Guys, some tips to develop your presentation skills, in handling questions from the audiences. Try these yeah!
The content of your speech or presentation is important, but how you handle questions from the audience can often be the deciding factor in how your presentation is received. These handy hints will enable you to handle questions with ease.
1. Be prepared for questions. When you write your presentation, think about what you are likely to be asked and what your answer is going to be. You may not want to answer a particular question there and then, so think about what you will say to satisfy the questioner.
2. Make it clear at the start. You may decide to take questions as you progress through the content, or at the end of your presentation. Whatever you decide, make it clear at the start. I would suggest questions at the end in a short presentation. And always remember, an audience will not forgive you for taking half an hour when you were only scheduled to speak for 15 minutes.
3. Never end with questions. It is far better to ask for questions 5 or 10 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 there are no questions.
4. Listen. When asked a question, listen and look like you are listening. It may be something you had heard before. Treat the questioner with respect and do not trivialise his point.
5. Thank the questioner. It is only polite, it shows respect and it gives you a bit more time to consider on you answer.
6. Repeat the essence of the question. Some people may not have heard the question, in which case your answer may not make any sense to them. It can be irritating for them not to have heard the question. It also gives you more time to think of an answer and makes it look like you are in control.
7. Address everyone. Do not fall into the trap of answering only the questioner. If they happen to be near the front, you could have end up having a conversation with them and exclude everyone else.
8. Keep it simple. Many speakers become more relaxed by the end of the presentation 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 be long-winded and keep the answer precise.
9. Do not bluff. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so and find out. Suggest that you will phone him or email him with the answer. It can even a good way to make further contact after the presentation.
It is possible that you may not be asked any questions, leaving you with awkward silence. People may be thinking about what you have just said and may need more time. They may also be a bit shy to and may have to take a few minutes to speak up. Why not have a question of your own and say something like: “You may be asking yourself…?” If you still fail to get any questions then go straight into your summary and closing statement.
Handling a Question-and-Answer session well demonstrate your professionalism and reflects on your message.
Source: ST/ANN
Article by Alan Fairweather, an associate consultants with d’Oz International, based in the United Kingdom, and author of How to be a Motivational Manager.
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