How to Handle Questions When Giving a Speech

Posted by Ian McKenzie
Written on November 6, 2007

Posted in Communication Tuesday

I once attended a song-writing workshop. The presenter left lots of flexibility for questions throughout the sessions. There was one participant who monopolized the time by asking questions designed to highlight his self-perceived, “advanced” skills as a song writer.

The thing that stayed with me following the workshop was the grace with which the presenter handled this participant’s intrusions. While the rest of us were ready to heave him out the window, she spoke to his comments, never belittling him, but never allowing the interaction to take over the rest of her presentation.

It was a good example of how audience questions can make or break a speech. Every good speaker, presenter, teacher makes sure all listeners have opportunity to ask questions.

Here are some tips for handling questions:

  1. Request and encourage questions. – The audience will see that you have a interest in what they’re thinking.
  2. Be aware of how your words can affect the tone for questioning. – A negative response (e.g., “We’ve already covered that”) discourages further participation and may make the audience feel you don’t really want questions.
  3. Make sure everyone hears the questions. Repeat when necessary, but don’t make a habit of repeating every question. Ask if the audience heard the question; then ask the person to repeat.
  4. Make sure you understand the questions. – Say, “Do you mean…,” or “I’m sorry, I don’t understand the question.” Avoid saying, “Your question isn’t clear.”
  5. Answer questions as directly as possible. – Address your answer to the whole audience. Ask whether you have answered the question.
  6. Be diplomatic when people raise tangential questions, or ask just to be asking. – Get them to see you after the presentation for further discussion. If a someone is simply confused, say, “Let me go over this point a bit more slowly.”

Allowing your audience to interact with your speech or presentation will go a long way to keeping them engaged, and will help them remember more of what you said.

Related Posts:

  • How to Improve Your Public Speaking
  • 3 Ways to Get Audience Feedback
  • 9 Key Steps for Preparing a Speech

    • Communication

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