160 Questions to Ask After a Presentation
Asking questions after a presentation is not just about seeking clarity on what was discussed. It’s a golden opportunity to delve deeper, engage with the speaker, and enhance your understanding of the subject matter. But knowing which questions to ask isn’t always straightforward.
In this piece, we’re about to break down the art of crafting impactful questions post-presentation that will not only benefit you but also add value to the entire audience’s experience.
Table of Contents
Questions to Ask After a Presentation for Feedback
Questions to ask after a presentation interview, questions to ask students after a presentation, questions to ask after a research presentation, questions to ask after a business presentation, questions to ask after a marketing presentation, questions to ask after a book presentation, reflection questions to ask after a presentation, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.
- Can you summarize the key points of the presentation?
- What aspect of the presentation did you find most engaging?
- Were there any areas that were unclear or confusing? If so, what were they?
- How would you rate the overall organization and flow of the presentation?
- Did the visual aids (such as slides or charts) enhance your understanding of the topic? Why or why not?
- Did the presenter maintain good eye contact and use body language effectively?
- Was the presenter’s tone and pace suitable for the content and audience?
- Were there any statistics or facts presented that stood out to you? Why?
- Did the presenter address potential counter-arguments or opposing views adequately?
- Were the objectives of the presentation clearly stated and met?
- How well did the presenter handle questions or interruptions during the presentation?
- Was there anything in the presentation that seemed unnecessary or redundant?
- What would you suggest to improve the presentation for future audiences?
- How did the presentation change or influence your thinking about the subject?
- Did the presentation feel tailored to the audience’s knowledge and interest level?
- Was there a clear and compelling call to action or concluding statement?
- Did the presentation feel too short, too long, or just the right length?
- What was your overall impression of the presenter’s credibility and expertise on the subject?
- How would you rate the relevance and importance of the topic to the audience?
- Can you identify any biases or assumptions in the presentation that may have influenced the message?
- How did you determine what content to include in your presentation?
- Can you explain the rationale behind the structure and flow of your presentation?
- What challenges did you face while preparing this presentation, and how did you overcome them?
- Were there any points in the presentation where you felt you could have elaborated more or less? Why?
- How did you decide on the visual elements and design of your presentation?
- Can you describe your intended audience and how you tailored the content to engage them?
- How did you ensure that the information presented was accurate and up-to-date?
- Were there any counter-arguments or opposing views on this topic that you considered including?
- How would you adapt this presentation for a different audience or context?
- How do you handle unexpected questions or interruptions during a presentation?
- Can you give an example of how you’ve handled negative feedback on a presentation in the past?
- How do you measure the success of a presentation? What metrics or feedback do you seek?
- What techniques do you use to engage an audience that may not be familiar with the topic?
- How do you balance the need to entertain and inform in a presentation?
- How do you prioritize information when you have a limited time to present?
- What strategies do you employ to ensure that your main points are memorable?
- How do you deal with nerves or anxiety before or during a presentation?
- Can you describe a situation where a presentation did not go as planned and how you handled it?
- How do you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in presenting?
- Is there anything you would change about this presentation if you were to do it again?
- How did you feel about the presentation? Were you confident or nervous, and why?
- What was the main message or goal of your presentation, and do you think you achieved it?
- How did you decide on the structure of your presentation?
- What research methods did you use to gather information for this presentation?
- Were there any challenges you encountered while preparing or presenting, and how did you address them?
- How did you ensure that your visual aids or multimedia elements supported your key points?
- What part of the presentation are you most proud of, and why?
- Were there any areas where you felt uncertain or that you would like to improve upon for next time?
- How did you tailor your presentation to fit the knowledge level and interest of your audience?
- What techniques did you use to engage the audience, and how do you think they worked?
- How did you practice your presentation, and what adjustments did you make as a result?
- Did you feel the time allotted for your presentation was sufficient? Why or why not?
- How did you decide what to emphasize or de-emphasize in your presentation?
- What feedback did you receive from peers during the preparation, and how did you incorporate it?
- Did you have a clear conclusion or call to action, and why did you choose it?
- How do you think your presentation style affects the way your audience receives your message?
- What would you do differently if you were to present this topic again?
- Can you reflect on a piece of feedback or a question from the audience that made you think?
- How has this presentation helped you better understand the subject matter?
- How will the skills and insights gained from this presentation experience benefit you in the future?
- Can you elaborate on the research question and what prompted you to investigate this topic?
- How did you choose the methodology for this research, and why was it the most suitable approach?
- Can you discuss any limitations or constraints within your research design and how they might have affected the results?
- How do your findings align or contrast with existing literature or previous research in this field?
- Were there any unexpected findings, and if so, how do you interpret them?
- How did you ensure the reliability and validity of your data?
- Can you discuss the ethical considerations involved in your research, and how were they addressed?
- What are the practical implications of your findings for practitioners in the field?
- How might your research contribute to theoretical development within this discipline?
- What recommendations do you have for future research based on your findings?
- Can you provide more details about your sample size and selection process?
- How did you handle missing or inconsistent data within your research?
- Were there any biases that could have influenced the results, and how were they mitigated?
- How do you plan to disseminate these findings within the academic community or to the broader public?
- Can you discuss the significance of your research within a broader social, economic, or cultural context?
- What feedback have you received from peers or advisors on this research, and how has it shaped your work?
- How does your research fit into your long-term academic or professional goals?
- Were there any particular challenges in conveying complex research findings to a general audience, and how did you address them?
- How does this research presentation fit into the larger project or research agenda, if applicable?
- Can you provide more insight into the interdisciplinary aspects of your research, if any, and how they contributed to the depth or breadth of understanding?
- Can you elaborate on the primary objectives and expected outcomes of this business initiative?
- How does this strategy align with the overall mission and vision of the company?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you’ll be monitoring to gauge success?
- Can you discuss the risks associated with this plan, and how have you prepared to mitigate them?
- How does this proposal fit within the current market landscape, and what sets it apart from competitors?
- What are the potential financial implications of this plan, including both investments and projected returns?
- Can you provide more detail about the timeline and milestones for implementation?
- What internal and external resources will be required, and how have you planned to allocate them?
- How did you gather and analyze the data presented, and how does it support your conclusions?
- How does this proposal take into account regulatory compliance and ethical considerations?
- What are the potential challenges or roadblocks, and what strategies are in place to overcome them?
- Can you explain how this initiative aligns with or affects other ongoing projects or departments within the company?
- How will this plan impact stakeholders, and how have their interests and concerns been addressed?
