Navigating Difficult Audience Questions During Live Presentations: Best Practices and Techniques
Live presentations can be exciting opportunities to share information, engage with your audience, and build your brand. However, these events can also be tension-filled, especially when faced with difficult or unexpected audience questions. As a valuable guide, this article provides best practices and techniques for handling such situations effectively, ensuring a smooth and professional experience.
Common Scenarios and How to Respond
There are several ways to handle audience questions that you may not be able to answer immediately or confidently.
1. Say “Good Question, I’ll Have to Do Some Research and Get Back to You On That.” This approach acknowledges the question and establishes credibility by showing that you value the question. Additionally, follow through by sending the answer to everyone who attended the presentation, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust.
“Great question, I’ll have to do some research and get back to you on that.”
2. If you are genuinely clueless about the answer, it's crucial to be honest and transparent. Admitting that you don’t know the answer can be a learning opportunity for both you and the audience.
3. For questions that are difficult to answer, such as unexpected or challenging inquiries, be honest and explain why the answer is complex. This not only builds credibility but also provides valuable context to the audience.
Example: The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Diplomatic Response
Imagine a scenario where the Archbishop of Canterbury arrives in New York, and a journalist asks him, 'Do you intend to visit any strip clubs during your visit?'
A witty and effective response would be:
“Are there any strip clubs in New York,” replied the Archbishop innocently.
This response turned the tables on the journalist and made a light-hearted headline: “ARCHBISHOP ASKS IF THERE ARE ANY STRIP CLUBS IN NEW YORK IMMEDIATELY ON ARRIVAL.” The Archbishop’s response not only defused the situation but also made the news more interesting and memorable.
Fall Back Strategies
1. Temporary Admission and Commitment to Follow-Up:
If the question requires time to research, a simple and straightforward response can be:
“I don't have the answer for that, but I will look into it and get back to you.”
2. Providing Alternatives:
When it is acceptable, suggest the audience to write a research paper on the topic. This not only shifts the focus but also provides a constructive alternative:
“That is a great question. Write a paper on that and submit it to me in 1, 2, or 4 weeks.”
3. Professors might enjoy this approach, as it turns the tables on the audience:
“That is an intriguing question. I won't give you the answer, but you can submit a paper to me in 1, 2, or 4 weeks.”
The Role of Perspective and Audience Engagement
No one expects the presenter to be able to answer every question. Embracing this mindset is crucial for maintaining a professional and engaging demeanor.
Admitting Lack of Knowledge: Simply stating that you don't know the answer but will follow up and get back to them is a mature and respectful response. Make sure to keep a list to ensure you complete your follow-up.
Conclusion
Handling difficult questions during live presentations requires confidence, perspective, and a strategic approach. By employing the techniques discussed, you can maintain a professional and engaging demeanor, building trust and credibility with your audience. Remember, the key is to be transparent and respectful, and always aim to be more than just a lecturer—become an engaging and dependable source of information.