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Student Resource
Gamble, The Public Speaking Playbook, 2nd Edition
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Lecture Notes
Chapter 27: Answering Questions
Learning Objectives
1-1 Explain the purpose of the question and answer (Q & A) session
1-2 Determine how best to schedule a Q & A session
1-3 Use guidelines to manage the Q & A session
Outline
I. Consider the most appropriate timing of your Q & A session, as they may occur at
different times during a presentation.
A. You can solicit questions from your audience in advance.
1. This option allows the speaker to adapt their speech in advance to
possible questions and/or concerns of the audience.
B. You can also solicit questions during the presentation.
1. Questions asked in the middle of presentations allow you respond
immediately to the concerns or objections of others, expanding on points
as needed.
C. Finally, you may also wait until the end of the presentation to solicit questions.
1. Benefits such as controlling the content to ensure that the presentation
doesn’t get off track and keeping the audience focused on what you are
saying are associated with this approach.
2. Sometimes audience members can be distracted during the presentation
if they have to wait until the end to pose a question.
II. Speakers must learn how to manage the Q & A session
A. Speakers should anticipate potential questions prior to delivering the
presentation.
1. Speakers are encouraged to prepare responses in advance to those
potential questions.
B. Speakers should never attempt to belittle or embarrass the questioner.
1. Every question deserves an answer that demonstrates your respect for
the questioner.
2. Never put down.
Student Resource
Gamble, The Public Speaking Playbook, 2nd Edition
SAGE Publishing, 2018
C. Speakers should also clarify their understanding of a question before providing
a response.
1. Speakers can paraphrase the question back to the audience to eliminate
confusion.
D. Speakers should adhere to guidelines or protocol regarding how the questions
will be selected.
1. First hand up or first question submitted should be the first you answer
E. Speakers should handle off-track questions in a way that is ultimately
supportive of your final goal.
1. Be reflective and supportive of your ultimate goal
F. Speakers should think through their answer fully before responding.
1. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, don’t bluff or say “no
comment”.
G. Speakers should avoid becoming defensive when answering difficult and/or
hostile questions.
1. Maintaining composure and responding politely will positively
influence a speaker’s credibility with audience.
H. Speakers should not only address the question, but also the questioner and the
audience collectively with eye contact and gestures.
1. Connects speaker to the audience and keep everyone interested and
involved and make it less likely that the person asking the question will
become hostile if he or she does not like the answer.
I. Speakers should gradually bring the Q & A session to a close rather than ending
abruptly.
1. For example, speakers may tell the audience that there is only enough
time for two more questions.