- What contingency plans are in place if the initial strategy doesn’t achieve the desired results?
- How will success be communicated and celebrated within the organization?
- What opportunities for collaboration or partnership with other organizations exist within this plan?
- How does this proposal consider sustainability and the potential long-term impact on the environment and community?
- How have you incorporated feedback or lessons learned from previous similar initiatives?
- What are the key takeaways you’d like us to remember from this presentation?
- How can we get involved or support this initiative moving forward?
- Can you elaborate on the target audience for this marketing campaign, and how were they identified?
- What are the main objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for this campaign?
- How does this marketing strategy align with the overall brand values and business goals?
- What channels will be utilized, and why were they chosen for this particular campaign?
- Can you discuss the expected return on investment (ROI) and how it will be measured?
- What are the creative concepts driving this campaign, and how do they resonate with the target audience?
- How does this campaign consider the competitive landscape, and what sets it apart from competitors’ efforts?
- What are the potential risks or challenges with this marketing plan, and how will they be mitigated?
- Can you provide more details about the budget allocation across different marketing channels and activities?
- How have customer insights or feedback been integrated into the campaign strategy?
- What contingency plans are in place if certain elements of the campaign do not perform as expected?
- How will this marketing initiative be integrated with other departments or business functions, such as sales or customer service?
- How does this campaign consider sustainability or social responsibility, if at all?
- What tools or technologies will be used to execute and monitor this campaign?
- Can you discuss the timeline and key milestones for the launch and ongoing management of the campaign?
- How will the success of this campaign be communicated both internally and externally?
- How does this marketing strategy consider potential regulatory or compliance issues?
- How will the campaign be adapted or customized for different markets or segments, if applicable?
- What lessons from previous campaigns were applied in the development of this strategy?
- How can we, as a team or as individuals, support the successful implementation of this marketing plan?
- What inspired the main theme or concept of the book?
- Can you describe the intended audience for this book, and why they would find it appealing?
- How did the characters’ development contribute to the overall message of the book?
- What research was conducted (if any) to ensure the authenticity of the setting, characters, or events?
- Were there any challenges or ethical considerations in writing or presenting this book?
- How does this book fit into the current literary landscape or genre? What sets it apart?
- What do you believe readers will find most engaging or thought-provoking about this book?
- Can you discuss any symbolic elements or literary devices used in the book and their significance?
- How does the book’s structure (e.g., point of view, chronological order) contribute to its impact?
- What were the emotional highs and lows during the writing or reading of this book, and how do they reflect in the story?
- How does the book address or reflect contemporary social, cultural, or political issues?
- Were there any parts of the book that were particularly difficult or rewarding to write or read?
- How does this book relate to the author’s previous works or the evolution of their writing style?
- What feedback or responses have been received from readers, critics, or peers, and how have they influenced the presentation?
- What are the main takeaways or lessons you hope readers will gain from this book?
- How might this book be used in educational settings, and what age group or courses would it be suitable for?
- Can you discuss the process of editing, publishing, or marketing the book, if applicable?
- How does the book’s cover art or design reflect its content or attract its target readership?
- Are there plans for a sequel, adaptation, or related works in the future?
- How can readers stay engaged with the author or the book’s community, such as through social media, book clubs, or events?
- How do you feel the presentation went overall, and why?
- What part of the presentation are you most proud of, and what made it successful?
- Were there any moments where you felt challenged or uncertain? How did you handle those moments?
- How did you perceive the audience’s engagement and reaction? Were there any surprises?
- What feedback have you received from others, and how does it align with your self-assessment?
- Were there any technical difficulties or unexpected obstacles, and how were they addressed?
- How well did you manage your time during the presentation? Were there areas that needed more or less focus?
- How did you feel before the presentation, and how did those feelings change throughout?
- What strategies did you use to connect with the audience, and how effective were they?
- Were there any points that you felt were misunderstood or could have been communicated more clearly?
- How did the preparation process contribute to the overall success or challenges of the presentation?
- What did you learn about yourself as a communicator or presenter through this experience?
- Were there any ethical considerations in the content or delivery of the presentation, and how were they handled?
- How does this presentation align with your long-term goals or professional development?
- How would you approach this presentation differently if you had to do it again?
- How has this presentation affected your confidence or skills in public speaking or presenting?
- What resources or support would have enhanced your preparation or performance?
- How will you apply what you’ve learned from this presentation to future projects or presentations?
- How did your understanding of the topic change or deepen through the process of preparing and presenting?
- What steps will you take to continue improving or building on the skills demonstrated in this presentation?
What if I disagree with a point made during the presentation?
It’s important to frame disagreement in a constructive and respectful way. You might say, “ I found your point on X intriguing. From a different perspective, could Y also be considered…? ” This opens up a dialogue without dismissing the presenter’s viewpoint.
How can I formulate my questions to encourage a more detailed answer?
Use open-ended questions that start with “ how ,” “ why, ” or “ could you explain… ” as these require more than a yes or no answer and encourage the presenter to provide depth. For example, “ Could you explain the process behind your research findings in more detail? “
By asking insightful questions, you’re not only cementing your understanding of the material presented but also opening doors to further knowledge and collaboration. Remember, the quality of your questions reflects the depth of your engagement and willingness to learn.
So, the next time you find yourself in the audience, seize the opportunity to ask meaningful questions and watch as simple presentations transform into dialogues that inspire and illuminate.
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Bea Mariel Saulo
Bea is an editor and writer with a passion for literature and self-improvement. Her ability to combine these two interests enables her to write informative and thought-provoking articles that positively impact society. She enjoys reading stories and listening to music in her spare time.
30 Examples: How to Conclude a Presentation (Effective Closing Techniques)
By Status.net Editorial Team on March 4, 2024 — 9 minutes to read
Ending a presentation on a high note is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. It’s the final chance to leave an impact on your audience, ensuring they walk away with the key messages embedded in their minds. This moment is about driving your points home and making sure they resonate. Crafting a memorable closing isn’t just about summarizing key points, though that’s part of it, but also about providing value that sticks with your listeners long after they’ve left the room.
Crafting Your Core Message
To leave a lasting impression, your presentation’s conclusion should clearly reflect your core message. This is your chance to reinforce the takeaways and leave the audience thinking about your presentation long after it ends.
Identifying Key Points
Start by recognizing what you want your audience to remember. Think about the main ideas that shaped your talk. Make a list like this:
- The problem your presentation addresses.
- The evidence that supports your argument.
- The solution you propose or the action you want the audience to take.
