9 Tips for Handling Audience Questions 

Take these 9 tips and implement them as needed. Your credibility will be enhanced by your  ability to handle a solid question and answer session. 

1. Be prepared for questions – When you build your presentation, think about what you’re likely to be asked and what your answer is going to be (this is part of being the Subject Matter Expert). Maybe you won’t want to answer a particular question right then, so think about what you’ll say to satisfy the question if it comes up (maybe invite the person to stay afterward for the answer one-on-one).

2. Make it clear at the start – You may decide to take questions during or at the end of your presentation. Just be sure to make it clear from the beginning and don’t change your mind. Taking questions at the end is generally always better for two reasons. (1) The presentation timing will still be in your control. (2) Questions during your presentation, creates a more difficult situation for staying on track and not skipping any main points.

3. If taking questions, always reserve some time after your presentation – 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. Listen – When asked a question, listen, and look like you’re listening. It may be something you’ve heard a million times before. Treat the person with respect and don’t trivialize their curiosity.

5. Thank the questioner – It’s proper, shows respect, and gives you a bit more time to consider your answer.

6. Repeat or paraphrase the question for the rest of the audience as you are answering – Some people may not have heard the question, if so, your answer will be meaningless to them. Again, it gives you more time to think of the answer and it makes you look clever and in control.

7. Answer to everyone – Be sure to answer the whole audience as if they all asked the question. Don’t end up having a conversation with the one and exclude everyone else.

8. Keep it simple – Many speakers become too excited at the fact that someone is interested enough to ask them a question. This can cause long-winded responses that turn off your audience. Keep it short and to the point. If the question requires a longer answer, either summarize it quickly or table the answer for after your presentation is complete. Whoever stays behind with you to get the answer will be willing to sit and listen to the long-winded version. 

9. Stay honest no matter what – If you don’t know the answer to a question, acknowledge it and offer to get the answer to them. Offer to call, email or bring them the answer. This is a good way to show that you’re a true professional and it may create a great connection after the presentation.

There’s always a possibility that you may not be asked any questions. Don’t let the silence become awkward. Have a question of your own prepared and say something like. “You may be wondering…?” If you still fail to get any questions, then go straight into your summary and closing statement. 

Handling a question-and-answer session well, demonstrates your professionalism and enhances your message.

-Focus on freedom not fear-

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