hostile questionnaire while giving a presentation

Presentation Skills: How to answer those killer questions

Feb 19, 2017 by maurice decastro in communication skills , presentation skills , presentation tips.

Questions can be a major source of anxiety for many presenters.

In our presentation skills courses we are often asked to help people to answer questions more professionally.

It’s a much bigger issue than many people think.

When we probe a little deeper to understand the issue, our delegates often ask 3 questions:

1. ‘How do I respond confidently to a question I simply don’t know the answer to?’

2. ‘What if I don’t understand the question?

3. ‘How do I deal with hostile questions?’

Our first task is to re-frame the way we think about being asked questions. For many people that presents a significant challenge.

It is often perceived as the moment of truth

We’ve spent hours crafting our presentation to ensure its content rich and helpful. We know our content well and have practiced exhaustively.

We’ve left nothing to chance; so what’s the problem?

It’s as simple as it is frightening. We convince ourselves that our entire reputation depends on how we answer questions.

Unfortunately, there can be a touch of truth behind that limiting belief. That’s why it’s the cause of so much anxiety amongst presenters.

There’s plenty you can do to answer those challenging questions with confidence and credibility. Before we explore them, try to avoid this mistake.

Don’t answer a question saying:

“That is a really good question and I am glad you asked it.”

Quite often, it’s not a good question? If it’s not a good question the response sounds glib. If it is a good question, does that mean the others aren’t?

How you would feel if you asked the next question and the presenter didn’t acknowledge it as a ‘really good question’.

Just answer the question.

The scary six

Our job as presenters extends beyond crafting a content rich, compelling, presentation. We also have to deliver it in a way that is congruent with our message. We have to anticipate difficult questions too.

Surround yourself with a small group of people you trust and respect. Share your presentation with them giving each person a specific role.

Devil’s advocate

Ask them to be contentious, oppose your view and challenge the strength of your presentation.

Their role is to criticise you and to create an atmosphere of hostility and distrust.

The energy thief

Get them to look for a negative aspect of everything you say.

The know all

Encourage them to actively demonstrate that they know more than you on the topic.

Let them tell you in the most respectful way that they don’t agree with you.

The wanderer

They demonstrate that they haven’t listened to a word you said.

It’s not an excercise for the faint hearted because it takes courage.

It is, however an investment worth making.

Once the scary six have taken you and your presentation apart, take another look at your presentation.

As painful and as strange as it may sound, remember it’s not real and it won’t happen. You, however, will be prepared for anything.

What exactly should you do with those awkward questions?

Killer question 1 – You don’t know the answer

The old saying ‘honesty is the best policy’, has stood the test of time because it’s true. The moment you try to bluff your way through a question you don’t know the answer to, you lose your credibility.

Try this instead.

Step into the question. In other words, take a step forward towards your audience. If you are seated then lean forward into the table or desk.

Have you noticed how common it is for people to be on the ‘back foot’ when they don’t know the answer to a question?

Your challenge is to be on the front foot and to step into or lean into the question.

Acknowledge the person who asked the question with eye contact. After that, bring the rest of the room into your response with eye contact too. Once you’ve moved forward and made eye contact, confidently say, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out and let you know’.

You have a few choices at this point. You can:

Ask the audience

“I don’t know the answer to that but I wonder whether anyone else in the audience does.”

“Can anyone help answer that question?”

Share a thought

You may not have the answer but you may have a view. Share a thought or perspective on the question if you have one.

‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out and let you know. In the meantime I have a thought on the issue. Please keep in mind that it’s not the answer to your question as I’ve already stated I don’t know the answer but here is a thought…

What’s your view on that?’

Ask for a moment

If you need a little time to think about the question, ask for it.

‘I need a few moments to think about that.’

This also take a little courage but remember, you don’t need to rush in to giving an answer.

Give yourself a little time to think. Your audience will respect you for it.

Postpone the answer

It may well be that you know the answer but under pressure the answer has slipped your mind. This is another opportunity to be honest.

‘ Given the importance of the question, I’d like to give you the most complete answer I can. I will need to get back to you in…’

Killer question 2 – You don’t understand the question

I’ve long held the view that most people don’t really listen. I believe that many do something else – they wait to speak.

“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen R. Covey

That is often the reason why we don’t understand the question. The solution is relatively simple; we need to really listen. That means:

– Listen – to the entire question

– Breathe – don’t leap straight into a response

– Check – ‘Let me just check that I understand you correctly, you are asking me if…’

‘To make sure that I’ve understood you correctly are you asking…’

If you still don’t understand the question, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and ask them to clarify what they mean. Explain politely that you are still not clear you understand the question.

Killer question 3 – It’s a hostile question

Most audiences are on your side. They are friendly, open and are keen to learn from you. That said, every now and then you may get what we call hostile questions.

They feel hostile because of the emotional charge. The questioner may wave their pen at you challenging or criticizing your perspective.

If this happens, your job is to remain calm. Depersonalize the attack and avoid being over defensive; easier said than done I know.

Your first priority is to diffuse the emotional charge and to take care of the rest of the audience whilst respecting the questioner.

Treat them the same as any other member of the audience. Answer their question as honestly and as professionally as you can.

Avoid matching your tone of voice to theirs. Stay calm, professional and polite. Remember that your audience will align with whoever is more courteous and respectful.

Very occasionaly it appears as though the questioner is looking for more of an argument rather than an answer. This is rare but if it happens, you owe it to the rest of your audience to close it down.

You do have some options:

– You can acknowledge their concern and suggest that the two of you meet separately after the presentation to discuss the matter in greater detail.

– If the questioner persists you can calmly assert:

‘I’m afraid I need to move on now.’

It’s possible that you may need to repeat this two or three times.

– A simple but powerful technique you can use to respectfully regain control of your presentation is to:

That means listening very closely and carefully to the perspective of the questioner.

You have listened closely enough to find something you can sincerely agree with. That does not mean you agree with a point they make even if you don’t. It means you listen intently for something that does make sense to you that you can agree with. When there is such a high emotional charge in a question it’s often fueled by passion and a need to be heard.

The questioner isn’t a bad person. They are simply someone who feels very strongly about what you are saying and may not share your perspective. Once you have listened closely enough to find something you can genuinely agree with, no matter how small, there is only one thing left to do.

You acknowledge that you agree with that element of their argument. Tell them that you understand their perspective or that the specific point they just made makes sense to you. Then you pause and you stay silent.

It’s more than a pause of course, as you are signalling to the questioner that you have nothing else to say on the matter.

You don’t say a word and watch what happens next.

Try to understand the motivation behind the question and tone. Share what you are picking up from them: “It sounds like your main concern is with the process. Is that correct?” This will encourage them to focus on the point they are trying to make. It will also give you a little time to consider a response.

One of the many key distinctions between a Mindful Presenter and a mediocre presenter is the ability to handle challenging questions professionally and effectively.

That distinction is achieved through the conscious focus and effort to:

– See questions as an opportunity to learn and engage, rather than be judged

– Listen very carefully to the question

– Lose the ‘headstuff’; in other words not making it all about you

– Pause and breathe

– Repeat the question if necessary and appropriate

– Understand the motivation behind the question

– Respect the questioner and the audience

– Anticipate difficult questions whilst crafting the presentation

– Stay calm, focused and on message

– Close the questions down politely and move on

If you need help answering those killer questions:

– Book yourself onto a powerful public speaking course .

– Invest in some really good one to one public speaking coaching .

– Get yourself some excellent presentation training

Image courtesy of: iStock.com

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How to Handle Hostile Questions During a Presentation

Published on May 4, 2015

Why not? What proof do you have? Why did you say that?

Assuming you cannot avoid calling on this person (which you often cannot), you need to have a response strategy.

These situations are stressful, but they don’t have to be. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and resist your natural instinct to give an immediate answer and to be excessively defensive.

Try these steps:

Step 1: Remember that half of the problem is in your head. You have already anticipated a tremendous amount of pain, yet the person has not even begun to ask his question. There is no need to get upset unnecessarily. Push those feelings down. Summon your friendliest voice, smile, and ask for their question.

Step 2: Listen carefully to their question. Don’t worry too much about your response yet. If you are thinking too much about your response, you will not be able to effectively digest their question. Understanding what they are asking is paramount to responding effectively.

Step 3: Pin down the motivation behind their question. Reflect what you feel they are expressing back to them: “It sounds like your main concern is with the methodology. Is that correct?” This will push them to rethink their question and will give you additional time to begin formulating a response.

Step 4: Give yourself time to think by using a few delaying phrases: “Thank you for your question. (Brief Pause) There are a few ways I could respond. (Brief Pause) Let me say this.”

Step 5: Respond. When you do respond, try to focus on just one response and perhaps one supporting example.

Step 6: Wrap up and move on. When you have finished your response, say, “Thank you for your question. Does anyone else have a question?” This will help eliminate the possibility that the person will ask an aggressive follow-up question and will allow you to move on to questions from more supportive audience members.

Presentation Skills

hostile questionnaire while giving a presentation

Introduction
Storytelling
Presentation Outlines
Tools for Creating Presentations
Designing Presentation Slides
Finding & Citing Media
Preparing & Testing Technology

Handling Audience Questions

Presentation Anxiety
Online Presentations
Feedback Form
Co-Curricular Recognition Form
Faculty Resources

The Question & Answer (or Q&A) session happens at the end of your presentation—audience members are free to ask you questions about your content and your ideas, and you have the chance to show how well you know your research.

