If your job involves making frequent presentations, I’m sure you will agree on the importance of making an impression during the question and answer session. Some people love it, while others hate it! Either way, it is something you cannot avoid, especially if you want to drive your point across to the audience. Here’s how you can nail every Q& A session

1. HOW TO HANDLE A QUESTION
AND ANSWER SESSION AFTER
A PRESENTATION

2. If your job involves making frequent presentations, I’m sure you will agree
on the importance of making an impression during the question and
answer session. Some people love it, while others hate it! Either way, it is
something you cannot avoid, especially if you want to drive your point
across to the audience. Here’s how you can nail every Q& A session
?

3. The best PowerPoint presentations and the most effective speeches are bound to fail if
you cannot answer your audience’s questions honestly and clearly. The audience
understands that it is easy to present a pre-prepared content than to field questions that
are randomly thrown at you. It is during the question and answers session that your
knowledge and communication skills are tested to the hilt. Naturally, this challenge
opens a new opportunity where you can spend time understanding your concept. It is
also the best way to build credibility and authority with the audience
UNDERSTAND THE
IMPORTANCE OF A
QUESTION AND
ANSWER SESSION

4. It is important to know the kind of people you’ll be addressing to anticipate their
questions and customize answers that suit the questioner. Some of the factors
that help understand the audience include knowing the age demographics, your
relationship with the audience, the degree of formality that is required, etc. The
answer to all of these questions can help you tailor your response and ensure
that the audience is comfortable. This also encourages them to participate in the
Q&A session – a must if you are looking to sell your idea
KNOW YOUR
AUDIENCE

5. There’s nothing that an audience hates more than an unprepared presenter. As we
earlier said, the Q& A session only offers a new opportunity wherein you can explore the
finest aspects of your product and be prepared for an answer. You could also come up
with a few questions of your own. This way, if your audience does not ask questions, you
can use these backup questions to encourage them and open communication channels.
It also helps break the ice
COME
PREPARED

6. Whenever you are asked a question, remember to rephrase it to make sure you have
understood the question clearly. You can also use this time to think and gather your thoughts
about the answer, as in the facts that should be presented first, a topic that should be omitted,
etc. Once you’ve started answering, turn your gaze to the general audience – it is odd to keep
staring at the questioner. You are still speaking to a wider audience, and hence it is important
that everyone should hear you. And do not go to the person asking the question, unless you
have to do it. This could make others feel left out and make the questioner feel uncomfortable
REPEAT THE
QUESTION

7. Some questions come with a hidden agenda. For
example, someone may ask you about your profit,
or taxes. Answers to some questions may not be as
straightforward as it may seem. It is best to avoid
answering loaded questions. You can deflect the
issue by carefully rephrasing the question. This can
help you avoid arguments and yet drive your point
across. If the person insists on an answer, politely
ask him to meet you after the session where you
can explain things in detail
YOU DON’T HAVE
TO ANSWER ALL
THE QUESTIONS

8. A quick way to get your question and answer session out of hand
is to evaluate and praise the question. You don’t want people to
feel superior about asking a question. You’ll alienate not only the
others but also make way for pointless questions. Instead, thank
them and move on to an answer
DON’T PRAISE
QUESTIONS

9. It is important to stay in control of the situation when engaging with an
audience. You can afford to lose your cool even if the other person is
deliberately trying to show you in a bad light with their question –
especially if you’re there to sell an idea or concept. You can do this by
planning and make a list of uncomfortable questions that the audience is
likely to ask
STAY IN
CONTROL

10. Good presentation not only requires good skills but an
effective presentation design as well. If you are looking
for professionals who can help you design an effective
presentation, contact us!

11. THANK YOU… Visit us : www.visualspiders.com
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