Q&A Session Can Make or Break a Presentation
Now that you have successfully introduced, organized and analyzed, delivered, summarized and concluded your presentation, you are ready for the last hurdle: the question and answer (Q&A) period.
The Q&A section can make or break a presentation; it can elicit that final YES or NO response. Unfortunately, people seldom devote time to Q&A preparation and rehearsal.
Why you need a solid Q&A session
A good, well rehearsed, and strategized question-and-answer session will enhance your presentation and your message. It will:
- CLARIFY. The Q&A fills in gaps and offers further ¬convincing details.
- CONTINUE your theme and message in an even more personal, conversational way.
- CONNECT you with your audience. It lets them know who you really are
- UNCOVER DISAGREEMENT, hidden agendas, unstated preferences, and discontent, and allows you to handle these in a direct, non-damaging way.
- BRIDGE to your presentation’s core messages
How to ask for questions and MEAN it
When asking for questions, don’t say “Any questions?” Instead, say, “What questions do you have for me?” Assume there will be some, and assume good will, unless you have evidence to the contrary. Create an environment of friendly eagerness to share information with your request for questions and practice this transitional line, even if you know your audience is hostile. A hostile audience makes it even more critical that you be perceived as being “in charge.”
Bridging
Let your question and answer session reinforce your already established major points. Highlight these points and themes as you answer, and return to them when questions are irrelevant or startling. This is called “bridging” and helps you feel more in control and less vulnerable during Q&A.
The best examples of “bridging” can be heard during interviews with elected officials, who, when pushed, always return to their theme: “Compassionate conservatism, “positive campaign,” “my agenda,” “the message of hope,” “experience vs. change,” etc. Listen and learn (but don’t manipulate the technique to confuse or lie to your audience).
Just remember: Anything you don’t want asked, will be asked. Be ready with your answers.
