3 Ways To Avoid - Q&A Disaster

It’s the 7th question from the audience and more hands are raised. You are bubbling over with inspiration from the speaker’s message and now she’s offering a “Question and Answer” session.

You’ve gained insight from her answers, but you’re also excited to move on with the new knowledge and mental breakthroughs you just achieved thanks to her speech.

Now, after the 11th question, you feel you’ve been taken hostage. Unfortunately, this never-ending, hands-up, question-asking, and long-winded responses has burst your inspiration bubble.

Done well, your Q&A is interactive, engaging, and sometimes delightfully entertaining. It can be a time to “let your hair down” with the audience. But, all too often, presenters neglect to guide the session with competence and leadership.

For your next Q&A, consider these three tactics:

1) Timing

Tell your audience, “We have 10 minutes for Q&A.” This helps them understand a) what to expect and, b) you are in charge. Assign an assistant to track the time. When time is up, have them give you a noticeable cue that you need to end the Q&A.

2) Limiting

Tell your audience, “We have time for two more questions.” By establishing a limit, you are gently, but firmly stating you are still in control and will soon be closing the program.

If hands are still raised – invite them to stay after to talk.

3) Closing

As you complete the Q&A, step back into your presentation. This time is an opportunity to create a synopsis of your main points and potentially summarize their questions. Consider closing with an inspirational quote or uplifting conclusion.

Finally

By maintaining seamless command of your entire presentation from beginning to the final word your audience perceives you as someone standing and delivering with confidence.