Tips for answering questions

Blog by Simon Groen

Interaction with audiences is where gentlemen/ladies differ from boys/girls. Preparing and telling a story is one thing, but dealing with the audience's unpredictable reactions is another. What are the key tips for successfully responding to questions?

1. Determine your own question procedure

At what point do you provide space for questions? In between or afterwards? How long is the question session and is time set aside for this? The presenter is the director. That is, you determine the question procedure. No matter how much space you give the audience for questions, don't let them take over the direction.

2. Listen carefully

This sounds like an open door, but it's a tough one. The speaker is usually so focused on speaking that the transition to listening is awkward. Make a conscious effort to open your ears. In case you don't understand a question? Don't worry: You won't be the only one. In that case, have the questioner repeat his question.

3. Repeat the question

This technique may seem parrot-like to the novice presenter, but there are numerous reasons to do repeat: making the question intelligible to everyone, encouraging questioning, showing that you are really listening, giving yourself thinking time and keeping the lead are some examples.

4. Before you answer, decide what you will do with the question

Answering is only one option. Initially, think of yourself as a facilitator. Can you answer the question best, or another attendee? If you don't have a good answer (honesty is recommended), you may want to write the question down to come back to it in person later.

5. Try to hear the need behind the question

Frequently, a question is actually an expression of feelings. With questions that have resistance in them ("What are we doing here?"), the trick is not to get defensive. Stay calm and friendly and keep asking. Usually the questioner will make their underlying needs known and you'll take the sting out of it that way.

Still need a good example? See in this video how Obama stays in control.