Managing Questions

Managing Questions during public speaking and presentations is something many people get anxious about. Whether it is concern that you won’t be able to answer a question or that someone is trying to make a fool of you, it is something you want to feel confident about doing.

It is great when members of the audience are compelled and interested enough to ask questions, and only the cold at heart would not want to answer. However, there are occasionally people in the audience that, for whatever reason, might wish to upstage or undermine your presentation or speech. Their comment might result in you losing momentum or focus during your speech and affect your overall performance. You might also be anxious about answering specific questions: either you might genuinely not know the answer or that you might be made to look foolish.

This week’s Superstar Communicator Podcast shares five top tips to managing questions when you present or speak publicly. If you manage the situation from the start: setting the ground rules, it makes it easier for you to focus on your speech.

Here is the podcast. In the podcast I share 5 tips to ensure you manage the questions. They include:

1. Keep concentrating ‘in the moment’ – rather than thinking “Oh I don’t know the answer!”
2. Provide the ground rules for the questions at the beginning of the talk.
3. Repeat the question – for everyone to hear and to give you time!
4. Don’t panic or show the audience you are anxious!
5. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so, and offer to find out the information!

Listen to the podcast

This podcast is part of the “Superstar Communicator” iTunes Podcast series Please subscribe to the podcasts and leave some feedback. Each week I create a new podcast to share great tips on how to use your voice to communicate effectively.

What do you think about being asked questions when you present? Do you get anxious? Do you have a tip for the listeners? Leave your comment below.