But what happens if someone asks a tough question?

In this section, we'll look at how to handle audience questions so you can feel more in control of the situation.

Tips for Answering Questions in a Presentation

Make sure you understand the question and that you've heard everything the person wants to learn.

Re-state the question in your own words and have the person confirm that you've heard and understood their question. For example, you could say, "Are you asking…?" or "Did you mean…?" before rephrasing the person's question.

Be direct and honest. If you don't know the answer, that's okay too, but you should try your best to respond in a way that will satisfy the person who asked you the question.

Use a story that is relatable to the audience to build a better connection with your audience.

If someone asks you a difficult question, don't get rattled! Make sure you're polite, professional, and courteous. Be prepared for your presentation—think about what people might ask you during your presentation and either include the content in your session or leave it for the Q&A.

How to Handle Different Types of Questions

Handling questions from audience members can be one of the most difficult aspects of presenting your work. So, what kinds of questions might come up during your Q&A session?

Check the boxes below to learn more about a few different types of questions and how to handle them.

Direct Questions

Direct questions are the typical questions we use when we want information. Direct questions require direct answers. You want to be clear and concise with your response, and you'll likely only need one sentence to answer the question.

There are three types of direct questions:

True/False (Yes/No) : You either confirm or deny what the questioner has asked you.
Multiple Choice : You state which option is true based on two or more choices included in the question.
Fill in the Blank : Your answer will provide missing information for the questioner.

Hostile Questions

Hostile questions are often designed to challenge the narrative, structure, and conclusions of your presentation. These types of questions can range from annoying comments or rude interruptions to mild differences of opinion to highly charged challenges.

It's important to handle these kinds of disagreeable questions without getting hostile back. Remember: You have the power to control and optimize these difficult situations.

Types of Hostile Questions

Four common types of hostile questions include:

Example: "Your conclusion here is unrealistic, don't you think so?"

With these types of questions, you can respond with a simple “No,” immediately followed by a recap of the issue under consideration.

For example: "No, my conclusion is based on… and…"

In this case, long answers can be effective for diffusing the hostility. Maintain a neutral expression, and maintain eye contact with the questioner. Focus on the issue at hand and use this time to reinforce your ideas. Don’t let your emotions dictate your response.

Example: "How can you suggest such a flawed idea to solve this issue?"

What's essential about your response here is that you do not repeat the inflammatory word (in this case, it would be "flawed"). Keep a cool head, and summarize the issue without repeating the word that the questioner used.

For example: You might start your response saying, “The issue at hand is what impact this solution will have on our user group going forward… ”

You can then use this time to provide more information about how you came to this solution for this particular user group. Respond on your terms, not the terms of the questioner.

Example: "What kinds of sources did you look at to come to your conclusion?"

This type of hostile question is difficult to convey in a written form because they will sound similar to a direct question. The question is not using any inflammatory words or asking you to agree with a negative, but the question may still be hostile depending on the tone

In these situations, ignore the tone and respond as if the question was asked in a completely straightforward way–as difficult as that may be. Stay calm and give the questioner the information in a simple, direct way.

Example: "Given your background and limited knowledge on this subject, why did you even choose this topic for your presentation?"

Negative preconditions refer to the inclusion of negative assumptions or statements about the presenter or their work before the question is even asked. By framing the question in a negative way first, the presenter is then put into a defensive position, which makes it harder to provide a confident or satisfactory answer.

Similar to inflammatory trigger words, try to ignore the negative preconditions and focus exclusively on the issue at hand.

For example: "During this project I learned… which has a major impact on… As I stated earlier in the presentation, I was drawn to this topic because of… and… which has helped me…"

It's important to note that these kinds of negative preconditions are not constructive or helpful in the classroom—ideally, your professor will confront the person who asked a question like this!

Multi-Part Questions

Multi-part questions are questions that have multiple distinct parts or sub-questions. Instead of asking a single, straightforward question, the questioner will weave together different inquires in the same question.

For example: "I appreciated that your project focused on renewable energy sources—I was curious about a few things: What are the advantages of those sources in Ontario? Are they more expensive than our current energy solutions? What's their potential for widespread adoption here?"

As a presenter, it can be difficult to keep track of all these different questions—in most cases, the questioner genuinely wants more information, but they know you'll only have time to call on them once during the Q&A session.

You can approach this situation by answering each part separately. It can help to pretend a different questioner asked each question. Make sure that you're concise with your answers so that other audience members can ask their questions as well.

If you're having trouble remembering each part of the multi-part question, you can ask: "Could you remind me of your next question?" There's nothing wrong with briefly asking the questioner to repeat a part of their question—it shows that you care about providing a complete answer for your audience.

Long-winded 'Questions'

Long-winded 'questions' are more of an experience than a question.

In this situation, an audience member will flood you with their opinions or personal stories and there may or may not be a question tacked on to the end of their speech—but you're still expected to respond to them.

For example: "This is more of a comment, but your presentation reminded me of a project I worked on where I had to… It's refreshing to see someone else explore this topic, I only just learned about it last term when we… I was hoping to learn more about… I added something similar in my presentation for… … …"

A simple way to handle this situation is to acknowledge the higher-level, big picture ideas in what the person has said, and to then talk to the central idea of their 'question'. You don't need to address all the smaller opinions or ideas the person has shared—just stay focused on the key ideas or arguments from your presentation.

You could start by saying, "Clearly, there are a lot of issues going on here. Overall, I would say…" and then either answer the question or summarize your key ideas in about 2-3 sentences. Then you can move on to the next questioner.

Watch the video below to learn about the tone you should use during your Q&A session. You'll also learn specific phrases you can use to clarify questions or communicate when you're not sure about an answer.

Tips to Run a Successful Q&A Session

Successful presenters prepare for the Q&A session with the same focus and detail as their presentations—this is a chance for you share extra details, clarify any confusion, and make a great last impression on your audience.

Check the boxes below to learn what you should do before and during your presentation to create a smooth, successful Q&A!

Before Your Presentation

You might not know exactly which questions you'll be asked during your Q&A session, but there are still ways you can prepare yourself.

Try the following three techniques before your next presentation:

Work out the answers to these questions as you're working on your presentation—these questions can help you figure out where you might need to do more research. Decide which questions you'll incorporate into your presentation, and which ones you'll leave to the Q&A session.

Test out your presentation with a friend, a family member, or a tutor at Sheridan's Tutoring Centre . Ideally, you want to test your presentation on someone with little to no knowledge about your topic—they can help point out areas that aren't clear so you can add more detail. You can book a free tutoring appointment on TutorOcean .

Spend time practicing your answers by speaking them out loud. The more you prepare, the more natural you will sound during your Q&A session!

During Your Q&A Session

Use an open-ended question (e.g., "Who has the first question?" "What topic should we start discussing?") rather than a 'yes/no' question (e.g., "Are there any questions?" to get the conversation started.

If you've waited about 30 seconds and no one is asking a question, you could start the Q&A by talking about something that interested you in you research. For example, "When I started my research, I had a lot of questions about 'X'. A key part of 'X' is…"

Repeating questions serves two main functions: First, it allows you to clarify what the questioner has asked; second, it helps to make sure your audience has heard the question.

You don't need a quick answer for everything—give yourself the chance to think about what the questioner has asked, what you know about the topic, and what information might help the questioner.

Aim for 2-3 sentences in your answer. If you feel like your answer needs to be longer, offer a summary of your ideas in 2-3 sentences and then offer to either talk to the questioner after your presentation or to e-mail the questioner (or the class) with a longer response.

It's better to say, "I don't know, but let me look that up and I'll send a note to the class" than it is to make up an inaccurate or misleading answer.

If someone asks you a difficult question, respond calmly and politely. Help the questioner feel heard by briefly acknowledging their concern or point or question, and then offer to follow up with them after the Q&A session is over.

End your Q&A session by thanking everyone for their thought-provoking questions. Make sure that you return the favour by engaging with your classmates during the Q&A session of their presentations too!

Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024 2:29 PM
URL: https://sheridancollege.libguides.com/presentationskills

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The Art of Question & Answer: Handling Audience Questions Like a Pro

Hrideep barot.

Presentation , Public Speaking

If you have ever given a presentation , you might know how witty and challenging a question-and-answer session can get. Not knowing the answer to a question can be quite unnerving and leave a bad impression even after a fabulous presentation. This blog will help you bridge that gap before your next presentation. We will talk about how to maintain your composure as you deal with questions and also the different types of difficult questions one can face.

Why should I have a Question-and-answer session?

Having a Question and Answer (Q&A) session serves multiple valuable purposes. It transforms one-sided communication into a two-way exchange, turning lectures or speeches into engaging discussions. This interaction not only enhances audience engagement but also promotes collaboration and the collective building of knowledge. Historically, great questions have driven innovation and change, such as Isaac Newton’s curiosity about gravity. During a Q&A , encouraging audience participation by inviting questions and making eye contact with various attendees creates a sense of connection and keeps the session lively, much like a talk show host engaging their audience.

Including a question and answer (Q&A) session after your presentation holds numerous advantages and is a pivotal aspect of engaging with your audience effectively.

Let’s delve into these reasons:

1. audience engagement and participation: .

Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:

Your presentation might leave some audience members perplexed or unconvinced. Before you begin, it’s vital to gauge your audience’s understanding. As Aristotle noted, “Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Q&A provides an excellent opportunity to clarify doubts and bolster your argument.