These key points become the pillars of your core message.
Contextualizing the Presentation
Provide context by briefly relating back to the content of the whole presentation. For example:
- Reference a statistic you shared in the opening, and how it ties into the conclusion.
- Mention a case study that underlines the importance of your message.
Connecting these elements gives your message cohesion and makes your conclusion resonate with the framework of your presentation.
30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation
- 1. “In summary, let’s revisit the key takeaways from today’s presentation.”
- 2. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s move forward together.”
- 3. “That brings us to the end. I’m open to any questions you may have.”
- 4. “I’ll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we conclude.”
- 5. “Let’s recap the main points before we wrap up.”
- 6. “I appreciate your engagement. Now, let’s turn these ideas into action.”
- 7. “We’ve covered a lot today. To conclude, remember these crucial points.”
- 8. “As we reach the end, I’d like to emphasize our call to action.”
- 9. “Before we close, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned.”
- 10. “Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to our next steps.”
- 11. “In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their participation.”
- 12. “Let’s conclude with a reminder of the impact we can make together.”
- 13. “To wrap up our session, here’s a brief summary of our discussion.”
- 14. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to present to you. Any final thoughts?”
- 15. “And that’s a wrap. I welcome any final questions or comments.”
- 16. “As we conclude, let’s remember the objectives we’ve set today.”
- 17. “Thank you for your time. Let’s apply these insights to achieve success.”
- 18. “In conclusion, your feedback is valuable, and I’m here to listen.”
- 19. “Before we part, let’s take a moment to reflect on our key messages.”
- 20. “I’ll end with an invitation for all of us to take the next step.”
- 21. “As we close, let’s commit to the goals we’ve outlined today.”
- 22. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
- 23. “In conclusion, let’s make a difference, starting now.”
- 24. “I’ll leave you with these final words to consider as we end our time together.”
- 25. “Before we conclude, remember that change starts with our actions today.”
- 26. “Thank you for the lively discussion. Let’s continue to build on these ideas.”
- 27. “As we wrap up, I encourage you to reach out with any further questions.”
- 28. “In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude for your valuable input.”
- 29. “Let’s conclude on a high note and take these learnings forward.”
- 30. “Thank you for your time today. Let’s end with a commitment to progress.”
Summarizing the Main Points
When you reach the end of your presentation, summarizing the main points helps your audience retain the important information you’ve shared. Crafting a memorable summary enables your listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of your message.
Effective Methods of Summarization
To effectively summarize your presentation, you need to distill complex information into concise, digestible pieces. Start by revisiting the overarching theme of your talk and then narrow down to the core messages. Use plain language and imagery to make the enduring ideas stick. Here are some examples of how to do this:
- Use analogies that relate to common experiences to recap complex concepts.
- Incorporate visuals or gestures that reinforce your main arguments.
The Rule of Three
The Rule of Three is a classic writing and communication principle. It means presenting ideas in a trio, which is a pattern that’s easy for people to understand and remember. For instance, you might say, “Our plan will save time, cut costs, and improve quality.” This structure has a pleasing rhythm and makes the content more memorable. Some examples include:
- “This software is fast, user-friendly, and secure.”
- Pointing out a product’s “durability, affordability, and eco-friendliness.”
Reiterating the Main Points
Finally, you want to circle back to the key takeaways of your presentation. Rephrase your main points without introducing new information. This reinforcement supports your audience’s memory and understanding of the material. You might summarize key takeaways like this:
- Mention the problem you addressed, the solution you propose, and the benefits of this solution.
- Highlighting the outcomes of adopting your strategy: higher efficiency, greater satisfaction, and increased revenue.
Creating a Strong Conclusion
The final moments of your presentation are your chance to leave your audience with a powerful lasting impression. A strong conclusion is more than just summarizing—it’s your opportunity to invoke thought, inspire action, and make your message memorable.
Incorporating a Call to Action
A call to action is your parting request to your audience. You want to inspire them to take a specific action or think differently as a result of what they’ve heard. To do this effectively:
- Be clear about what you’re asking.
- Explain why their action is needed.
- Make it as simple as possible for them to take the next steps.
Example Phrases:
- “Start making a difference today by…”
- “Join us in this effort by…”
- “Take the leap and commit to…”
Leaving a Lasting Impression
End your presentation with something memorable. This can be a powerful quote, an inspirational statement, or a compelling story that underscores your main points. The goal here is to resonate with your audience on an emotional level so that your message sticks with them long after they leave.
- “In the words of [Influential Person], ‘…'”
- “Imagine a world where…”
- “This is more than just [Topic]; it’s about…”
Enhancing Audience Engagement
To hold your audience’s attention and ensure they leave with a lasting impression of your presentation, fostering interaction is key.
Q&A Sessions
It’s important to integrate a Q&A session because it allows for direct communication between you and your audience. This interactive segment helps clarify any uncertainties and encourages active participation. Plan for this by designating a time slot towards the end of your presentation and invite questions that promote discussion.
- “I’d love to hear your thoughts; what questions do you have?”
- “Let’s dive into any questions you might have. Who would like to start?”
- “Feel free to ask any questions, whether they’re clarifications or deeper inquiries about the topic.”
Encouraging Audience Participation
Getting your audience involved can transform a good presentation into a great one. Use open-ended questions that provoke thought and allow audience members to reflect on how your content relates to them. Additionally, inviting volunteers to participate in a demonstration or share their experiences keeps everyone engaged and adds a personal touch to your talk.
- “Could someone give me an example of how you’ve encountered this in your work?”
- “I’d appreciate a volunteer to help demonstrate this concept. Who’s interested?”
- “How do you see this information impacting your daily tasks? Let’s discuss!”
Delivering a Persuasive Ending
At the end of your presentation, you have the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A persuasive ending can drive home your key message and encourage action.
Sales and Persuasion Tactics
When you’re concluding a presentation with the goal of selling a product or idea, employ carefully chosen sales and persuasion tactics. One method is to summarize the key benefits of your offering, reminding your audience why it’s important to act. For example, if you’ve just presented a new software tool, recap how it will save time and increase productivity. Another tactic is the ‘call to action’, which should be clear and direct, such as “Start your free trial today to experience the benefits first-hand!” Furthermore, using a touch of urgency, like “Offer expires soon!”, can nudge your audience to act promptly.
