For most students and young, emerging leaders giving a presentation is one of their greatest fears.
I suspect most people can handle this but what they really worry about is being ‘put on the spot.’
It could be an unexpected or difficult question.
Or a comment or interjection from the audience.
Here are some key strategies:
Sometimes a question comes from left-field but most times a key question can be anticipated in advance.
You can use our new Ideas Blitz app and spend 2 minutes trying to think of 9 questions that might be asked.
Jot down a few points for each and bring this to the presentation (use the + sign in the app).
Sometimes presenters get into trouble because they have not clearly understood the question.
To overcome this situation ask for clarification and or rephrase the question it e.g. as I understand it you are asking me….
The other advantage is that it gives you a few moments for you to consider your reply.
Another favourite tactic is to acknowledge the question e.g. That is an interesting question, what do others think…
Again you broaden the potential answers and you involve the audience in a natural way.
This sounds obvious but nothing is worse than a presenter who does not answer the question.
You may have a lot to say but if it is not relevant than don’t offer it.
If you know your subject area then your first response is often a good one.
Presenters and speakers often get into trouble when they second-guess themselves.
I believe it is better to go with your first instinct.
There is nothing wrong with admitting that you don’t know the answer to a question from an audience.
In fact, I like it when I cannot answer something — this is an opportunity for me to learn and to be better prepared next time.
This is a good strategy to get more comfortable with your material.
But take it further and ask your friend for 9 questions about your presentation.
Again it will help you become better prepared, more confident and you can practise answering questions about your presentation.