Three Types of Questions to Expect During Q&A

You’ve come to the end of your business presentation and your audience gives you a round of warm applause. You smile, nod, open your body language and oozing with obvious confidence you ask them, “Do you have any questions?” But, in your mind you’re thinking, “I hope not, I hope not.”

Because you never really know what’s coming, the Q&A session at the end of your presentation can be the most difficult part to handle. However, it can be easier for you if you know and anticipate the three different types of questions that your audience is most likely to ask you.

The first type of question is for clarification. These are by far the most common questions that you’ll receive, and fortunately, they’re the easiest to answer. Your audience will ask for clarification when they need further explanation of an item you’ve delivered. All you’ve got to do, therefore, is go back, display the slide they have in question, and re-explain yourself a different way. Answering clarification questions is pretty straightforward and usually requires no additional knowledge on your part.

The second type of question is for additional information. Receiving questions like this is a good indication that your audience liked what you had to say, and now they want to hear more. They may ask for more detail, for specifications, for alternatives, and so on. Like clarification, these questions are common and easy to answer – IF you know your stuff. Prepare for these questions in advance. If your audience asks you for additional information, make sure you can provide it. "I'll get back to you" is an answer you'll be luck to get away with just once.

The last type of question your audience may ask is the most difficult to answer. This happens when they ask a question meant to challenge you. Your audience may challenge you for three different reasons. First, they might need absolute confirmation that the information you’re delivering is accurate. Important business decisions may depend on your presentation, so decision makers need to be certain. Expect to be challenged by senior management attending your presentation and be confident. This is what they want to see.

Second, they might disbelieve or find fault with an item you’ve presented. Be careful here, because they may be right and you may be wrong. If you realize your mistake, apologize and acknowledge the correction. If you are uncertain, commit to rechecking and getting back to the questioner. But, if you know you are right, stand and hold your ground. Accuracy must be defended.

The third reason your audience may challenge you is just to give you a hard time. Fortunately, these are few and far between so you may never have to deal with this type of challenge. However, if you do, these are the challenges that are most likely to put your professional credibility on line.

How do you deal with a tough challenge? Check in next week and read on...