Handling Questions When Speaking Publicly

Handling Questions When Speaking Publicly

Many, many times, speakers will have a question-and-answer segment included in their speech. The most common place to insert this question-and-answer aspect is at the end of the speech. This also is always the worst place to insert it. A question-and-answer segment should be inserted near the end of your speech, but not AT the end of your speech. You want to save your closing remarks until after the question-and-answer period is over.

It is of the utmost importance that you thank each person who asks a question. This is just simple common courtesy. You also make a statement before you answer a question that makes the questioner feel good about themselves. You might say, "That's a good question" or "I'm so glad you asked that."

Keep your answers on point. That is, don't use a question as a springboard for another speech. Give the information that is requested and move on.

Be fair. Don't just answer questions from people who are sitting in the front of the room only. Take questions from every part of the room, including the back row.

Don't ever try to bluff your way through a question that you don't know the answer to. People can ask questions that you can't answer, and you better believe that if you try to fake your way through it, that they will call you on it. The best way to handle this kind of situation is to say something like, "I don't know the answer to that but I will find out and get the information to you." Then you simply move on to the next question.

Stay in control of the situation. Don't let your audience take over your speech. When you have answered enough questions, or when the questions are just getting tedious or repetitive, make your closing remarks.

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