Five ways to be the conductor and keep hold of the baton.
The thought of precariously sliding into the back end of a presentation makes many presenters nervous. It’s the anticipation of events moving from our well-researched and practiced presentation that we control, to letting it move out of our grip by letting the audience run away with it.
It’s the part of the presentation that my public speaking coaching clients say they’re most nervous about.
And the part they usually do best at.
The presentation nears the end and it’s time for Q & A. More often than not I’ve watched the presenter come alive. They’re in their zone.
Why?
Because as subject matter experts we know our craft/industry inside and out and know how our business works, including the pitfalls. We can easily speak to the strengths and weaknesses of our businesses.
How to manage your next Q & A:
- Write down ten questions you anticipate being asked and practice your answers with a friend or colleague.
- Be concise with your answers. It’s long, overly explained answers that get us into trouble. Five seconds extracted from a one minute answer can misconstrue what we intend our audience to know.
- Repeat the question asked so everyone in the audience is privy to the question. Answer, and then sum up your answer by circling back to the question. Answering this way forces you to be focussed and deliver clearly.
- Learn a few bridging techniques. You should be looking to keep your presentation focussed even during your Q & A. Off topic questions that don’t serve the presentation are better graciously tracked back on topic.
- If you don’t know the answer don’t waffle or worse yet make one up. I’ve watched this in action. It’s not pretty. Say you don’t know. Ask for a business card post presentation and tell them you’ll get back to them.
The most important concept about Q & A is to remember that you, as the presenter, are the maestro.
You prove your confidence in public speaking by orchestrating your presentation including the last notes. Your presentation shouldn’t ever end with a Q & A. Ending with an answer to a question puts the focus on that question, looks weak, and doesn’t reflect your entire presentation.
Let your audience know when you are about to take the last question, answer it, and then move on with your close.
Show them who’s holding the baton.
To your voice!
If you’re feeling unheard or misunderstood, I can help.
