Do Q&A sessions scare you?
Speakers fear Q&A sessions for all kinds of reasons. In Parts 1 and 2 of my Q&A blog I shared many tips and ideas designed to turn those fears into opportunities. For Part 3 I would like to finish with 3 simple tips to further empower you for your next Q&A...
1. Rephrase the questions you are asked and restate them out loud.
Rephrasing a question demonstrates to the questioner that you have understood what they were asking... just make sure you rephrase it accurately. This can also give you (and everyone present) a way examine what a question really means - its essence. It can also help you to soften some of the more ambiguous or potentially sensitive aspects of it.
For example, if an audience member asked "Why are we not getting any pay rises next year?" during a corporate pep-rally, you could say, "Great question... so why can't we invest in or reward our employees at this time?" Of course you need to follow up with a great answer to a great question but at least you can show your honest understanding of your audience's needs.
Restating the question out loud helps other audience members understand what was asked because many times questioners do not have strong vocal skills (or a microphone) and the audience can often struggle to hear questions. It also gives you time to formulate a response.
2. Make sure your answers are brief but not too brief.
A tightly structured answer is more credible than a loose stream of waffle. On the other hand, no-one wants to hear “yes” and “no” answers because it’s too aloof and introverted. A good balance offers the how’s and why’s without the fluff. Aim for 20-45 seconds depending on your available time, the importance of the question for the audience, and its complexity. If a question is broad or complex, break it down into 2 or 3 areas.
3. Try to call on questioner from the front, back, left and right of the audience.
Don’t exclude any sections of the audience. Make every area feel involved. And don't just call on the "friendly" faces. Make sure you call someone who looks like they might offer a challenge (because life would be too boring otherwise).
Now that we have finished our 3 Part Q&A series, let me ask you... have all your Q&A questions been answered?
Ha! Of course not. It's impossible to cover every answer in life, in blogs, in speeches... and in Q&A sessions. Remember that. Don't aim to answer every possible question that could be asked. Take your audience one step further and that will suffice.
I love questions. Don't you?
Speakers fear Q&A sessions for all kinds of reasons. In Parts 1 and 2 of my Q&A blog I shared many tips and ideas designed to turn those fears into opportunities. For Part 3 I would like to finish with 3 simple tips to further empower you for your next Q&A...
1. Rephrase the questions you are asked and restate them out loud.
Rephrasing a question demonstrates to the questioner that you have understood what they were asking... just make sure you rephrase it accurately. This can also give you (and everyone present) a way examine what a question really means - its essence. It can also help you to soften some of the more ambiguous or potentially sensitive aspects of it.
For example, if an audience member asked "Why are we not getting any pay rises next year?" during a corporate pep-rally, you could say, "Great question... so why can't we invest in or reward our employees at this time?" Of course you need to follow up with a great answer to a great question but at least you can show your honest understanding of your audience's needs.
Restating the question out loud helps other audience members understand what was asked because many times questioners do not have strong vocal skills (or a microphone) and the audience can often struggle to hear questions. It also gives you time to formulate a response.
2. Make sure your answers are brief but not too brief.
A tightly structured answer is more credible than a loose stream of waffle. On the other hand, no-one wants to hear “yes” and “no” answers because it’s too aloof and introverted. A good balance offers the how’s and why’s without the fluff. Aim for 20-45 seconds depending on your available time, the importance of the question for the audience, and its complexity. If a question is broad or complex, break it down into 2 or 3 areas.
3. Try to call on questioner from the front, back, left and right of the audience.
Don’t exclude any sections of the audience. Make every area feel involved. And don't just call on the "friendly" faces. Make sure you call someone who looks like they might offer a challenge (because life would be too boring otherwise).
Now that we have finished our 3 Part Q&A series, let me ask you... have all your Q&A questions been answered?
Ha! Of course not. It's impossible to cover every answer in life, in blogs, in speeches... and in Q&A sessions. Remember that. Don't aim to answer every possible question that could be asked. Take your audience one step further and that will suffice.
I love questions. Don't you?
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