Answering questions from the audience
Many people find the Q&A more nerve-racking than the presentation itself, because you cannot script it. When you anticipate the questions and learn a few basic techniques, you can handle surprises too.
You will need
- Your finished presentation or speech
- A list of 10 likely questions
- Backup slides or notes
- A friend or colleague to ask practice questions
Steps
Anticipate the questions
Write down 10 questions the audience is likely to ask, including the ones you hope nobody asks. Prepare an answer of 1–3 sentences for each.
Explain the format at the start
Listen to the end
Repeat or summarise
Answer briefly
Admit it if you do not know
Handle a critical questioner
Close in control
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