Have you noticed how many good presentations fall flat during the Q & A?
It’s one thing to craft and deliver an effective presentation, but what comes next is often more critical.
The question-and-answer session gives audience members (whether one or many) a chance to get their questions answered and to exchange ideas.
Here are four main guidelines to consider:
1) Anticipate what the worst (and best) questions could be. Be prepared just in case for both! Practice a Q & A session with friends, family or colleagues.
2) Keep your answers short. Long answers can get a speaker in trouble, not to mention bore audience members.
3) If it’s a team presentation, work as a team. Make sure you are on the same page. Take turns answering various questions.
4) If you don’t know the answer, write the question down, and tell the person you’ll get back with a response – and then do so! No need to apologize or get defensive.
When the questions have stopped, or time is up, it’s time to conclude.
Don’t make the mistake of giving a simple “thank you” and walking away.
Revert to your closing statement, or talk about next steps.
Your closing should not be lengthy, but it should wrap things up neatly, and end on a positive note.