This blog will help you to successfully handle tough questions during your presentation.
How do you respond to unexpected/challenging questions?
A fearful scenario
You’ve prepared fully for your presentation and it’s flowing smoothly as planned, with the audience hanging on every word.
Suddenly, out of the blue, someone interrupts you with a comment or question, which takes you completely by surprise because of its tone and ferocity. It stops you in your tracks mid-sentence!
If this challenge is not met appropriately, you can easily lose control of the meeting and, possibly, the respect of attendees.
Top tips to handle tough questions
One of the greatest fears for public speakers is that their audience will not like them and/or confront them with a question they are unable to answer.
Firstly, remember that you are upfront and centre on merit, based on your knowledge, expertise, role and responsibility.
The audience wants to hear what you have to say and will normally hope that you can deliver your message clearly, confidently and successfully.
Analyse your audience in advance to establish an empathetic relationship:
- What is their role, experience and agenda?
- WIIFT What’s in it for them?
- Put yourself in their shoes
- Anticipate 5 ‘Killer’ questions they might fire at you eg financial, deadlines, resources etc. Then include the answers in the body of your presentation!
Step into the difficult question, physically moving forwards to engage with the questioner:
- Avoid retreating on to ‘the back foot’, indicating that you are struggling with your response and retreating, opening yourself up to further attack
- Questions are only perceived as difficult if you display signs of discomfort
Make eye contact to reinforce engagement:
- Clarify their question and paraphrase to ensure correct interpretation
- “If I understand you correctly, you are asking…… Is that right?”
- Repeat the question if the audience might not have heard it
- Direct your answer to everyone (don’t allow that person to dominate proceedings)
- Avert your eyes from the questioner as you finish to avoid another question from them
Give yourself time to consider your answer:
- Pause, take a deep breath or sip of water
Find something you can agree with, even if you strongly disagree:
- Try not to create tension or conflict
- Listen carefully to their argument to see where you can find agreement
- “You may be right in certain situations/I don’t entirely agree. My approach might be more effective in other circumstances and work well with your solution”
- Acknowledge you’ve fully heard the question – it’s easier to present your opinion
Accept that you will not always know the answer to a question which catches you out on the day, however well-prepared you are:
- That’s OK. Don’t panic.
- Admit you don’t know and assure the questioner you will contact them with your response later (note their name and email address).
- “I don’t know but I’ll find out and let you know”
- Don’t make up an answer!
Don’t take comments personally:
- Try not to take hostility personally
- Remain politely detached
- Acknowledge their contribution
Conclusion
Take control of Q&A. Make sure you finish strongly and have the last word.
Remember… “You are performing for the group, not for a few outspoken individuals…” Jeremy Bailenson PhD, Stanford University Psychology Professor
Learn more tips and tricks like these in our Presentation Skills training!