I gave a 60-minute presentation this morning for the Nursing Management students at Olympic College in Bremerton. One of the questions was on dealing with questions and answers in a presentation. Here are a few strategies to consider…
– Never end with Q&A. I know you see it about 98% of the time, but it’s wrong. As Patricia Fripp says, “Last words linger and you want them to be yours!” If you leave Q&A until the end, you are subject to the quality of the questions. That’s how your presentation will be remembered and if the questions are bad, it hurts your presentation. You want your carry-out message delivered with strength and conviction so your audience is improved.
Here’s what you do. At the 10-minute mark of your presentation, say “Before I give my closing statement, we have 5 minutes for Q&A. I’m happy to stay after to respond to any questions that we don’t have time for here.”
– Always repeat the question. Many audience members may not be able to hear it and will appreciate it. In addition, it gives you a chance to make sure you understand it.
– Be in the moment. Listen attentively and try not to come up with a response in your head while the question is being asked. It’s okay to pause after the question for reflection. The audience wants the best answer; not necessarily a quick one.
Cheers,
Good stuff Dan. I had planned to have an Q/A ending at the presentation I am giving Thursday to the State Chamber Association.
Thanks Frank. Best wishes for a fabulous presentation.
Dan-
This is excellent advice. Although I am familiar with Patricia’s advice as well, somehow I always forget it. It is definitely better to be much more planful with any presentation and training and stick the Q&A in before the closing.
Pete
Hey Dom!Big fan of all your work, just watned a bit of advice as ive been asked to shoot my first solo wedding on saturday (its only 30 people attending), ive assised 2 before, but would like some advice from someone that has experience in that area. Im an 18 year old photography student, and would be using a nikon d300s & d90 with a 24-120, sigma 10-20, nikon 35mm f1.8 for the day, with an sb-900. do you have any tips you could give me? ie lighting positions, flash etc?ThanksGareth