3. Expanding on Your Message:

Often, time constraints force you to condense crucial information during your presentation. Q&A, however, empowers you to elaborate on your points, share practical examples, and address any opposition, creating a more comprehensive understanding. This aligns with Robert Frost’s sentiment: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”

4. Fostering Natural Interaction:

Effective public speaking thrives on interaction. Audiences seek speakers who communicate openly and naturally. Q&A brings a conversational and relatable dimension to your presentation. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

5. Challenging Your Expertise:

The unpredictability of Q&A keeps you on your toes. You must be well-prepared and nimble to handle a variety of questions and objections. Eleanor Roosevelt’s words resonate: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.”

How do you answer Questions effectively?

Handling a question-and-answer session effectively requires preparation, communication skills, and adaptability. Whether you’re conducting a Q&A session as a speaker, presenter, or moderator, here are some tips to help you manage it effectively:

1. Preparation is Key:

Know your audience: Research your audience’s demographics, interests, and knowledge level. Tailor your responses to their needs and expectations. Imagine you’re hosting a Q&A session about pets. Knowing your audience means finding out if they’re mostly cat lovers, dog enthusiasts, or perhaps reptile fans. This helps you tailor your answers to their specific interests, like offering dog training tips for dog lovers and habitat ideas for reptile enthusiasts.

Anticipate questions: Develop a list of potential questions that might arise during the session. This can help you prepare concise and informative answers. If you’re giving a presentation about a superhero movie, anticipate questions like “Who’s the main villain?” or “What are the special powers of the hero?” Prepare concise answers to these common questions to keep the audience engaged.

Review your material: Revisit your presentation or discussion content before the Q&A session. This will help you recall key points and examples that may be relevant to questions. For Ex: You’re a teacher conducting a Q&A after a science class. Before the session, review your notes on the periodic table. This ensures that when a student asks, “What are the noble gases?” you can confidently explain their properties.

2. Set Expectations:

Clearly explain how the Q&A session will be structured. For example, inform the audience whether questions will be taken throughout the session or only at the end. Mention any time constraints.

Let the audience know if you have topics you’d like to cover or all questions are welcome.

For example: Think of a cooking class where you’re the instructor. Before starting, inform your students that they can ask questions anytime during the class. This sets the expectation that it’s an interactive learning experience.

3. Active Listening:

Give the questioner your full attention. Make eye contact, nod to acknowledge understanding, and avoid interrupting.

Repeat or rephrase the question if needed to ensure clarity and show that you are actively engaged with the questioner.

Imagine you’re a detective in a mystery novel. When a witness asks, “Did you see the suspect?”, listen attentively, nod to acknowledge, and ask follow-up questions to gather all the details. This demonstrates active listening.

4. Take a pause

Before answering any question there is a key aspect that makes you look smart and composed- “The Pause.” The Pause is where you gather your thoughts and prepare your answer in a gist. You decide how to answer the question and tackle it swiftly. If you perhaps don’t know the answer, what is the best way to say you will get back with an answer, and so on? You can get a firm grip on your audience as they wait for you to speak and then speak with utmost clarity, that is the power of Pauses.

5. Be Concise and Clear:

Answer each question briefly and directly. Avoid going off on tangents or providing excessive background information.

Use plain language and avoid jargon that might confuse the audience. Suppose you’re explaining how to play a video game. Instead of going into a lengthy backstory, say, “To win, you must collect all the magical crystals and defeat the dragon boss.” This clear and concise explanation keeps players engaged.

6. Stay Calm and Confident:

If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it gracefully. Offer to research or follow up later, and don’t try to bluff your way through.

Maintain a calm and composed demeanor even in the face of challenging or critical questions. Focus on addressing the question, not the tone.

This is also where your preparation becomes your backbone and provides you the confidence to deal with your audience.

Also, I want you to remember that knowledge is very vast- The more you gain knowledge the more you realize how little you know! Do not worry about admitting that you don’t know an answer, you can provide whatever information you have and later get back to them when you do find one.

7. Manage Time:

Allocate a specific amount of time for the Q&A session and communicate this at the outset. Stick to the schedule to ensure you cover all planned topics. If necessary, prioritize questions based on relevance or importance.

Think of a soccer coach during a practice session. Allocate specific time for different drills and stick to the schedule. This ensures that all aspects of the game are covered within the session.

8. Field Diverse Questions:

Encourage a wide range of questions, including those that challenge your viewpoint or prompt discussion. This diversity can lead to more engaging and informative sessions.

For Example: In a book club discussion, encourage members to ask questions about various aspects of the book, from plot details to character motivations. This diversity of questions leads to a more engaging conversation.

9. Moderate Effectively:

As someone who has to give direction to the discussion, try to maintain control of the session and ensure questions are relevant to the topic and audience. Politely redirect or filter out off-topic or inappropriate questions.

Give everyone a chance to ask questions, and manage time to allow for a variety of voices to be heard.

Pretend you’re a radio DJ taking calls from listeners. If someone goes off-topic, gently steer the conversation back to the music or topic of the show to maintain a cohesive experience.

10. Encourage Feedback:

After the Q&A, ask the audience for feedback on the session’s effectiveness. This can help you improve future sessions and tailor them to the audience’s needs.

Example: After a group art project, ask each participant what they liked and what could be improved. This feedback helps everyone learn from the experience and create better art in the future.

11. Follow-Up:

If you promised to provide additional information or research an answer, do so promptly after the session. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing the audience’s needs.

12. Reflect and Improve:

After each session, take time to analyze what went well and what could be improved. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine your Q&A skills for future engagements.

Can I answer a Question with a Question?

Many a time we think is it disrespectful to answer a question with a question, or perhaps even condescending? However, answering a question with a question can be an effective communication technique when used thoughtfully, but it’s essential to be mindful of the context and tone to avoid coming across as disrespectful or condescending.

Consider, for instance, a scenario where someone asks, “Do you know where my keys are?” Responding with, “Have you checked your coat pocket?” instead of a direct “yes” or “no” can be helpful. However, if someone in a team meeting asks, “How do we solve this problem?” replying with, “Well, what solutions have you considered?” can encourage collaborative problem-solving. So, while answering a question with a question can be a valuable tool for prompting critical thinking or guiding discussions, it’s crucial to gauge the situation and intent to ensure it’s used appropriately.

Types of Difficult Questions:

Often times in presentations we don’t get softball questions that are easy to handle but rather some sort of pushback. The audience tries to gauge your authenticity or simply disagrees with you. These are what we call Difficult questions. They are inquiries that pose challenges beyond their surface. They require careful consideration, provoke thought, or test one’s knowledge, often demanding more than a simple yes or no answer. Handling difficult questions effectively is a skill that involves not only providing accurate responses but also managing the dynamics of the discussion and the emotions of those asking. In this exploration, we’ll delve deeper into these challenging types of questions, dissect their nuances, and offer strategies for responding adeptly and constructively.

1. When You Don’t Know the Answer:

Challenge: It’s common to face questions to which you don’t have an immediate answer, especially in complex or unfamiliar topics.
Example: In a technical presentation, someone asks a highly technical question beyond your expertise.
Admit it gracefully: Acknowledge that you don’t have the answer, but express your willingness to find it.
Offer a partial answer: Share what you do know or suggest possible resources or experts to consult.
Follow up: Make a commitment to research and provide a comprehensive response after the session.

2. Too Many Questions at the Same Time (Machine Gun Questioning):

Challenge: Some audience members may bombard you with multiple questions all at once, making it difficult to respond coherently.
Example: An audience member asks, “How does this technology work, and what are its applications? Can you explain its impact on the industry?”
Politely request clarification: Ask the person to specify which question they’d like you to address first.
Address one question at a time: Break down the multiple questions into individual responses to maintain clarity.
Control the pace: Politely request that questions be asked one at a time to facilitate a more organized discussion.

3. Audience Member Makes a Statement and Tries to Take Over:

Challenge: Some individuals may attempt to dominate the Q&A session by making lengthy statements or challenging your expertise.
Example: An audience member insists on sharing their own knowledge and experience, seemingly to undermine your credibility.
Acknowledge their input: Politely thank them for their perspective and acknowledge their knowledge.
Redirect the focus: Gently guide the conversation back to the topic or the question at hand.
Set boundaries: Establish ground rules for the Q&A session at the beginning, emphasizing that questions should be concise and relevant.

4. Emotional Questions Driven by Anger:

Challenge: Emotionally charged questions, often stemming from anger or frustration, can be challenging to handle without escalating tension.
Example: An audience member confronts you with anger about a controversial topic you’re discussing.
Stay calm and empathetic: Maintain composure, listen attentively, and acknowledge the person’s emotions.
Avoid confrontation: Refrain from responding with defensiveness or aggression, as it can escalate the situation.
Reframe the question: Politely ask the person to rephrase their question in a more constructive and specific manner.

5. Off-Topic Questions:

Challenge: Sometimes, audience members ask questions that are unrelated to the topic of your presentation or discussion.
Example: In a business presentation on marketing strategies, someone asks about your personal hobbies.
Politely redirect: Acknowledge the question but gently steer the conversation back to the main topic.
Offer to discuss later: Suggest discussing off-topic questions after the session to avoid derailing the current discussion.

6. Provocative Questions:

Challenge: These questions are designed to provoke a reaction or create controversy.
Example: During a political debate, someone asks a loaded question aimed at stirring up emotions rather than seeking a constructive answer.
Stay composed: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor when responding, regardless of the provocation.
Address the core issue: Focus on the underlying topic or concern within the provocative question rather than getting drawn into the emotional aspect.