Final Impressions and Professionalism
Your closing statement is a chance to solidify your professional image and leave a positive impression. It’s important to display confidence and poise. Consider thanking your audience for their time and offering to answer any questions. Make sure to end on a high note by summarizing your message in a concise and memorable way. If your topic was on renewable energy, you might conclude by saying, “Let’s take a leap towards a greener future by adopting these solutions today.” This reinforces your main points and encourages your listeners to think or act differently when they leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative strategies for ending a presentation memorably.
To end your presentation in a memorable way, consider incorporating a call to action that engages your audience to take the next step. Another strategy is to finish with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact that resonates with your listeners.
Can you suggest some powerful quotes suitable for concluding a presentation?
Yes, using a quote can be very effective. For example, Maya Angelou’s “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” can reinforce the emotional impact of your presentation.
What is an effective way to write a conclusion that summarizes a presentation?
An effective conclusion should recap the main points succinctly, highlighting what you want your audience to remember. A good way to conclude is by restating your thesis and then briefly summarizing the supporting points you made.
As a student, how can I leave a strong impression with my presentation’s closing remarks?
To leave a strong impression, consider sharing a personal anecdote related to your topic that demonstrates passion and conviction. This helps humanize your content and makes the message more relatable to your audience.
How can I appropriately thank my audience at the close of my presentation?
A simple and sincere expression of gratitude is always appropriate. You might say, “Thank you for your attention and engagement today,” to convey appreciation while also acknowledging their participation.
What are some examples of a compelling closing sentence in a presentation?
A compelling closing sentence could be something like, “Together, let’s take the leap towards a greener future,” if you’re presenting on sustainability. This sentence is impactful, calls for united action, and leaves your audience with a clear message.
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90 Questions to Ask After a Presentation
Have you ever found yourself mulling over a presentation, wishing you had a treasure trove of questions to uncover the speaker’s insights and wisdom fully?
The right question isn’t just a follow-up; it’s a key that unlocks a deeper connection with the topic. This guide is designed to arm you with a curated collection of inquiries that will enhance your understanding, invite valuable discourse, and help you to apply what you’ve learned.
Let’s dive into the art of the post-presentation conversation and transform every ending slide into an opportunity for continued learning and engagement.
Table of Contents
Clarifying Understanding
- Could you elaborate on the main thesis of your presentation?
- What inspired the topic of your presentation?
- Can you summarize the key points you’d like us to take away?
- Is there an aspect of your presentation you think deserves deeper understanding?
- How does your presentation relate to current trends or issues in the field?
- Were there any counterarguments or challenges to your points that you didn’t mention?
- In what way does your presentation build on or differ from existing research?
- Could you clarify the methodology behind your study or findings?
- How would you explain the significance of your findings to a layman?
- Is there a particular slide or section you can revisit for further clarification?
- Could you give an example that illustrates your point about [specific detail]?
- What were the assumptions underlying your analysis or argument?
- How do definitions used in your presentation compare to industry-standard ones?
- Can you clarify the statistical significance of your data?
- Where might we find more information on this topic if we wish to understand it better?
Digging Deeper into Content
- Can you expand on how your findings compare to similar studies?
- How might emerging technologies impact the relevance of your findings in the future?
- Are there ethical considerations linked to your presentation topic?
- What are the limitations of your research, and how can they be addressed in the future?
- How can your research be applied in other fields or industries?
- In what ways do your findings challenge conventional wisdom?
- Could you walk us through the process of how you collected your data?
- How would different theoretical frameworks affect the interpretation of your results?
- What unanswered questions remain after your presentation?
- How do you expect the discussion on this topic to evolve in the next five years?
- What are the implications of your findings for policy or practice?
- How does cultural context play into the outcomes of your research?
- Can you discuss any relevant case studies that connect to your presentation?
- What follow-up research would you recommend based on your work?
- In your research, what was the most surprising discovery you made?
Gathering Practical Applications
- How can we apply your research findings in our everyday work?
- What steps can organizations take to implement your recommendations?
- Can you suggest tools or resources for applying the insights from your presentation?
- How might your research influence day-to-day decision-making?
- Could you provide a real-world example where your findings have been put into practice?
- What are the short-term and long-term benefits of applying your findings?
- Who stands to benefit most from the practical applications of your research?
- Are there certain industries or sectors where your findings are particularly relevant?
- How will applying your findings change existing systems or processes?
- What are some common obstacles to implementing your research, and how can they be overcome?
- How do you recommend staying up-to-date on applications in your research area?
- Can you suggest partner organizations or groups that are working on applying these concepts?
- What measures can be put in place to evaluate the efficacy of applying your research?
- How do you foresee your findings impacting future innovations?
- What action can individuals take to support the practical application of your research?
Providing Constructive Feedback
- I found [specific point] very compelling; have you considered expanding on this?
- Your presentation makes a strong case for [topic]; how could it be enhanced with additional data?
- I noticed [aspect] during your presentation; could this be a point for further refinement?
- The visual aids were helpful; have you thought about using more interactive elements?
- The section on [specific area] was very informative; how can it be made more accessible for beginners in the field?
- In terms of delivery, would you be open to exploring other formats for your presentation?
- Your research draws important conclusions; how else might you support them?
- The pacing of your presentation was effective; could you use a similar approach to emphasize other key points?
- Given the complexity of your topic, have you considered a follow-up session or workshop?
- What additional resources or readings would you recommend to enhance our understanding of your topic?
- Your narrative was engaging; might there be a way to incorporate more storytelling?
- How might audience participation be facilitated in future presentations to enhance understanding?
- Were there alternative viewpoints you debated including in your presentation?
- How did you decide on the structure of your presentation, and what could be changed to improve it?
- Is there a component of your research that you feel requires more visibility or discussion?
Fostering Engagement and Discussion
- What questions do you have for the audience that might help further the discussion?
- How can the audience keep the conversation going outside of this presentation?
- Are there forums or networks where this topic is actively discussed?
- Could you propose a thought experiment or hypothetical scenario for us to consider?
- How can we encourage more interdisciplinary dialogue on this subject?
- What common misconceptions should we address to clear up understanding?
- In your opinion, what are the most controversial aspects of your topic?
- How can we contribute to the body of research or thought around this subject?
- What role can non-experts play in the discussion of these findings?
- Can you suggest a way to create a community or collective around this area of research?
- How would you like to see this information shared or disseminated?
- What would be an ideal outcome of the discussions that stem from this presentation?
- Are there collaborative projects or initiatives we could start as a result of your findings?
- Would you be interested in hosting a series of discussions to delve deeper into certain aspects?
- How do you suggest we handle differing opinions or debates that arise from your topic?
Exploring Next Steps and Actions
- Based on your research, what should be our immediate action?
