The Ten Ps of Dealing with Questions

Presenters and those making speeches will frequently be faced with having to answer questions. Sometimes these will be simple questions asked at the end of your talk and lasting only a minute or two. At other times you may be involved in lengthy panel discussions that take place after a series of presentations. In any situation, though, you will want to answer questions well. Here is a ten point plan for dealing with questions and answers when you speak. I call it the Ten Ps of Question Handling.

1. Prepare
To be sure you will answer all questions well, you need to prepare as fully as possible for any potential question and answer session. Lack of preparation for dealing with questions will make you nervous and this will come across when you answer questions.

2. Predict
Try and predict all the questions you might get asked. In preparing your talk get friends and colleagues to ask you questions. In this way you will be in a more comfortable position when you face your real audience.

3. Practice
In the same way that you would practice your presentation, you should also practice a question and answer session. Practice will alert you to any problem areas and will increase your confidence.

4. Probe
Find out about your audience and the kind of things that interest them. This will enable you to work out the likely questions they may ask.

5. Prevent
Ensure your presentation answers the likely questions in advance. In this way you will actually prevent questions from being asked as your audience will already have had their points answered.

6. Pause
When you get a question, repeat it back to confirm you have understood what you are being asked. This also gives you a bit of thinking time and ensures the rest of the audience knows what you will be answering as they may not have heard the original question.

7. Paraphrase
If a question is vague or unclear paraphrase the question and turn it into one that you want to be asked and then answer your chosen question.

8. Pass the buck
If you get a persistent questioner, check with the audience whether or not they are happy for you to answer the questions. Otherwise you will alienate them. Usually your audience wants you to shut the awkward individual up!

9. Pathway
Use techniques to get the question back to your chosen subject. Remember your presentation's key message and wherever possible use questions to help you repeat that. Always beat a pathway back to your subject.

10. Part company
If in doubt, take questions 'off line' by agreeing to see the questioner at the next break. That way you get a chance to think.

Graham Jones runs The Presentation Business at http://www.presentationbiz.com which helps people become great public speakers.

---

How to Get Paid to Speak

Now that you have all the contacts you can possibly... Read More

Dont Judge an Audience by its Stare

Don't Prejudge A Situation: In the areas of emotions and... Read More

Analyzing Your Audience and Assessing Comprehension Through Feedback

Aside from fielding and asking questions, there are other ways... Read More

Public Speaking Tips

1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More

Boost Your Confidence, Credibility, and Career

There's one skill you can develop that will boost your... Read More

Does Uptalk Make you Upchuck?

Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More

What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?

Why do you have to be an expert when getting... Read More

How to Use your Inner Circle

Who do you know that knows that you speak?There is... Read More

How To Start With Public Speaking

I don't know how many books, articles, manuals and scripts... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Cool Before Your Presentation

Stretch to relax. Rise on your toes and reach for... Read More

Shortcuts to Eloquence

You have probably had the experience of listening to a... Read More

Talk May Be Cheap but Your Speech Should Be Priceless!

Take a moment and imagine if you will any one... Read More

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More

Make Your Talks Pay: Have People Stand In Line Eager Give You Their Business Card

If you've ever been on stage, doing a talk or... Read More

15 Tips For Making A Great Speech

1. Listen to your internal dialog. 2. Visualize a positive... Read More

Top 7 Ways to Succeed in the Business of Speaking

How attractive are you as a speaker? No, your looks,... Read More

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters.... Toastmasters....What is Toastmasters?Is it a bunch of guys in... Read More

15 Ways To Keep Your Speaking Inspiring and Creative

When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

Knocking knees, butterflies (who came up with that word?) in... Read More

20 Tips to Becoming a Professional Speaker: How to be a Rising Star

Entering the speaking industry can be both daunting and exciting.... Read More

How To Handle Audience Questions Effectively

For some reason, the prospect of having to answer audience... Read More

How Well Do You Speak?

The ability to speak well can enhance your career, clinch... Read More

Pay Attention To Your Appearance!

During the coffee break of one conference I attended, whispers... Read More

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More

Timing - Why You Should Never Go Overtime with Your Presentation or Speech

In a conference setting, nothing annoys audiences more than talks... Read More

What to Do When an Audience Member Disagrees With You

Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by trying to... Read More

How To Make A Blue Ribbon Presentation Every Time

You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More

Now Appearing: 9 Tips for a Well-Attended Event

When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More

10 Worst Tips To Give A Speaker

1. Learn the speech by heart or read it from... Read More

How to Prepare your Mind/Body to Give Great Speeches

Sure you have catecholamines ? all speakers do. (including Sir... Read More

Know Your Audience

What is worse than wearing a tuxedo to an event... Read More

Demand Dignity in Public Speaking Training

Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More

Top 7 Steps to Better Public Speaking

Whether you want to be a part time, full time... Read More