7. Incomprehensible Questions:

Challenge: Some questions are poorly phrased or unclear, making it challenging to discern the intent behind them.
Example: An audience member asks a question with convoluted language and vague references.
Seek clarification: Politely ask the person to rephrase or clarify their question to ensure you understand it correctly.
Paraphrase and respond: Restate what you believe the question is about, and answer based on your interpretation. The person can then confirm or correct your understanding.

8. Condescending Questions:

Challenge: These questions are posed in a belittling or patronizing manner, often implying that the person asking believes they know better.
Example: An audience member asks, “Do you even understand the basics of this topic?”
Maintain professionalism: Respond with professionalism and confidence, avoiding any temptation to match the condescension.
Address the question’s substance: Focus on providing a well-informed and concise response to demonstrate your expertise.

9. Overly Technical Questions:

Challenge: In technical or specialized discussions, questions may become overly complex, making it challenging for a broader audience to follow.
Example: A highly technical question filled with industry-specific jargon is asked in a general audience setting.
Simplify the response: Offer a simplified explanation or analogy to make the answer accessible to a broader audience.
Offer follow-up resources: Suggest additional reading or resources for those interested in delving deeper into the technical details.

Handling these challenging question scenarios effectively requires a combination of good communication skills, patience, and tact. Remember that the goal is to maintain a productive and respectful dialogue with your audience while addressing their concerns and inquiries.

Who is responsible for answering questions from the audience at the time of the presentation?

The responsibility for answering questions from the audience during a presentation primarily falls on the presenter (most likely You). You’re the one who’s been preparing and practicing your presentation for weeks, months, or maybe even years. You’re the guru on the stage, the oracle of information. When those curious souls in the audience raise their hands or type away with their burning questions, it’s your time to shine. You get to flex your brain muscles and give them answers that will make their heads spin (in a good way, of course). It’s your duty to facilitate a productive Q&A session by actively listening to each question, providing thoughtful and accurate responses, and ensuring that the discussion remains relevant to the topic at hand. However, in some cases, especially during larger presentations or panel discussions, a moderator or facilitator may assist in managing the question-and-answer

In conclusion, mastering the art of Q&A, and handling audience questions like a pro, is a skill that can transform any presentation, discussion, or public speaking engagement. By understanding the diverse types of questions that may arise and adopting effective strategies to address them, you can create an interactive and engaging dialogue with your audience. From riddles that stimulate creativity to emotionally charged inquiries that demand empathy, each question offers a unique opportunity to connect, educate, and inspire.

Remember, the key to success lies in active listening, clear communication, and maintaining composure, even in the face of challenging questions. Whether you’re a speaker, presenter, moderator, or simply someone engaged in a meaningful conversation, the ability to navigate difficult questions with finesse not only enhances your credibility but also fosters a more enriching and enlightening exchange of ideas. So, embrace the art of Q&A, and with practice and patience, you’ll continue to refine this valuable skill, ensuring that your interactions with your audience are both memorable and impactful.

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Handling Hostile Questions and Statements in Six Simple Steps

Learn how to manage the harshest feedback from colleagues, customers, interviewers and audiences

Handling hostile questions and statements is a communication and presentation skill like any other. Despite the added anxiety that harshly phrased feedback can cause, a few simple techniques will help you defuse the hostility and deter further attacks.

When faced with a verbal attack, our instinct is to counterattack or become defensive. This will come across in your words and body language , and risks provoking the person or weakening your reputation with others. That’s why the first step to handling hostile questions and statements is to stop yourself from responding immediately. Instead, calmly follow the steps in this article.

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As you work through them, remember that hostility is rarely the way to solve conflict in the workplace . By taking the high ground, you prove yourself to be a good li stener who genuinely wants to extract potentially valuable input from someone’s question or statement, regardless of its phrasing. After all, there can be huge business value in asking difficult questions and challenging people’s perceptions .

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If you remain professional in the face of someone who is clearly trying to provoke you, it puts you in a much stronger position all round. It’s also much harder for people to argue with someone who is perpetually positive and polite.

1. “Can You Repeat the Question?”

Simply asking the person to repeat their question or statement can defuse some of the hostility straight away. By inferring you haven’t quite understood, you encourage them to explain their point in a clearer way, which often means removing some of the hostile wording. This can be particularly useful if you sense that the person crafted their initial question or statement for maximum emotional impact.

Asking the questioner to repeat the question also paints you as someone who values clear communication . In other words, you are concerned that the person’s hostility could cause a miscommunication that you want to address straight away so you can provide an accurate response.

2. Consider Their Motivation

When handling hostile questions and statements, listen very carefully to how the person phrases their sentence. This enables you to identify their intent.

In most cases, hostile people want further information, clarification or assurances. However, watch out for questions that are designed to:

Make you look bad in front of others, or provoke you
Make the questioner look superior to you
Trick you into admitting something negative about yourself or your work
Push the questioner’s agenda or position

Considering the person’s motivation will help you determine their core concern. It also helps you decide if the person has a valid need or simply wishes to cause upset .

3. Rephrase

The next step for handling hostile questions and statements is to rephrase them. This gives you a further opportunity to remove hostile wording. As long as you capture the person’s core concern in your rephrasing, it will be hard for them to reintroduce hostility.

The trick is to turn their question or statement into a more practical sentence that you can address in an equally practical way. For example, if the questioner abruptly asks,

“How do I know you’ll do what you promised this time?”

you could rephrase it as

“You want to know what guarantees are in place going forward?”

4. Find Alignment

Having rephrased the question or statement, you can begin your response. Ideally, try to start from a position of alignment that puts you on the same side as the questioner to some degree. In other words, find something you can both agree on.

Remember that hostile questions tend to flow from negative feelings such as distress, frustration or anger. The person may feel they have been damaged in some way, or are likely to be in the future. In many cases, simply recognising these emotions gives you a strong point of alignment. It also demonstrates that you understand how the person feels and empathise with their situation. For example, “I know how upsetting this must be.”

Another technique for handling hostile questions and statements is to remind everyone of a shared goal you are all working towards. This encourages people to think objectively about the needs of the group rather than their own personal perspectives. For example, you could start by reminding them that, “Our ultimate aim is to launch a better service than our competitors.”

5. Talk in Terms of Impact

When handling hostile questions and statements, it is understandable to want to justify your position using facts. However, bear in mind that facts alone are unlikely to evoke enough emotion to counteract the person’s strong negative feelings. Your justification needs to evoke even stronger feelings, preferably positive.

The best approach is to translate facts into their impacts on people’s lives. That could be members of your team, customers of the organisation or the wider public. Again, this encourages the hostile person to think more objectively, which may be all it takes to alleviate their concerns. It also portrays you as someone who cares, rather than someone who is lost in the data.

Try to keep your response as brief as possible, and make sure it is factually accurate. Guesses and mistruths that temporarily calm a difficult situation will almost certainly backfire at some point. You can also use storytelling techniques to further enhance the emotional impact of your response.

6. “ Next Question Please”

If you are delivering a presentation , be mindful that a single member of the audience cannot be allowed to dominate the entire Q&A session . The simplest technique is to follow up your handling of the hostile question or statement by immediately opening the floor to other people.

That may not be practical in every situation, particularly if the questioner is a line manager or senior stakeholder. Even then, it may be best to suggest you discuss their concern separately or come back to them with the information they need. This allows you to move on to the next question, which will hopefully be more pleasant to answer.

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Handling Questions and Objections During A Presentation by Peter Dhu

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to handling questions and objections from your audience. However, it’s important to remember that questions and objections are a natural part of any presentation and handling them effectively can help you build trust and confidence with your audience. Here are some tips for handling questions and objections that may arise during your presentation.

The importance of being prepared in public speaking

One of the keys to handling questions and objections effectively is preparation. Before your presentation, take the time to anticipate potential questions and objections and think through how you will address them. This will help you feel confident and in control when these questions arise during the presentation. Ask yourself, if I was an audience member listening to this topic, what issues, concerns and questions might come up for me. And prepare answers for those questions.

The importance of active listening

When a member of your audience asks a question or raises an objection, it’s important to listen actively and understand the underlying concerns of the person asking the question. This will help you respond in a way that addresses their concerns and helps to build trust and rapport with your audience. Active listening means giving the speaker your full attention, maintaining eye contact, and asking clarifying questions to make sure you fully understand their point of view. Please don’t do the brush off or change the intent of the question to suit yourself. The audience will see this and you may lose their trust.

Responding to questions and objections

When responding to questions and objections during public speaking, it’s important to be clear, concise, and confident. I like the less is more principal when responding to questions. Be brief and to the point. Use examples, anecdotes, and data to support your argument and address any misconceptions or misunderstandings. Avoid getting defensive or confrontational, and try to maintain a positive, professional demeanor throughout the conversation.

If you don’t know the answer to a question , it’s okay to say so and “take it on notice” and get back to them. This shows that you’re honest and willing to do the necessary research to get them the information they need.

Handling difficult or hostile questions during public speaking

Handling difficult or hostile questions can be challenging, but it’s important to remain calm, respectful, and professional. Avoid getting defensive or confrontational, and instead, focus on understanding the concerns behind the question. Address any misconceptions or misunderstandings and use examples and data to support your argument. If the question is off topic or outside of the scope of your talk, say so. If the question is particularly targeted to only that individual’s concerns or circumstances, you can ask the person if you can follow up with them one on one, after the presentation. This shows that you’re willing to listen and work with them to find a solution.