- What are the first steps to be taken for those who want to delve deeper into this topic?
- Who should be contacted or involved in further development of this topic?
- Are there upcoming events or conferences where this topic will be featured?
- What can we do as individuals to further the research or findings you presented?
- How can we best track the progress and development in this area?
- What practical steps would you recommend for a follow-up study or project?
- Could you outline potential obstacles we might face in advancing this topic and how to overcome them?
- Are there policy changes or advocacy needed to move this conversation forward?
- How can the general public be engaged in the action steps related to your findings?
- What are the most critical areas for immediate exploration or action?
- Is there a need for collaboration with other disciplines to advance this topic?
- How can educators integrate your findings into their curriculum or teaching?
- What funding opportunities should be looked into to support further research?
- How can we measure the impact of the actions taken as a result of your presentation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can i provide feedback on the presentation style as well as the content.
Yes, but always aim to be constructive and polite. Feedback on presentation style can be as valuable as feedback on content.
What should I do if my question isn’t answered during the Q&A session?
If time runs out, try approaching the presenter afterward or sending a follow-up email with your question.
How can I encourage a discussion rather than just a Q&A session?
Ask open-ended questions that invite the presenter or audience members to share thoughts and perspectives, thus fostering a more interactive dialogue.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to quenching your intellectual curiosity and contributing valuable insights after a presentation. From uncovering the nuances of presented content to setting the stage for future collaboration, asking these questions ensures that no stone is left unturned.
Remember, the journey of understanding and exploration doesn’t end with the closing slide; it’s merely the beginning. Now, go forth and turn those questions into conversations that matter!
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How to Nail the Q&A After Your Presentation
- Caroline Webb
You can’t rehearse it, but you can be prepared.
When preparing to give a presentation, most professionals focus their energy on the main portion of their talk — their key messages, slides, and takeaways. And far too few people think through how you’ll answer questions at the end of the presentation can be a big mistake. If you’re worried about how to hand the Q&A, there are several things you can do. Change your mindset. Rather than dreading this part of the talk, develop an appreciation for the conversation. It’s a good thing that people have follow-up questions and want to further engage with your content. Beforehand, think through the types of questions audience members might ask. Put yourself in your shoes and ask yourself what concerns they might have about how your message impacts their job. Then, when you’re asked a question, especially one that might be contentious, start your answer by focusing on where you and the person asking it agree. This makes the person feel seen and connected to you. And if you’re asked a question out of left field, be curious. Ask follow-up questions that help you understand what they’re getting at and where they’re coming from.
If you’re not a huge fan of public speaking , you’re in good company. It’s such a widely shared source of anxiety that when psychologists want to induce unpleasant stress in a person for experimental purposes, they often use a public speaking task called the Trier Social Stress Test . The test requires people to give a talk and do sums in front of a panel of impassive listeners, and it reliably generates stress markers such as a faster heart rate, raised cortisol levels, and “enhanced skin conductance,” which is the polite way of saying sweaty palms.
- Caroline Webb is the author of How to Have a Good Day: Harness the Power of Behavioral Science to Transform Your Working Life . She is also CEO of coaching firm Sevenshift , and a senior adviser to McKinsey & Company. Follow her on Facebook or Google + . caroline_webb_
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Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation
October 19, 2017 - Dom Barnard
The questions at the end of a presentation can be terrifying for many speakers as they can’t be controlled and are hard to prepare for. However, questions form an important part of the presentation for the whole audience as they allow for clarification and consolidation of learning.
The presenter can enhance the usefulness of the question and answer session by treating it as a formal part of the presentation that requires as much careful planning and control as the delivery of the core material.
Identify possible questions and scope in your preparation
The background work that you undertook whilst planning your presentation is the key to handling questions effectively and understanding what type of audience you’ll be faced with. If you have defined a focus for your presentation and have explored this thoroughly in your research and planning, you are more likely to be able to confidently respond to questions.
When planning your presentation, you will need to prepare prompts for questions that are open and straightforward, for example saying “That’s the end of my presentation. I’ll be taking questions for the next 10 minutes”.
You might also want to define topics for discussion before taking questions, by stating the areas you’re willing to field questions in. Your preparation will help you identify topics you are not confident with and want to avoid in the questioning.
Set some rules for asking questions
At the start of your presentation, make it clear when you would prefer to deal with questions – as you go along or at the end of the presentation.
Some speakers prefer questions to be raised as they arise during the presentation. The advantage of this approach is that any misunderstandings can be dealt with immediately. However, there is also a danger that the question will disrupt or distract the speaker, or that questions are raised that would have been covered later in the presentation.
If you leave questions until the end, plan to leave plenty of time for questions so that the audience doesn’t feel rushed.
Framework for responding to questions
Answering questions under pressure can make you say things you shouldn’t have – the nerves can force you to give an inappropriate response. In your panic you might have misinterpreted the question or given away company information that was sensitive. Use the following framework to help you respond effectively to your audience.
Practice answering AI-generated questions on your speech or presentation with VirtualSpeech .
1. Listen to the whole question
You don’t have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds, actively listen to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer.
Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet. This can throw you if you have already started to prepare an answer. Remember that questioners will frequently try to make a point whilst asking their question – it’s therefore important to both hear the content of the question and try to decipher the questioner’s intention.
2. Understand the context
If you are worried that you haven’t understood a question, ask them to clarify what they mean. Check for confirmation by paraphrasing the question back to the questioner – “You want me to list the improvements of X?”.
3. Involve the whole audience
It is important to remember that even though you are taking a question from one member of the audience, you are still responsible for the interest of the other audience members. This is particularly important in large groups as the audience will become bored if the presentation descends into a series of one-to-one discussions.
To involve the rest of the audience, make sure the whole audience has heard and understood the question by repeating it or paraphrasing it to the audience.
4. Respond concisely
When you reply to a question, direct your answer to both the questioner and other members of the audience. Try to keep your responses as focused as possible, leaving space for other questions. To avoid going into too much detail, check back with the questioner to see if you have answered their query – “Does that answer your question in enough detail?”.
We’ll cover different ways to respond in a later section.
5. Allow follow-up questions via email
You can also encourage your audience to ask questions after the event has finished by providing your email address. This shows a high level of respect for your audience and implies that the topic still has much further scope for enquiry.
Two good resources for handling questions
- What’s the art of answering a tricky question?
- Dodging the Question
Practice Answering Questions
Practice answering questions after your presentation using a 4 step process. Learn More
Options for answering the question
There are five possible choices depending on how well you understand and can answer the question. It’s okay to say that you don’t know the answer to something. This can add to your credibility instead of trying to waffle through an answer you don’t really know.
