Today is Thursday, so this post is on communication skills.
Presentation skills (along with conversation skills and writing skills) are one of the three key skills that all career stars master. Many people tell me that questions are the most difficult thing for them to handle when they are making a presentation. Here are some suggestions – adapted from the bible of professional speaking Speak and Grow Rich by Dottie Walters and Lily Walters -- on how to effectively handle a Question and Answer session in your presentation.
- Step toward the audience, put your hand over your head, smile, lean forward and ask “Who has the first question?” If the audience is shy and no on responds, ask yourself a question. Say, “Audiences often ask me….”
- If you’re really worried about getting audience participation, prior to your talk, ask someone you know in the audience to ask a question when the time comes. This usually will get things moving.
- Prepare a set of numbered question cards and hand them out in advance of your talk. Begin your question and answer session by saying “Who has question number 1?” Ask that person to read the question. Respond. Go through your other planned questions. This is a great way to make sure that you highlight the main points you want to make.
- Begin your answer to every question by saying something like “That’s a great question”, or “Thanks for that question.” Then repeat the question – to make sure you’ve gotten it right, and to make sure that everyone in the audience has heard the question.
- If someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer – say so. It’s OK to say “I don’t know”. I often will say something like “I don’t know the answer to that one, does anyone in the audience have some idea”. You’ll be surprised at how often someone in the audience will come to your rescue. If no one rescues you, simply say, “I’ll do some research on that and get back to you.”
- If one member of the audience keeps on asking the same question over and over – with different words – say something like “I know that this is a hot topic for you, Joe. Let’s discuss it after I finish this presentation.” In most cases, this will mollify Joe, and allow you to get back to the points you want to make.
Handling questions well can make you a memorable speaker. The secret is preparation. Know your topic. Think about the questions you are likely to get. Plan your answers beforehand. This doesn’t mean that someone won’t ask a question which you haven’t thought of, but it will give you an advantage because you will have answers for most of the questions you’ll be likely to receive.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense. Check out my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a small business.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com.TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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