They say that the question and answer session can make or break a great presentation. Handling questions and objections effectively during a presentation is an important aspect of effective public speaking. By being prepared, actively listening, responding clearly and confidently, and handling difficult situations professionally, you can help to build trust and rapport with your audience, and ensure that your message is received in the way you intended.

Interested in improving your public speaking skills? Join Peter at the Winning Presentation Skills on October 23rd in Perth . Limited seats available, so register now!

Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation

October 19, 2017 - Dom Barnard

The questions at the end of a presentation can be terrifying for many speakers as they can’t be controlled and are hard to prepare for. However, questions form an important part of the presentation for the whole audience as they allow for clarification and consolidation of learning.

The presenter can enhance the usefulness of the question and answer session by treating it as a formal part of the presentation that requires as much careful planning and control as the delivery of the core material.

Identify possible questions and scope in your preparation

The background work that you undertook whilst planning your presentation is the key to handling questions effectively and understanding what type of audience you’ll be faced with. If you have defined a focus for your presentation and have explored this thoroughly in your research and planning, you are more likely to be able to confidently respond to questions.

When planning your presentation, you will need to prepare prompts for questions that are open and straightforward, for example saying “That’s the end of my presentation. I’ll be taking questions for the next 10 minutes”.

You might also want to define topics for discussion before taking questions, by stating the areas you’re willing to field questions in. Your preparation will help you identify topics you are not confident with and want to avoid in the questioning.

Prepare for questions after the presentation

Set some rules for asking questions

At the start of your presentation, make it clear when you would prefer to deal with questions – as you go along or at the end of the presentation.

Some speakers prefer questions to be raised as they arise during the presentation. The advantage of this approach is that any misunderstandings can be dealt with immediately. However, there is also a danger that the question will disrupt or distract the speaker, or that questions are raised that would have been covered later in the presentation.

If you leave questions until the end, plan to leave plenty of time for questions so that the audience doesn’t feel rushed.

Framework for responding to questions

Answering questions under pressure can make you say things you shouldn’t have – the nerves can force you to give an inappropriate response. In your panic you might have misinterpreted the question or given away company information that was sensitive. Use the following framework to help you respond effectively to your audience.

Practice answering AI-generated questions on your speech or presentation with VirtualSpeech .

1. Listen to the whole question

You don’t have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds, actively listen to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer.

Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet. This can throw you if you have already started to prepare an answer. Remember that questioners will frequently try to make a point whilst asking their question – it’s therefore important to both hear the content of the question and try to decipher the questioner’s intention.

2. Understand the context

If you are worried that you haven’t understood a question, ask them to clarify what they mean. Check for confirmation by paraphrasing the question back to the questioner – “You want me to list the improvements of X?”.

3. Involve the whole audience

It is important to remember that even though you are taking a question from one member of the audience, you are still responsible for the interest of the other audience members. This is particularly important in large groups as the audience will become bored if the presentation descends into a series of one-to-one discussions.

To involve the rest of the audience, make sure the whole audience has heard and understood the question by repeating it or paraphrasing it to the audience.

4. Respond concisely

When you reply to a question, direct your answer to both the questioner and other members of the audience. Try to keep your responses as focused as possible, leaving space for other questions. To avoid going into too much detail, check back with the questioner to see if you have answered their query – “Does that answer your question in enough detail?”.

We’ll cover different ways to respond in a later section.

5. Allow follow-up questions via email

You can also encourage your audience to ask questions after the event has finished by providing your email address. This shows a high level of respect for your audience and implies that the topic still has much further scope for enquiry.

Two good resources for handling questions

What’s the art of answering a tricky question?
Dodging the Question

Practice Answering Questions

Practice answering questions after your presentation using a 4 step process. Learn More

Options for answering the question

There are five possible choices depending on how well you understand and can answer the question. It’s okay to say that you don’t know the answer to something. This can add to your credibility instead of trying to waffle through an answer you don’t really know.

If you have a good answer for the question from the audience, go ahead and answer it in a short and clear message.

Ask a question back the audience member, such as “Can you clarify what you mean by that”. You can also attack the question if it is not related to the issue, factually inaccurate, personal or based on false assumptions. Be careful with this method.

Ask the question back to the audience or pass it to another panel member if possible. If suitable, another technique is to imply the question has been asked already, with you stating you don’t want to cover old ground.

Tell the audience member you will talk to them after the event. This gives you more time to think of a good answer and there is less pressure to give a perfect answer.

Or mention that that point is coming up in a slide.

This involves answering the question but changing the subject. You can also give a partial answer or give a negative answer, saying that something else will happen instead.

Avoid answering questions that fall outside of the remit of your talk: “I’m afraid that really falls outside of my objectives for today’s presentation. Perhaps we can resume discussion of that particular point later?”

Framework for handling questions after a presentation

Diagram Explained : Once you receive a question, you’ll have a few moments to think about it and reframe it in a way that makes sense to you. This will give you five choices on how to react – you can answer, reflect, deflect, defer or change the scope of the question. Once you’ve answered concisely, you can then follow up to check if the person asking the question is satisfied and then continue with the presentation.

Strategies to use when struggling to answer

Here are some strategies to use when you are struggling to answer the question posed to you. For more information, read this article on Dodging the Question .

Acknowledge the question without answering it – “That’s a good question, let’s consider the impact by looking at…”
The question fails to tackle the important issue.
The question is based on a false assumption.
The question is factually inaccurate.
The question is too personal or objectionable.
Decline to answer. Refuse to answer on the basis that it is not your area of responsibility or it is sensitive company information – “You will have to ask [name] because I wasn’t involved in that particular project.”
Partial answer
Start to answer but change the subject
Negative answer. You state what won’t happen instead of what will happen
Answer a similar question
State or imply the question has already been answered – “We’ve already covered that topic”

Things to avoid

When handling questions and answers, you will still need to be as professional as you have been for the main delivery of your presentation. There are some common dangers to avoid.

Answering the question you wished you’d been asked

A common trick played by politicians, this strategy ignores the precise nature of the question and uses a predetermined answer to the broad topic area. If handled poorly, this technique is very obvious to the audience and frustrating to the questioner.

Giving a lengthy response

This is the process whereby you make a lengthy response, including all the information you’d left out in planning the main presentation. Your unplanned response will be unstructured and rambling, so keep things focused and brief. If you find yourself rambling, ask them to talk to you after.

Passing the blame

Passing the blame to others comes across as weak and evasive. If an idea from the audience is a good one, acknowledge its value. If it isn’t, make a polite rebuttal and move on.

Defensive answers

Occasionally, questions can really put you on the spot, but it is important to remain calm and in control. An aggressive or defensive reply will be seen as weakness on your part and will spoil the effect of an otherwise successful presentation.

Handling difficult questions

It is important not to start responding to a difficult question before you have thought about the answer. Repeating the question and asking for clarification will help create some space for your thoughts.

Sometimes you will need to think about a question for a moment before responding. You may be able to buy a little bit of thinking time to help focus your response. Useful strategies include searching for an appropriate visual aid to help focus your response or simply pausing for a moment or two to think. For even more time, suggest that you’ll come back to the topic later (but don’t forget to do this).

7 myths when answering tough questions during presentations

Sometimes questions are too difficult to answer. Don’t worry about admitting that you don’t know something or haven’t considered an alternative approach. An enthusiastic “That’s an interesting idea, I’d not thought of that” is much more positive than a mumbled “I don’t know ”. Remember that a presentation is a two-way process and it is important to show that you are learning from your audience as well.

Finally, you can come across a questioner who disagrees strongly with your argument. Although this can feel very awkward, remember that you are still responsible for the whole audience and that you cannot allocate all of your question time to one individual.

If you feel that you have answered the initial question, announce that you will move on and suggest that you might continue discussion after the presentation. If the questioner persists, assert your position calmly by saying “I’m afraid I need to move on”.

You can read more on this topic here: Responding to questions effectively (PDF)

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Communication, facilitation, powerspeaking blog: tips and strategies for crafting presentations, tough questions: tips for dealing with difficult audiences.

by PowerSpeaking, Inc. Nov 30, 2016 10:17:43 AM

If you are feeling apprehensive about public speaking or presenting, typically at the root of the anxiety is fear of embarrassing yourself. With careful preparation and focus on delivery, it can be easy to avoid embarrassment in a monologue style presentation. But what about when you open up the floor for questions and comments?

Audiences can be tricky: Even if they're your peers, co-workers, or experts in a certain field, everyone has their own agenda and emotional logic. By giving a presentation and soliciting feedback, you are inviting a variety of different personalities to listen and comment on your work. Audience member responses can range from boredom to outright hostility for reasons that may be unclear to you. To conquer a difficult audience, follow these tips:

Build Empathy Ahead of Time

Even if you are presenting to a room stuffed with hundreds of people, it is still possible to research the basic profile of audience members ahead of time. Ask yourself: Who will be watching my presentation? What kind of background do they have, and how does their background relate to my own? What kind of political agendas are at play? From there, try and put yourself in their shoes. What would it be like to hear the information in your presentation for the first time? By asking these questions, you can build empathy and understanding, which will help you stay cool if you run into hostility or skepticism.

Know Your Subject Inside and Out

It should go without saying, but when being pressed by a critical or hostile audience, knowing the subject of your presentation intimately is your best defense. The ability to speak authoritatively on things related to — yet outside the immediate scope of — your presentation could put an audience at ease.