If you have a good answer for the question from the audience, go ahead and answer it in a short and clear message.
Ask a question back the audience member, such as “Can you clarify what you mean by that”. You can also attack the question if it is not related to the issue, factually inaccurate, personal or based on false assumptions. Be careful with this method.
Ask the question back to the audience or pass it to another panel member if possible. If suitable, another technique is to imply the question has been asked already, with you stating you don’t want to cover old ground.
Tell the audience member you will talk to them after the event. This gives you more time to think of a good answer and there is less pressure to give a perfect answer.
Or mention that that point is coming up in a slide.
This involves answering the question but changing the subject. You can also give a partial answer or give a negative answer, saying that something else will happen instead.
Avoid answering questions that fall outside of the remit of your talk: “I’m afraid that really falls outside of my objectives for today’s presentation. Perhaps we can resume discussion of that particular point later?”
Diagram Explained : Once you receive a question, you’ll have a few moments to think about it and reframe it in a way that makes sense to you. This will give you five choices on how to react – you can answer, reflect, deflect, defer or change the scope of the question. Once you’ve answered concisely, you can then follow up to check if the person asking the question is satisfied and then continue with the presentation.
Strategies to use when struggling to answer
Here are some strategies to use when you are struggling to answer the question posed to you. For more information, read this article on Dodging the Question .
- Acknowledge the question without answering it – “That’s a good question, let’s consider the impact by looking at…”
- The question fails to tackle the important issue.
- The question is based on a false assumption.
- The question is factually inaccurate.
- The question is too personal or objectionable.
- Decline to answer. Refuse to answer on the basis that it is not your area of responsibility or it is sensitive company information – “You will have to ask [name] because I wasn’t involved in that particular project.”
- Partial answer
- Start to answer but change the subject
- Negative answer. You state what won’t happen instead of what will happen
- Answer a similar question
- State or imply the question has already been answered – “We’ve already covered that topic”
Things to avoid
When handling questions and answers, you will still need to be as professional as you have been for the main delivery of your presentation. There are some common dangers to avoid.
Answering the question you wished you’d been asked
A common trick played by politicians, this strategy ignores the precise nature of the question and uses a predetermined answer to the broad topic area. If handled poorly, this technique is very obvious to the audience and frustrating to the questioner.
Giving a lengthy response
This is the process whereby you make a lengthy response, including all the information you’d left out in planning the main presentation. Your unplanned response will be unstructured and rambling, so keep things focused and brief. If you find yourself rambling, ask them to talk to you after.
Passing the blame
Passing the blame to others comes across as weak and evasive. If an idea from the audience is a good one, acknowledge its value. If it isn’t, make a polite rebuttal and move on.
Defensive answers
Occasionally, questions can really put you on the spot, but it is important to remain calm and in control. An aggressive or defensive reply will be seen as weakness on your part and will spoil the effect of an otherwise successful presentation.
Handling difficult questions
It is important not to start responding to a difficult question before you have thought about the answer. Repeating the question and asking for clarification will help create some space for your thoughts.
Sometimes you will need to think about a question for a moment before responding. You may be able to buy a little bit of thinking time to help focus your response. Useful strategies include searching for an appropriate visual aid to help focus your response or simply pausing for a moment or two to think. For even more time, suggest that you’ll come back to the topic later (but don’t forget to do this).
7 myths when answering tough questions during presentations
Sometimes questions are too difficult to answer. Don’t worry about admitting that you don’t know something or haven’t considered an alternative approach. An enthusiastic “That’s an interesting idea, I’d not thought of that” is much more positive than a mumbled “I don’t know ”. Remember that a presentation is a two-way process and it is important to show that you are learning from your audience as well.
Finally, you can come across a questioner who disagrees strongly with your argument. Although this can feel very awkward, remember that you are still responsible for the whole audience and that you cannot allocate all of your question time to one individual.
If you feel that you have answered the initial question, announce that you will move on and suggest that you might continue discussion after the presentation. If the questioner persists, assert your position calmly by saying “I’m afraid I need to move on”.
You can read more on this topic here: Responding to questions effectively (PDF)
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6 Ways to Close Your Presentation With Style (& Tools to Use)
Written by: Ashish Arora
Picture this: You've just delivered an amazing presentation that had your audience hooked from the start. The excitement in the room is glaring as you reach the final moments of your presentations.
Now, it's time to close with a bang and leave a lasting impression.
The way you conclude your presentation holds immense power. That’s the defining moment that cements your message in the minds of your audience.
So how do you wrap up your presentation in a memorable way and leave your audience feeling inspired? That’s why we created this article to teach you how to end a presentation.
In this article, we're going to explore six awesome ways to close your presentation with style. These techniques will help you leave a lasting impact and make your audience go "Wow!"
Get ready to level up your presentation skills and charm your audience with these proven closing techniques.
Table of Contents
6 ways to close your presentation with style, tools to help you create a presentation, key phrases to end a presentation.
- How to Start a Presentation
- Top Presentation Mistakes to Avoid
- How you end your presentation can make all the difference in solidifying your message and leaving your audience with a sense of purpose.
- Level up your presentation skills and charm your audience with these proven closing techniques: include a strong call-to-action (CTA), don't end with a question and answer slide; conclude with a memorable quote, tell a story, summarize your main points and thank the audience.
- Here are some ways you can start your presentation on a strong note: make a bold claim, give them the unexpected, pique curiosity, ask questions and tell a story.
- Avoid these top presentation mistakes: lack of adequate presentation, being robotic, avoiding eye contact, starting and ending weak.
- Visme, Prezi, Slidebean and Google Slides are four stand-out tools you can use to create stunning and effective presentations.
- Visme’s presentation software offers a wide range of templates and extensive features to help you create next-level presentations.
There’s no question that grabbing your audience’s attention at the very beginning of your presentation is important. But how you end it can make all the difference in your presentation’s overall impact.
Here are some ways to ensure you end powerfully:
- Way #1: Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
- Way #2: Don't End With a Q&A
- Way #3: End With a Memorable Quote
- Way #4: Close With a Story
- Way #5: Drive Your Main Points Home
- Way #6: Thank and Acknowledge
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1. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
If you’re a business owner, the primary purpose of your presentation is to inspire the audience to action. Don’t assume they will take it, move them to it.
Use powerful words that are definitive and instructional. Calls-to-action like “Begin the journey” or “Join the fight” are to-the-point and let the audience know what to do.
