Q&A session is quite often a low point of the presentation. Among other presentation elements, such as the opening, stories, demonstrations and the closing, this particular one somehow tends to be poorly handled regularly. Be well prepared. When a question comes, first restate it to get to the core issue and also to be sure that everyone hears it. Read through tips brought to us by the presentationmagazine.com website.
1) Assume and maintain control of the session
Know the topic and your audience well. That way you will be able to anticipate what the most common questions will probably be. Then you will have a chance to prepare the best responses. One common fear is the fear of the unknown question. In reality, it is the presenter who controls the situation. Of course, the audience can ask any question but being the presenter, you choose how to respond. It is okay to acknowledge that you do not know an answer. Never fake an answer or evade a question. Promise a follow-up response later.
2) Q&A session shouldn’t be at the end
Superior speakers don’t end their presentation with Q&A. Why? They don’t want to allow an off-topic question to drag influence away from their main message. It is better to follow the Q&A session with a short closing during which you recap your main ideas and points. That way you have the final word and you can deliver the needed lasting impression.
3) Know the top 10 questions
Regardless of your subject matter, people will only ask a small range of relevant questions. Learn these questions in advance – meet attendees before your presentation and ask their top concerns about your topic. The same questions will be heard again and again when you are in front of various audiences.
4) Create a variety of ways to respond
Create some flexibility by having several possible responses to the standard questions mentioned above. Prepare responses that are brief and direct.
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