9 Tips for Handling Public Speaking Questions

How you handle questions from an audience can often be the deciding factor as to how your presentation is received. If you're pitching for business, then it's absolutely vital to handle questions well.

1. Be prepared for questions - When you write your presentation, think about what you're likely to be asked and what your answer is going to be. Maybe you won't want to answer a particular question there and then, so think about what you'll say to satisfy the questioner.

2. Clearly state the terms of the presentation - If your presentation is first and then questions or if you take questions as you go, stick with what you stated you were going to do. Do not change in the middle of your presentation. This will throw the timing off. Bear in mind, audiences that are told a presentation will be fifteen minutes will not like listening for a half hour.

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

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

5. Say thank you to the person questioning you - This shows a sign of respect and is a breather for you to decide what your answer will be.

6. Restate the gist of the question - This is often beneficial for those who may have missed the question. When you answer they may not have any idea of what you are talking about. It is aggravating not to know what was asked and this also allows you time to consider the response. In addition, it is a good control maneuver.

7. Do not exclude the audience - When answering the question, look at everyone. The person asking may be near the front and it you look only at them, this appears to leave everyone else out of the conversation.

8. Keep it simple - Many speakers, when it comes to questions, have become more relaxed and the fact that someone is interested enough to ask them a question, leads them to go on too long with the answer - DON'T.

9. Don't bluff or bluster - If you don't know the answer to a question, say so and find out. Suggest to the questioner that you'll 'phone them or come and see them with the answer. It can even be a good way to make further contact after the presentation.

There is the possibility of no questions being asked. This can cause an uncomfortable silence. It may be that your presentation is sinking in and they need time to think of their questions. They also might be somewhat bashful about asking questions. Use your own question and say " In case you are wondering…?" If this does not work, conclude your presentation.

The better you handle this type of situation, the more professional and businesslike you will look.

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