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2. Don’t End with a Q&A
You’ve just spent 20-30 minutes wowing your audience and now you’re going to let your presentation fizzle out with a Q&A? Beyond the fact that you are never in full control of what questions you will be asked, Q&As are just not memorable.
So how do you end a presentation with a bang? It is better to take questions throughout the presentation. This way the questions asked are relevant to the particular information being shared and you can ensure your audience is keeping up with you.
If you have been forced to structure your presentation so that questions are taken at the end, make sure to allow yourself a minute or two after the Q&A. Use this time to close the presentation with your final takeaways and messages of inspiration.
3. End with a Memorable Quote
Sometimes, if you can’t find the perfect words to end with, use someone else’s words.
“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” –Charles Swindoll
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” –John Lennon
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” –Steve Jobs
These are pretty powerful words, no? Use quotes like these when you wrap up your presentation, or add them in your final slide to leave a strong impression.
4. Close with a Story
If opening with a compelling story works, there’s a very good chance that closing with one will as well. While a story at the beginning was an effective lead-in to your message, a story at the end can creatively sum up the information you have shared.
A word of caution: don’t end with a case study. Many business owners do this. Case studies are great for the middle of your presentation. But for the conclusion, you want a meaningful story that affects your audience emotionally and causes them to remember your message for a long, long time.
5. Drive Your Main Points Home
Your audience will appreciate some form of summation at the end that will act as a linear representation of what they’ve just heard. There is a simple summary formula that many professional speakers use in the ending slide:
- Tell them what you are going to tell them.
- Then, tell them what you told them.
You can simply say something like, “Before I leave you with my final thoughts about XYZ, let me briefly restate my main takeaways…” Don’t just list your key points but show the audience how each links to the other points.
Giving a successful presentation takes a lot of work and commitment. By creating a powerful opening and closing, you will ensure that your message is not only fully received but impactful as well.
6. Thank and Acknowledge
If you're finding it hard to signal to your audience that your presentation has ended and it's time to applaud, thanking them can be a great way to do so. Including an end slide or thank you slide can make things easier.
At the end of your presentation, you can also acknowledge any companies or people who helped you put together your presentation, such as a website you used as a data source.
Now that you know how to end a presentation effectively, let's find out how you can create one that speaks for itself.
A well-designed slide deck can not only help you better convey your message, but it can also make you feel more confident about your presentation.
Here are four tools you can use to create stunning and effective presentations.
Visme is a robust visual content creation tool and presentation software that transforms how users create and deliver captivating presentations. With a wide range of customizable templates, an extensive asset library and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can level up your presentation and captivate your audience like never before.
Here are some of the standard features of Visme's presentation software.
- Generate a set of branded templates tailored to your brand using Visme's AI-powered brand design tool .
- Easily record projects and presentations for your audience to view on their own time and pace with Visme Presenter studio .
- Create beautiful data visualizations , charts , graphs , and infographics that will effectively communicate your information.
- Transform boring presentation slides into enriching experiences that keep your audience engaged with interactive features using pop ups, hover effects, slide transitions, interactive charts, maps, quizzes and videos.
- Generate high-quality content, proofread or create an outline for your presentation using Visme's AI text generator .
- Take your presentation to a whole new level with our comprehensive library of royalty-free images, icons, illustrations, graphics, and pre-designed content blocks.
- Unleash your creativity with the help of Visme’s AI image generator . All you need to do is input your prompt and you can generate unique photos, paintings, pencil drawings, 3D graphics, icons, abstract art, and more.
- Drive seamless collaboration with Visme's collaborative features make teamwork a breeze. You can collaborate with colleagues and clients in real-time, leave comments, and make edits together, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. Say goodbye to email attachments and enjoy seamless collaboration all in one place.
- When you’re sold on your final presentation design , you can download it in multiple formats, including PPTX, PDF, PDF or as a shareable link . You can present directly from Visme, embed your presentation on websites, or download it for offline use.
If you're racing against the clock, use Visme's AI presentation maker to create stunning presentations in seconds. Just explain what you want to create, provide more context, select your preferred designs and watch the tool unleash its magic.
Get started with our Starter plan and enjoy full access to templates and assets. Or upgrade to a Pro plan to access team collaboration and brand management features. Our Visme for Teams plans offer enterprise-level features like custom sub-domains, team collaboration, custom integrations and more.
The master of non-linear presentations, Prezi, lets you create slide decks that are bound to stand out from others.
While the learning curve of Prezi can be steep for some people, it's worth it if you're looking to get creative with your presentations.
3. Slidebean
If the most important thing to you when making a presentation is saving time, Slidebean might be a great fit.
The best thing about this tool is it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you create stunning layouts for your content.
Slidebean is ideal if you're not looking for extensive customizability, just ease of use and time-saving features like templates and content blocks.
4. Google Slides
Sometimes, the most basic tools are enough for creating a great presentation, especially if the industry you're operating in requires simplicity and seriousness.
The best part about Google Slides is that you can use it from anywhere and from any device. For example, you can create your entire presentation on your phone using the mobile application.
Presentations made in Google Slides can also be opened with Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote, which makes it quite a versatile tool.
if you're wondering how to close your presentation, here are some key phrases you can use:
Appreciate your listeners
- Thank you for your time and attention.
- I appreciate your presence here today.
- Thank you for being such an engaged audience.
Express gratitude for the opportunity
- I'm grateful for the chance to share...
- I want to express my gratitude to...
- Thank you once again for the opportunity.
Summarize the main points
- In summary...
- To sum up...
- In conclusion...
Use a call to action
- I encourage each of you to...
- Let's work together to...
- Take the next step by...
Inspire or motivate your audience
- Remember that...
- As we move forward, let's keep in mind...
- Let this be a reminder that..."
Leave your closing thoughts
- In closing...
- As a final thought...
- To wrap things up...
Encourage your audience to ask questions or share their thoughts
- I'm now open to any questions you may have.
- I'd love to hear your thoughts on...
- Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Reiterate the main points
- Just to recap...
- To reiterate the key points...
- In essence, we covered...
Use closing quotes
- To quote [relevant figure]...
- In the words of [author]...
- As [famous person] once said...
Express optimism about the future
- Looking ahead...
- The future holds great opportunities for...
- I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Remember, these fun ways to end a presentation aren't one-size-fits-all. You need to tailor these phrases to fit the specific context and tone of your presentation.
Bonus 1: How to Start a Presentation
Now you know how to conclude a presentation. We’ve also discussed what to say at the end of a presentation.
