[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay]
Questions are an essential aspect for every presenter (in my opinion). The question (pun intended) is when to invite attendees to ask them! In the past, I encouraged my clients to have a Q&A towards the end of their presentation but that’s changed. Now I urge folks to ask for questions earlier on and here’s why.
When the presenter reserves time at the close for attendees to ask questions it may be problematic. First of all, the attendees may forget the question they had earlier on. Second, reserving questions until the end may discourage participation. Finally, depending on the length of the presentation, there may not be sufficient time to ask questions.
Here are some alternatives worth consideration:
- Speakers must always let attendees know when they may pose questions.
- Attendees may write down their questions.
- If the speaker presentation is segmented, the speaker may ask for questions relative to that segment.
- Speakers may also ask attendees to turn to the person next to them and “practice” running their questions by their partner. In this manner, the attendee gets to try out a question before asking it in public.
- Attendees may seek clarification on an aspect of the presentation on which they need clarity.
- Speakers learn where they need to be more clear or give examples, after a particular part of their presentation.
- Speakers get a better understanding of what the attendee understands.
- Speakers must always be aware of their timing. Therefore, with each segment the speaker may say “We’ll take 3-5 minutes to answer your questions or comments.”
- Speakers need to be okay with appropriately interrupting an attendee who either asked a question that was already covered or there is insufficient time remaining.
- All unanswered questions may be submitted to the speaker (remember that attendees wrote down their questions) or if preferred, addressed at a break or at the conclusion of the presentation.
When the speaker practices, it’s imperative to factor in the timing of attendee questions. By the way, I suggest the speaker come up with 2-3 hypothetical questions in the event that no questions are asked. Anytime the speaker asks for questions, try asking it in an open-ended manner (e.g., What are your next steps?) vs. a close-ended style (e.g., Any questions?). You’ll get better results.
Regardless of when a speaker opts to respond to questions, always add this into your overall timing. If I may offer you assistance, please reach out [email protected] or 518-664-6004.