Keep the Focus on the Presentation

When being asked questions, keep the agenda in mind. The agenda is your commitment to the audience. If you are pressed on a particularly complicated idea outside of the agenda, first validate the questioner, then reassert the scope of session — giving the questioner (and anyone else) interested the opportunity to follow up later. Your response might sound like this: "That's an important topic and I would like to explore that with you — and anyone else that is interested! Unfortunately, that is not the focus of my presentation today but if you'd like to discuss this further, I’ll stay after this session so we can delve into this idea." That kind of response can help redirect conversation quite well.

Assert and Reassert

Whether it's confusion, hostility, or boredom, negative audience responses are often born out of confusion. They may be unintentionally or purposely misinterpreting implications of your work or simply unsure of the details. Practice being able to explain your work in a different language, simplifying as needed. If you observe a misinterpretation, don't chastise. Instead, politely apologize for the confusion and reassert your data concisely and carefully, putting emphasis on the information that you felt wasn't picked up last time.

Take Control of Q and As

When you open up the floor for questions, typically there are a few individuals who may be more outspoken than others. This is to be expected and some degree of responding to their questions is warranted. However, Jeremy Bailenson, PhD, a Stanford University psychology professor, cautions against letting a particularly fixated audience member monopolize the talkback session. "Remember that you're performing for the group, not for a few outspoken individuals," he told the American Psychological Association. If you feel that an audience member isn't ceding the floor for other questions, politely assert that you appreciate their interest but that you would like to hear from a variety of different voices and that time is limited.

Don't Take It Personally -- Even if It Is Personal

Occasionally, you may run into a particularly negative, hostile audience member. Whether their hostility is born out of an objection to an aspect of your work or simply a personal grudge, their bad attitude can be infectious and create a mood of discomfort felt throughout the venue. It is very important that you do not respond to their hostility in a personal way -- even if it is directed at you personally. The goal of these disrupters is to create a situation where you lose your cool. Remain politely detached, acknowledge their contributions to the conversation, and move on quickly.

You can't anticipate every troublemaker that may find themselves in your audience, but by focusing on preparation, poise and authority, you can take control of the situation and overcome audiences’ challenges.

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Related Blog Posts: Learn How Buzz & Acronyms can Ruin your presentation , Master Tough Questions in Four Steps , How Can You Maintain Attention?

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Use the 5 P’s, fend off nerves, and practice empathy.

July 19, 2016

Good news is easy to deliver. Rarely will you face a hostile crowd when relaying that projected earnings doubled over the prior year or that an unexpected windfall is on its way.

Unfortunately, accounting isn’t the type of business that delivers only good news. Sometimes CPAs have to deliver disappointing financial news to clients or to the partners who run their own firms. Or maybe you’ve been tapped to give a presentation to a demanding group that may challenge your conclusions, interrupt you, or want to air grievances in front of others. If that’s the scenario you’re facing, there’s no need to panic. With the right preparation, you can navigate thorny situations and relay needed information.

Experts from within the public accounting profession and outside of it share some of their tips on how to give a presentation to a tough crowd.

1. Set your expectations upfront

The beginning of any presentation should make the ground rules clear. For example, you can maintain control of the room by asking people to hold questions until the end, said Charlene Rhinehart, a Chicago-based CPA active with pageants and the public speaking group Toastmasters. “If you don’t want people to ask questions until the end of the presentation, make that known,” Rhinehart said. “Just lay out your expectations; it helps everyone.”

Banning questions until the end of the presentation doesn’t work for all situations, though, especially if your subject matter is complex, said Ken Futch, an Atlanta-based business consultant who teaches others how to improve their presentations. Let the audience make queries that are vital to understanding the ongoing presentation, Futch said, but request they leave comments and more general queries for the end.

2. Prep your presentation extensively

Anthony Campanelli, a partner with Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP’s forensics and investigations team, has had to deliver negative news to clients on multiple occasions. Campanelli, a New York City-based CPA, abides by a motto known as the five P’s: “Proper planning prevents poor performance.” He often does a dry run of the presentation in his head, reviews PowerPoint slides or handout materials that he will use, and makes sure he has all the information he needs. “You never want to delay giving bad news, but you always want to make sure you have all the relevant information,” he said.

Spend time thinking about what questions the audience may have, said Andrew Baida, a Baltimore attorney. Ask a colleague to watch a run-through of your presentation and find out what questions he or she has after hearing the material, he recommended.

3. Know your audience

If you can, try to learn about the people you’ll be in front of. Does a key corporate officer loathe or adore PowerPoint slides? Would the board prefer having information ahead of time? Campanelli often talks ahead of time to subordinates of corporate officers to find out the best way to present information and pick up important context about the company. He tries to ensure that all the stakeholders who need to be in the meeting will be there. Rhinehart goes to LinkedIn to learn the names and titles of her audience, and researches the industry’s challenges.

4. Navigate hostile questions

Not every presentation will be in front of a friendly audience, and you could face someone who wants to challenge you. Futch recommends turning the questions around on the asker, a method that can be especially helpful when dealing with clients. For example, if someone asks for an opinion on a recent regulation and seems to have an opinion of his or her own, turn around and instead ask, “Why do you ask that?” Futch said. Doing so avoids alienating clients. It’s also important to stick to what you do know, according to Rhinehart. If you’re asked a question you don’t know the answer to, tell the group you’ll get back to them.

5. Be confident

More than anything, it’s important to be confident in your presentation. For Futch, that means not beginning a presentation by apologizing. To ward off nervousness, some open presentations by saying they didn’t have much time to prepare or aren’t great public speakers. That leaves the audience already unimpressed by your presentation. If anxiety overwhelms you, Futch recommends pushing your palms against each other for a few seconds and then relaxing them to burn off adrenaline. If you’re sitting on a chair, grab the sides and squeeze hard.

Campanelli handles difficult or emotional meetings with clients by remaining calm, empathetic, and confident in his own findings. In forensic investigations, clients can become defensive or want to challenge the findings that he and his team uncovered. “I need to always remain poised and controlled and not to engage in any sort of argumentative approach,” he said. He deals with upset clients by recognizing how the client might feel, to help reduce tensions during the presentation.

Sarah Ovaska-Few is a freelance writer based in North Carolina. To comment on this article, contact Chris Baysden , senior manager of newsletters at the AICPA.

The Edge e-newsletter, is dedicated to providing tips and tools of interest to young professionals, including articles on building career resiliency, networking for success, and de-prioritizing the immediate to focus on the important. Watch for it in your inbox. Subscribe at http://spr.ly/EDGENL .

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Supercompetent Speaking: Dealing With Interruptions and Questions

10 tips to smoothly handle presentation questions—and hecklers.

By Laura Stack, MBA, CSP

As a professional speaker, you’ll inevitably face interruptions during your presentations. They won’t happen every time, but they will happen.

Occasionally, for example, someone will accidentally leave his or her cell phone on, and it’ll ring in the middle of your talk. Most people will duck, act embarrassed, and hang up on the caller…but a few bizarre people will answer the call on the spot, providing an undesired and distracting intermission. Worse, every once in a while you’ll encounter a heckler—someone who deliberately tries to undermine your argument or divert your message. Most interruptions, however, will come from those who have genuine questions, spurred by nothing more than curiosity.

Whatever the case, you must know how to handle interruptions on the fly when they occur—without letting anything stop you in your tracks. Keep these tips in mind:

Know your vulnerabilities and prepare for them. Anticipate the five or six most difficult questions you may face, and know how to counter them concisely. If you have to, write them down on index cards, and have someone drill you on them.
If possible, meet several audience members before the presentation to establish a human connection. This makes them less likely to interrupt later, especially with hostile questions.
At the beginning of your presentation, ask your host to ask the audience to please turn off their cell phones and explain how questions will be handled (during, periodically, or at the end).
If a phone rings during your talk, pause, smile while looking at the offender, and say something humorous, such as, “Is that for me?” and move on. People will get the hint.
If someone interrupts you with a question, let the person finish the thought before answering. Don’t cut him off, because the audience may interpret that as rudeness.
Maintain eye contact with the questioner, during both the question and your answer, nod slightly, and keep your body language and expression either neutral or as interested as possible. Even if you feel frustrated or annoyed, don’t let it show.
Answer questions as briefly as possible, then continue with your presentation. Avoid the temptation to talk too long, even if the tangent seems like an interesting one. Some participants will be frustrated you’re not following your outline and covering the ground you promised.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t make anything up. It’s perfectly acceptable to reply, “I don’t know,” or tell them you’ll look it up and send an answer later.
If someone repeatedly interrupts with sincere questions, calmly explain you have a lot of ground to cover in a short time, and you’ll happily speak with them at length after your presentation.
If someone keeps whispering or having distracting side conversations, either come off the stage and move toward that person, still talking; or stop speaking, look at the person pointedly, and ask if there’s a question or something they’d like to share.

Hecklers represent a special case. In addition to the above, remember these points when dealing with people deliberately trying to cause trouble:

Try to use humor to defuse the situation. A lighthearted, witty retort works better than losing your temper or refusing to answer.
If presented with a confrontational question, try to restate it in a neutral fashion before responding. Begin by saying something such as, “What I hear you asking is…”
Demonstrate by your measured response that you refuse to let the heckler intimidate you.
Stick to your guns. Don’t let anyone divert you, make you look uncertain or clueless, or steal the show.

