Public Speaking – Question and Answer Challenges – Tackling Difficult Questions

Public Speaking – Question and Answer Challenges – Tackling Difficult Questions

One of the challenges for a speaker is dealing with the questions and answers that follow. Because the questions and answers feel “off script,” the audience instinctively believes that they will find out how much you really know. So you don’t want to risk messing it up, especially with hard questions, or tricky ones, those really hard questions or ticking time bombs that you’d actually rather not answer.

The primary guideline for handling difficult or “imposter” questions is to TAKE TIME TO THINK. You can do this by paraphrasing the question to make sure you understand it, or by asking the person asking for clarification. But the most important thing you can do is PAUSE. The key is to pause. consequently. That way, when you get a particularly difficult question, you’ve already established the pattern of pausing so you can collect your thoughts without appearing stumped.

Let’s address different types of posers and strategies to respond to them:

COMPLEX OR CONFUSING ISSUES. Ask for it to be repeated or clarified. If you try to answer a vague question, you will never be able to satisfy the person asking. So make the specific question concrete.

INAPPROPRIATE ISSUES. These could be of the NOYB variety, none of your business. In that situation, honesty is the best policy. Just say, “Sorry, but that’s inside customer information.” Inappropriate can also be when a questioner includes incorrect information in the question, such as “Since ties cause cancer, will you ban them in the dress code?” The problem here is that misleading information can stay in the minds of the audience. Your first responsibility is to correct the misinformation before attempting to answer the question.

INTIMIDANT ISSUES. These can often make you squirm because they are related to sensitive topics. They can be a bit challenging, like, “I don’t believe you when you say there won’t be any more layoffs. Aren’t we going to lose our jobs anymore?” In a case like this, a bit of professional coverage might be in order, because answering truthfully could open up a bigger can of worms. You can choose to respond by discussing some aspect of the problem rather than answering directly: “It’s understandable that you’re worried about layoffs. But what should be more of a concern is how we’re going to come together as a team to help this.” company achieves its goals. The more successful we are at that, the safer our jobs will be.”

You can also choose not to tactfully answer the question: “I don’t have any way of confirming that at this time.”

Whatever you do, resist saying “no comment.” It will be assumed that you have something to hide, so your credibility on all other issues will suffer.

NOW IN. This is when a question is framed for a “yes” or “no” answer, but in a way that either answer gets you into trouble. In the speaker world, this type of question is often referred to as “Do you still beat your wife?” Question. Even by saying no, she could be implying that she used to… That’s the problem with these “dead-end” questions. So you can’t fall into the trap of answering the question directly. Instead, you have to rephrase your answer. If asked, “Have you told any more lies to advance your career?” the correct answer is not “Of course not.” (which implies, not plus lies, just the old ones I’ve told before…) Instead, a restatement would be: “I’ve always told the truth.”

No matter how difficult, unpleasant, or stupid a question is, always try to show respect and a genuine desire to respond in your response. Even when you can’t give full answers, you don’t want the audience to think you’re being evasive, shy, or difficult. Let them know that you are providing as much information as possible.

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