How to deal with challenging Q&A situations with poise and professionalism?
If you have ever made a presentation in front of an audience, you know that the Q&A session can be much more nerve-wracking than the speech itself! And, although you might have spent weeks practising for your speech, the Q&A session is entirely out of your influence. And, as we all know, things can — and do — go wrong when we do not have complete power.
The trick is to view the Q&A session as an opportunity to demonstrate your experience, receive immediate input, and build on your message rather than as a possible glitch. When you concentrate on making the most of this extra time with the audience, you will be more likely to inspire and empower them.
Here are some tips shared by a celebrity coach to handle Q&A sessions like a pro.
Be prepared: If you are delivering a presentation for the first time, show it to friends, family, and co-workers and make them ask you the hardest questions they can think of. You may also want to devote some time searching Google for keywords relevant to your topic. It will throw up a plethora of related articles and blog posts where you can find answers to your questions.
Categorise your questions: Once you have compiled a list of possible questions, divide them into two categories: those you can reply to in your presentation and those you cannot. The questions that can get addressed in your presentation are minor signs that you have forgotten something important. Revisit the content and incorporate these responses.
Provide contact information: One or two questions will likely be asked to which you have no answer, no matter how well equipped you are for your Q&A. If you do not have a response, do not feel obligated to give one because it will likely come across as weak and thrown together, and you will not be helping your audience members.
It is easier to prepare a slide with your contact details on it in these cases. If someone asks you a question that needs further thought or analysis, show them the slide and ask them to contact you so you can give them the correct answer later. Media skills training always suggests that you create an email address for professional use.
This contact slide can also be used to stay on track. If the questions do not seem to be slowing down, inform your audience that your time is up but that they can contact you with any additional questions.
Schedule your Q&A session: Make it clear to your viewers when the Q&A session will take place. It will keep you from being distracted while also encouraging your audience to start asking questions.
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