No matter what happens, maintain your composure; always remain calm, pleasant, and polite. Neither sarcasm nor disdain should ever color your response to any interruption. Don’t let a questioner or interrupter get your goat, and never lose your temper or try to humiliate your opponent; by doing so, you risk alienating the audience and destroying your credibility. Without credibility, you have nothing—and the audience won’t remember your message for long.

On the other hand, try not to seem too detached or lacking in conviction; no one takes a wishy-washy message seriously. Obviously, you must to walk a careful emotional tightrope here, taking everyone’s emotions into account (including your own) while keeping the facts on your side.

All this said, remember: The audience expects you to maintain control of the presentation. So make your best effort to do so—gently and politely, but firmly.

Laura Stack has consulted with Fortune 500 corporations for nearly 20 years in the field of personal productivity and is the best-selling author of several books, including “Supercompetent.” She is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and the 2011-2012 president of the National Speakers Association (NSA). Stack’s productivity-improvement programs have been used worldwide at companies such as Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Cisco Systems, and Bank of America. She is the creator of The Productivity Pro planner by Day-Timer. For more information, visit www.TheProductivityPro.com or www.NSAspeaker.org .

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5 Ways To Address A Hostile Audience

Almost everyone I know has engaged in difficult conversations in the workplace…but what do you do when that difficult conversation needs to happen with an audience, during a presentation?

Virtually every time I conduct a workshop or training session on presentation skills, the topic of handling hostile audiences comes up. After a decade of coaching people and also having the privilege to see up close how the best presenters handle these situations, I’ve noted five actions which work consistently well with hostile audiences:

1. Communicate regularly One of the most common mistakes made by presenters is assuming that the presentation itself is the most important place to focus energy. While important, it’s equally critical to keep regular communication going with the customer, stakeholder, or leadership team that will be on the receiving end of the presentation.

The best presenters lay the groundwork for a productive dialogue with stakeholders well before the formal presentation. I’ve seen it happen several times in my career where a presenter had a brilliant presentation for an audience whose business reality had changed in the intervening time.

Brief check-ins with stakeholders prevent this kind of disconnect. Whenever I’m giving a major presentation to any audience, I dialogue about the content with stakeholders well in advance and schedule regular check-in points in the weeks and days leading up to the event.

2. Eliminate surprises There is perhaps no greater presentation faux pax than surprising an entire group of people with bad news.

Not only do you deprive them of the opportunity to react to bad news privately, but you eliminate any chance they might have had to think through how they might respond. This is especially challenging for leaders in the audience, who will suddenly be scrutinized by everyone for their immediate reaction.

Seasoned presenters know that the best kind of surprise is none at all. When bad news is coming, make every effort to alert key stakeholders as soon as practical, well in advance of the presentation. A heads-up allows your audience to process the bad news in their own way and save face during the presentation itself. Plus, you give them the opportunity to focus on next steps during the presentation, instead of simply expressing anger.

3. Appeal to a shared goal Even in the most contentious of situations, you can find agreement on a broader goal. Virtually nobody wants to be paralyzed with inaction, so effective presenters will work to appeal to a goal that everyone can agree to, in spite of a contentious conversation.

This is most effectively done at the start of a difficult presentation, to frame the goal for the discussion. It may sound something like this:

I believe that everyone is aware that we are here today to address some difficult news, and like you, I’m committed to ensure that we work towards resolving this issue for our customer.

Almost everyone can agree to that starting point and it indicates that the presenter is focused on moving the conversation forward to address the issue proactively.

4. Address the elephant in the room I saw a cartoon recently where a weeping elephant was depicted sitting in a psychologist’s office chair saying, “I just stand in the middle of rooms and nobody pays any attention to me.”

While not quite as bad as surprising your audience with bad news, delaying discussion about it only annoys people more. If project A, B, and C are on the presentation agenda and there’s a huge issue with project C that everyone already sees coming, start there. Nobody will pay much attention to what you say about A and B anyway.

I’ve seen presenters attempt to delay bad news (or stick to a standard agenda) and then run out of time before getting to the biggest issue. Not the way to win friends and influence people.

5. Meet the audience where they are Despite our best efforts to the contrary, there’s always the chance that someone critical didn’t get the bad news in advance or (even more common) something the presenter assumed was rather mundane ends up being an unexpected, hot-button issue.

As soon as its apparent that the audience is processing something different than the presenter anticipated, effective presenters will stop, ask questions, and hold off on the rest of the agenda until they are certain the audience has worked through the issue. After all, the purpose of any presentation is to serve the audience’s interests first, not the presenter’s.

If you’re a hostile audience and implement these five actions above, you’ll be a lot more likely to resolve the issue quickly and move onto the work everyone needs addressed.

What actions have you seen a presenter take to effectively handle a hostile audience?

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How to Handle a Hostile Audience: 7 Rules

by Rob Biesenbach | Presentation/Speech Tips

How hard? Like an employee interrupting a CEO’s speech to yell at him and then storming out of the room hard!

That experience taught me a lot about how to communicate sensitive topics to a skeptical audience and truly connect with them — and not just in bad times.

Before we get to those lessons, let’s briefly revisit that awful, insightful day.

How Our Best-laid Plans Went Awry

I was working at a PR firm at the time, and our client was a manufacturer that was going through hard times — financially, operationally, competitively. What’s more, employee surveys showed that the workforce had little trust or confidence in management.

A new CEO came on board and sought to turn the company’s fortunes around. Our job was to help him make the case for change, which included some tough remedies.

But in spite of all our preparation (employee research, outreach, message testing and more), when the big moment came, we blew it.

The CEO attempted to walk the group through a dry, analytical PowerPoint deck that only provoked their anxiety and anger. Employees wanted to know if their livelihoods were in peril and we fed them data and bullet points.

How We Fixed It

For the next session we decided to lead with the heart instead of the head.

The CEO put aside the PowerPoint and simply talked — about his love for the company, his pride in its long history and brand, and his fervent commitment to its survival.

Then he pulled out the PowerPoint.

Okay, we weren’t perfect, but that opening moment still managed to fundamentally change the atmosphere in the room. Suddenly there was a real connection — a feeling that the CEO was personally invested in the company and its future.

With the barriers lowered a bit we had a chance for actual engagement. And that paved the way for a years-long turnaround, not just in employee sentiment, but in the company’s overall performance.

7 Ways to Handle a Hostile Audience

I didn’t realize it at the time, but that day laid the foundation for practically everything I believe about communication. Here are some of the hard lessons I learned that can help you (or your leaders) the next time you’re facing a tough audience on a sensitive topic.

1. Don’t just analyze your audience — apply that knowledge!

We had all kinds of survey and focus group data showing employees were deeply alienated from management. We knew we had to get out and communicate with them — which included listening, of course.

But on that day we didn’t use the data to change the actual way we communicated. We talked at them instead of with them. It sounds like common sense, but it’s amazing how we fall back on comfortable habits when in the midst of strife.

2. Open strong

First impressions are everything, so the opening to the presentation has to be strong. On his second try, the CEO made good use of his personal story to break the ice and set the tone.

But that’s not the only way to connect. You can involve them by asking a question or taking a poll, command their attention with a counterintuitive assertion or, one of my favorites, dazzle them with your amazing mind-reading ability. (See next tip.)

3. Show that you’re in tune with them

A surprisingly effective technique is to demonstrate that you know where they’re coming from by predicting what’s on their minds. As in:

I know you’re worried about your future and your family’s security.
You’re probably thinking, “Oh, great — another program-of-the-month.”
I understand you’re frustrated that we’re not making progress.

Too many leaders resist this approach, believing that you should never call attention to the negative. But by ignoring the elephant in the room you come across as out of touch and irrelevant; by candidly addressing your audience’s top concerns, you demonstrate empathy and show you’re not afraid to tackle the tough issues head on.

4. Make it relevant

One of our biggest challenges is making sure corporate messages are relevant to the everyday needs of employees. Few people are going to charge up the hill over “shareholder value,” yet I once worked with a CEO who tried to convince the rank and file that that was their #1 mission.

Never mind small matters like customer service or quality. (Imagine a rallying cry of “Quality is Job 2.”)

When you’re hammering out messages, don’t stop asking “why” until you get down to the answer of why people should care.

5. Create an emotional connection

Seth Godin reminds us that “logic is a battering ram.” Yes, people want the facts — especially when their future is on the line. But they also want to get a sense of the person delivering that information. I’ve always found that people are more likely to believe you if they believe in you.

Emotion can be a touchy subject for a lot of leaders. They’re reluctant to open up, thinking that it’s “soft.” Fortunately there’s a ton of evidence demonstrating the power of an emotional appeal.

6. Tell a personal story

I worked with a CMO who was trying to guide his organization through a major restructuring. Employees understandably tend to take change very personally. So it helps to get personal.

I asked him if he’d ever gone through an experience like this before, and he had — years before as an employee at that very company. We built that into a story about dealing with change, the emotional impact, and some of the unexpected benefits that can result. It instantly made him and his message more relatable.

A common excuse leaders use to avoid opening up is saying they don’t want to “talk about themselves.” But a personal story that’s relatable to the audience and carries useful lessons is not self-centered; it’s practical.

7. Give them a voice

Sometimes the instinct is to restrict Q&A during sensitive announcements. But that’s fear talking. Leaders need to show the courage of their convictions.

Be as open and transparent as possible in welcoming feedback. Don’t screen employee questions. Give them multiple ways to speak up — in person and online, at the meeting or anonymously.

And if a question can’t be answered, explain why. For instance, “Personnel decisions are confidential, of course. We’d all expect the same treatment if it involved us.”

