Handling Difficult Questions as a Presenter

What techniques are useful for regaining your composure when handling difficult questions?

• Take a sip of water.
• Refer to your notes.
• Breathe deeply and exhale slowly.
• Search out a friendly and encouraging face on which to focus.

What strategies are useful for answering a difficult question?

• Answer honestly and refrain from evading the question.
• Ask for clarification to buy yourself time to think.
• Avoid becoming aggressive or combative. Try to find common ground with the questioner.
• Admit your ignorance where appropriate. It's OK not to know the answer. Simply be sure to follow up later.
• Prepare ahead of time by trying to anticipate the needs and questions of your audience.

Overview/Description

Presentations are an open dialogue between the presenter and the audience. So what can you do when you're faced with a difficult question? This Impact series product examines strategies for dealing with challenging questions.

Target Audience

Professionals in non-managerial roles who wish to improve their ability to deliver effective presentations