9 Helpful Hints for Questions During Public Speaking Engagements

When making a presentation, it may well be judged by the way questions are answered at the end. If it is a business that you are promoting in your presentation, it is essential to answer the questions with expertise.

1. Preparation – When composing the presentation you will give, write down what the most likely questions you will be asked are and how you will answer them. If there is a question you will not want to answer at the present, figure out a response that will be satisfactory to the person asking the question.

2. Succinct and to the point – When starting you may make the decision that questions will be answered either at the conclusion of your presentation or as you are speaking. The one you decide to do should be adhered to and change in the middle of your presentation. When responding to questions during your speech, the time will stretch beyond the original stated. Keep in mind, audiences expecting fifteen minutes of a presentation will not be forgiving of a half hour.

3. Do not allow questions at the very end – Ask for any questions the audience may have at least 10 minutes before concluding. Answer them and move on to your big ending. When presentations end with questions and no one has any, it is a bit awkward.

4. Be attentive to the question – Concentrating on the question while it is being asked is extremely important. This may be a question that you have been asked a hundred times, but do not let this show. Stay interested looking and answer with respect.

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

6. Reiterate the basics of the question – There may be someone who did not quite hear the question therefore whatever you answer will be meaningless. This is bothersome. Once again, this allows you a little more time to consider the answer and is beneficial for making you look intelligent and at ease with your control of the presentation.

7. Direct your response to everyone – When answering the question direct your response to the audience, not just the questioner. This appears as if you are excluding everyone else especially if the questioner is up front and closer to you.

8. The simpler, the better – When answering a question, do not get too detailed. The relaxation that you feel should not make you go on and on. Often because someone was interested, you feel entitled to keep talking. DO NOT DO THIS.

9. Be honest – If someone asks a question that you do not know the answer to, say so and tell them you will get back to them with the answer. This is one way of keeping in contact after the initial presentation.

As is often the case, there may be no questions asked. If so, this creates a silence that can be embarrassing. They may be considering what you have just imparted and need a few minutes. They may also be nervous to ask and have to get up the courage. You can say “If you are asking yourself…?” If there are no questions, then finish the presentation with a closing.

The better you handle this type of situation, the more professional and businesslike you will look during your public speaking presentation.