Put Away the PowerPoint and Get Real

In difficult times, people crave a human connection. They want empathy, not a data dump. They want to be heard, not lectured to. And they want leaders who can speak openly and plainly about the issues they’re facing.

So get out from behind the lectern, put down the PowerPoint and communicate like a human should.

[Photo by M ACCELERATOR on Unsplash]

[A version of this post originally appeared in PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics ]

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7 Tips to Encourage Audience Questions in Your Presentation Q&A

September 19, 2017

Ever seen a presenter ask “Any questions?” at the end of their presentation, and heard only crickets from the audience?

In my work as a professional emcee and trade show presenter , I see it often, and it always makes me cringe because it’s so awkward, and so completely avoidable.

Asking for questions and getting none kills a presentation’s momentum. It usually goes like this:

The presenter, having run out of content, asks “Any questions?”
The audience, having no questions, freezes in place.
Everyone thinks they hear crickets, though there are none in the room.
The presenter, getting no questions, says, “OK, I guess I’m done.”

OUCH. How’d that happen?

Chances are, you caught your audience by surprise. They didn’t know you’d take questions, so they didn’t think of any. When you asked, you caught them off guard.

I want your next presentation to end with a bang, not a whimper. So try these tips to encourage questions:

1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: PRIME YOUR AUDIENCE

> TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: “I’ll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.” That’ll get them active thinking of questions throughout your presentation.

> REMIND THEM: A few minutes before you take questions, say: “I’ve got one more slide to cover, then I’ll take your questions.” That’ll remind them to think of some questions if they haven’t yet.

2. STARTING YOUR Q&A: GIVE THEM A NUDGE

> LEAVE ROOM: Starting a Q&A with little or no time left discourages questions; your audience wants to leave on time too! Instead, carve out 5-10 minutes or more for questions (and cut some content to make room if needed; your audience prioritizes the information they want to get over the information you want to share).

> USE A PLANT: Have a “plant” in the audience who’ll ask the first question (one you’re comfortable answering), which encourages other audience members to ask (and saves them the awkwardness of going first) and gives them time to think of something to ask.

> CHANGE YOUR PHRASING: Your audience may interpret the phrase “Any questions?” as a sign that you don’t expect or even want questions, which discourages them from asking. Instead, encourage questions by phrasing your question with a more upbeat, expectant tone: “Who’s got a question?” or “Who’d like to go first?”

> ASK IT YOURSELF: Ask yourself a common question: “One question I get often is…” Then answer it. Again, this encourages the audience to follow suit, and gives them more time to think of a question.

3. ENDING YOUR Q&A: ADD THAT BANG!

Q&A or not, ending your presentation by saying you’re ending your presentation (“OK, I guess I’m done”) will end your presentation with a whimper. You can easily replace that whimper with a “bang” by restating your main takeaway and thanking your audience:

“Folks, I hope my presentation has shown you that when it’s raining and you want to stay dry outside, use an umbrella! You won’t regret it. Thanks so much for your time.”

And thank you so much for your time!

by Andy Saks

Posted in: Sparky Says: Presentation & Public Speaking Tips | No Comments

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Handling Hostile Questions and Statements in Six Simple Steps
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COMMENTS

PDF ANSWERING HOSTILE QUESTIONS
ANSWERING HOSTILE QUESTIONS If the idea of giving a speech strikes fear in the hearts of most mere mortals, the prospect of confronting a hostile questioner is their worst nightmare. More than anything, we dread the loss of control that could result when some member of an angry audience accuses us of incompetence, bad faith, or worse.
Presentation Skills: How to answer those killer questions
This is another opportunity to be honest. 'Given the importance of the question, I'd like to give you the most complete answer I can. I will need to get back to you in…'. Killer question 2 - You don't understand the question. I've long held the view that most people don't really listen.
How to Handle Hostile Questions During a Presentation
Step 4: Give yourself time to think by using a few delaying phrases: "Thank you for your question. (Brief Pause) There are a few ways I could respond. (Brief Pause) Let me say this.". Step 5: Respond. When you do respond, try to focus on just one response and perhaps one supporting example. Step 6: Wrap up and move on.
10 Tips to Handle Difficult Questions During Your Presentation
10 Tips: 1. Do not attack the questioner 2. Prepare and rehearse 3. Develop go-to messages 4. Pivot to your messages 5. Make a written list 6. Add the toughest question 7. Don't get defensive 8. Don't dwell on a negative questioner 9.
All Guides: Presentation Skills: Handling Audience Questions
Hostile questions are often designed to challenge the narrative, structure, and conclusions of your presentation. These types of questions can range from annoying comments or rude interruptions to mild differences of opinion to highly charged challenges. It's important to handle these kinds of disagreeable questions without getting hostile back.
The Art of Question & Answer: Handling Audience Questions Like a Pro
Audience Engagement and Participation: Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, "The important thing is not to stop questioning.". 2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:
Handling Hostile Questions and Statements in Six Simple Steps
Handling hostile questions and statements is a communication and presentation skill like any other. Despite the added anxiety that harshly phrased feedback can cause, a few simple techniques will help you defuse the hostility and deter further attacks.. When faced with a verbal attack, our instinct is to counterattack or become defensive.
Handling Questions and Objections During Public Speaking
Handling questions and objections effectively during a presentation is an important aspect of effective public speaking. By being prepared, actively listening, responding clearly and confidently, and handling difficult situations professionally, you can help to build trust and rapport with your audience, and ensure that your message is received ...
How to Answer Hostile Questions as a Public Speaker
5 Keep it brief and positive. When you answer a hostile question, it is important to keep it brief and positive. Do not ramble, digress, or repeat yourself. Instead, make your answer concise ...
Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation
1. Listen to the whole question. You don't have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds, actively listen to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer. Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet.
Tough Questions: Tips for Dealing with Difficult Audiences
Audience member responses can range from boredom to outright hostility for reasons that may be unclear to you. To conquer a difficult audience, follow these tips: Build Empathy Ahead of Time. Even if you are presenting to a room stuffed with hundreds of people, it is still possible to research the basic profile of audience members ahead of time.
How to Present to a Hostile Audience
1. Set your expectations upfront. The beginning of any presentation should make the ground rules clear. For example, you can maintain control of the room by asking people to hold questions until the end, said Charlene Rhinehart, a Chicago-based CPA active with pageants and the public speaking group Toastmasters.
Supercompetent Speaking: Dealing With Interruptions and Questions
If someone repeatedly interrupts with sincere questions, calmly explain you have a lot of ground to cover in a short time, and you'll happily speak with them at length after your presentation. If someone keeps whispering or having distracting side conversations, either come off the stage and move toward that person, still talking; or stop ...
How to Handle Questions and Answer Sessions During Presentations
4 Schedule your Q&A session. The majority of Q&A sessions take place at the end of a presentation, but sometimes they happen in the middle. Then again, maybe the speakers right before you invited people to ask questions all throughout their presentations. Tell your audience up front when the Q&A session will take place.
PDF Presentation to a Hostile Audience
Prepare, rehearse, and deliver a 10-minute persuasive presentation to a hostile audience. Visual aids are optional. You must plan to be interrupted by questions during the presentation. To allow extensive interaction, you should prepare no more than 5 minutes worth of material. Consider limiting the material you plan to cover in the ...
How to handle a tough audience
Take it Outside. To stop a loquacious audience member or a line of questioning that's unlikely to interest others, try saying something like, "That's a very interesting thought; thanks for your comment," says Hannah-Hanh Nguyen, PhD, a psychology professor at California State University, Long Beach. Another strategy to keep your presentation on ...
5 Ways To Address A Hostile Audience
Brief check-ins with stakeholders prevent this kind of disconnect. Whenever I'm giving a major presentation to any audience, I dialogue about the content with stakeholders well in advance and schedule regular check-in points in the weeks and days leading up to the event. 2. Eliminate surprises. There is perhaps no greater presentation faux ...
How to Handle a Hostile Audience: 7 Rules
When you're hammering out messages, don't stop asking "why" until you get down to the answer of why people should care. 5. Create an emotional connection. Seth Godin reminds us that "logic is a battering ram.". Yes, people want the facts — especially when their future is on the line.
Tips to encourage audience questions in your presentation Q&A
So try these tips to encourage questions: 1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: PRIME YOUR AUDIENCE. > TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: "I'll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.". That'll get them active thinking of questions throughout your ...
Handling Hostile Questions in Your Presentation
#KeynoteSpeaker #ExecutiveCoach #communicationcoach #IELTS Answering questions is a part of every presentation. What if those questions become hostile though...
INTRO BUS CH 5 Flashcards
Vincent walked in late during the presentation and began asking her questions. The ideal way for Niharika to handle this is by: advising Vincent and reminding the audience that there is plenty of time for questions at the end. and more. ... If you encounter a hostile questioner while giving a presentation, you should avoid: INCORRECT: using ...
4 ways to prepare for a hostile audience
While most people know what it's like to experience nerves, there's a unique feeling that accompanies a presentation in front of a potentially hostile audience: Anticipating their pushback. Preemptively searching for the right answers. Studying their facial expressions for any positive affirmation. Presenting in front of a hostile audience ...
Chp 5 quiz Flashcards
If you encounter a hostile questioner while giving a presentation, you should avoid: a. using body language that implies you do not wish to interact with the questioner. b. pausing for a deep breath, and then proceeding to answer. c. reestablishing eye contact once you have answered the question. d.