The dreaded Q&A: How to think on your feet

think on your feet Imagine you've just given a great presentation where you've covered all of your key points. But wait, there's more! Most presentations end with a question and answer session. Are you ready for the Q&A?

Naturally enough, we want the audience to remember us in a positive way so it's important to be able to present well while answering questions.

During your presentation preparation it's important to think about the types of questions that you may be asked. Consider the following:

Why is this audience listening to the presentation?
Have I addressed their needs?
Have I made any statements without backing them with proof?
Is the presentation logical?

Check through your presentation to ensure that these questions have been addressed. Looking at your presentation from your audience's perspective and thinking about the types of questions that they may ask will assist in planning your answers.

Even with the best of preparation there may be some questions that come your way which you don't expect.

If you do not know the answer, do not be afraid to say so as it's perfectly acceptable to say that you'll get back to the person with the details. This is better than trying to fake it or making something up - do this and you'll lose your credibility.

That said you will want to avoid answering all of the questions with an "I don't know" answer. It may end your presentation quickly however it will also detract from all of the valuable points that you've made.

How to construct answers in a logical way while thinking on your feet

Even though you know your subject matter, it can be challenging to construct an answer in a clear and logical format at a moment's notice. You want to end your presentation on an upbeat note with your audience walking away with information that they can use.

Firstly, repeat the question. This ensures that you have correctly understood the question. It also gives you a few seconds to think about how you'll answer the question.

Use the acronym PREP to assist in structuring your answer.

Point of view
Reason
Example
Point of view

How does PREP work in a presentation?

Mentally go through the structure of PREP while answering the question.

Point of view

Make a clear statement providing an answer to the question (your point of view).

Reason

Provide a reason to support your answer. Refer to key points from your presentation where applicable.

Example

Provide an example to highlight what you're saying.

Point of view

End with your original statement answering the question. By recapping with your point of view you are reinforcing the key point(s).

PREP provides a structure for you to confidently field the various questions that could come your way. It allows you to provide a constructive answer in a short period of time. By using PREP, you're also able to reinforce your expertise in your area.

PREP can be practised prior to any presentation, try it out at home or socially. Have friends or family ask you questions and follow the acronym. It's amazing how quickly an answer can be found.

Maria Pantalone works with individuals and businesses to improve their communication and presentation skills. She specialises in assisting businesses improve their performance by developing better working relationships.

04 Nov 09

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7 comments | Add your own

Great post! I run workshops on a range of business topics, mainly marketing and graphic design and now starting my own talk series due to the popularity of the talks. So this has been a great refresher for me - not to mention some extra tips I can use!
Thanks again :) Amanda Griscti from Sydney
PREP is great and I use it a lot... but... :)
But I don't think speakers have the right attitude about questions: if people are asking questions it means they *care* about what you're telling them... and in that way, it's a good thing that people are asking questions, not something to fear.
Easier said than done, I know! :) Simon - presentation skills trainer from Newcastle
It also depends on whether there is a sale at the end of your presentation - the last thing you want is Q&A if that is the case. Activities throughout the presentation should be designed to handle objections and consolidate the value for the client so by the end (the sales close) they already HAVE all the information they need and any other questions are handled at the back of the room. Gulliver from Melbourne
Stop and take a deep breath FIRST and always remember that you're the expert! p.s. if you get any stirrers asking questions, tell them you're not sure that the question is approriate to the presentation, ask for their contact details and say you'll back to them another time - having to fully identify themselves generally gets them understanding that they now have some responsibility - not just you Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Maria, thanks for this great article. I was lucky enough to be on a panel session with you at Flying Solo Live! and you definitely put PREP into action that day. Lucinda Lions from Sydney
One suggestion about questions is to open up the floor and address questions before you make your final remarks. This way you get the last word and can rectify or damage control any questions that may not have been answered as well as you would have liked. M.J. Plebon from Montreal Quebec Canada
I agree - there are many ways to deal with the Q & A session. Essentially, it is something to look forward to as it can highlight your expertise - hopefully PREP will assist in alleviating the fear many of us have when dealing with Q & A sessions.
By the way, thanks Lucinda for noticing how I used PREP on our panel session at the Flying Solo Live conference - it does work! Maria Pantalone from Sydney | Read my articles

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