9 Helpful Hints for Questions During Public Speaking Engagements

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. Be attentive to the question – Concentrating on the question while it is being asked is extremely important. This may be a question that you have been asked a hundred times, but do not let this show. Stay interested looking and answer with respect.

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. 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. 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. Keep it simple – Many speakers, when it comes to questions, have become more relaxed and the fact that someone is interested enough to ask them a question, leads them to go on too long with the answer – DON’T.

9. Be honest – If someone asks a question that you do not know the answer to, say so and tell them you will get back to them with the answer. This is one way of keeping in contact after the initial presentation.

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 public speaking presentation.