you" or "You don't realize" don't add value to a Q&A. Instead, try 'I' phrases like: "I believe that" or "In my experience and understanding ..."
Check if the question's been answered: Always ask, "Does that help clarify your thought?" or "Does that sound reasonable?" If the answer's no, probe areas of disagreement, trying to achieve rational mutual understanding.
Don't get emotional! Separate fact from feeling — and respond only to facts. Remember, the question is not necessarily about you. Often, aggressive or emotional questions are manifestations of the other person's needs and frustrations. Accepting this respectfully, without personalizing this, and isolating objective parts of an argument can help you both move a discussion to a productive close.
And that's the best answer to any question.
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