Let’s discuss how to begin a presentation.
According to bestselling author, Malcolm Gladwell, in Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking , "Snap judgments are ... enormously quick: they rely on the thinnest slices of experience."
In other words: first impressions are real, and they happen really quickly. Think about those presentations you have sat in the audience for.
How quickly did you sum a presenter up when they took the stage? Did you judge them on their posture? What they were wearing? How they addressed the audience? What their voice sounded like?
Most likely, you took all of these factors into account and quickly decided whether you were going to give them your full attention or think about what you should make for dinner.
As a presenter, you must understand that your audience members will make a snap decision about you within the first few moments after taking that stage. Your job at the very beginning of your presentation is to grab their attention.
Here are some ways you can start your presentation strong.
1. Make a Bold Claim
Imagine being in the audience when a presenter opens his mouth and the first words out are, “When I’ve finished here today, you will have the knowledge to increase your revenue by 200% this year.” Um… would you sit forward in your chair and listen to every single word? You bet you would!
You have been asked to speak because you are an expert in your field and have valuable information to share. So why be shy about it? Start your presentation with a bold claim, and then overdeliver.
2. Give Them the Unexpected
Another powerful way to grab attention right up top is to contradict audience expectations. Some people refer to this as "applied unpredictability principle."
Giving people what they expect is not very exciting. Imagine a roller coaster that had no sudden drops or turns. It wouldn’t thrill you. Well the same can be said for presentations. The unexpected hooks the audience instantly.
Here’s an example. Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting , starts off her presentation by scanning the audience and then saying, “Okay, I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar! Also the person to your left is a liar.”
Well, the audience laughs, getting her intended joke, but you can tell that this unexpected statement has hooked them, and they are ready to give their full attention.
3. Pique Curiosity
Humans like to have their curiosity piqued. We love the feeling of being presented with information that makes us curious and wonder about something. Research actually shows that curiosity prepares our brain to learn something new. How does it do this?
Well, when we are curious about something, we give that something our full attention. We look for clues and assess situations. This is how we operate and it’s how our ancestors stayed alive.
If you want to grab the audience’s attention right off the bat, ask a question or pose an idea that piques their curiosity. You’ll see many Ted Talk presenters do this by “confessing” they have to share a secret or an apology.
Speaker Dan Pink does this in his famous T e d Talk when he says:
“I need to make a confession, at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I am not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wished no one would ever know, but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal. In the late 1980s, in a moment of youthful indiscretion, I went to law school.”
The minute someone says they have something to confess, we HAVE to know what it is, and so we are forced to pay attention.
RELATED: 29 Killer Presentation Tips to Wow Your Audience
4. Ask Questions
This technique is an oldie but a goodie. By posing a thoughtful question to your audience, their brain is forced to THINK about the answer. You have engaged them from second one. The key is to make the question one that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, but rather one that plants the seed of an idea.
“What scares you the most?”
“How do human beings constantly reach goals we all believe can never be reached?”
“When was the last time you allowed yourself to feel powerful?”
5. Tell a Story
“When I was nine, I met a homeless man who said he could see my entire future. He told me that when I turned 12, I would die. And I did.”
Okay, I am FULLY listening.
Stories are powerful. The human brain seems to have been wired to listen to stories. No matter how old we get, when someone starts to tell us a story, we instantly become 5-years-old, wide-eyed, ready to go on an adventure.
The story you tell can be personal or professional, just make sure it ties into your overall message.
Bonus 2: Top Presentation Mistakes to Avoid
If we’re going to discuss a presentation success formula, we’ve got to first tackle some of the biggest public speaking mistakes that guarantee your presentation is unsuccessful. Are you guilty of any of these?
1. Not Being Prepared
We’ve all seen those presenters who make it look so effortless. Steve Jobs was like that. He seemed to glide onto the stage, open his mouth and instantly captivate everyone.
But the truth is, even Steve Jobs had to prepare.
Thoughtful preparation is essential for any level of public speaking. Doing the work ahead of time will not only help you feel and sound more confident, it will ensure you deliver the right message to the right audience.
2. Being Robotic
Beyond being comfortable with your material, you must be comfortable in your own body. Have you seen presenters who just stand in one spot and barely move at all? While they’re not very good at exciting their audience, they do have a keen knack for lulling listeners to sleep.
Granted, there may be those rare situations where, because of a lack of robust technology, you have no choice but to stand behind a podium. But even then, be sure to use gestures to punctuate your message. Gestures communicate on a level that words don’t. Don’t be flamboyant but try and use natural gestures as much as you can – you’ll seem human instead of machine-like.
And, when technology does allow you free movement, by all means, move around that stage. Steve Jobs was great at using movement purposefully during his presentations.
If you have a presentation coming up and want to avoid sounding robotic, this video explains 8 ways to memorize your presentation.
3. Avoiding Eye Contact
We can’t talk about body language and not mention one of the biggest mistakes that many speakers make, and that is avoiding eye contact. How many presentations have you seen where the speaker spent the entire time staring at her notes or PowerPoint presentation? How did you feel? Perhaps invisible?
Meeting a person’s gaze establishes a real connection and keeps listeners engaged. If your audience is small enough, try to make eye contact with everyone at least once. If the audience is too large, do your best to scan each section of the audience, landing on a few people. This will give everyone a general impression that you are doing your best to connect.
4. Starting and Ending Weak
If there is one no-no a presenter can make, this is it.
You should think of your presentation as a delicious meal you have painstakingly prepared for your guests. What do you remember most about a great meal? If you’re like most people, you remember the appetizers and the dessert – everything in between is kind of a good-tasting blur.
When you begin and end your presentation strong, you gain the audience’s attention quickly and leave a positive and lasting impression. These are two skills that cannot be emphasized enough.
Let’s look at some of the ways you can ensure you start your presentation strong:
Ready to Level-Up Your Presentation?
Whether it's a business presentation or a motivational speech, knowing how to give a closing statement and ending your talk on a high note is important.
The last thing you say in front of a crowd can help you leave a memorable impression, whether it's a recap of your presentation content or a rhetorical question.
If you're ready to take your presentations to the next level, use Visme's presentation software to put together engaging and interactive slides.
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About the Author
Ashish Arora is the Co-Founder of SketchBubble.com , a leading provider of result-driven, professionally built presentation templates. Travelling the world to gather new creative ideas, he has been working in the digital marketing space since 2007 and has a passion for designing presentations. You can also find him on Twitter or LinkedIn .
The Art of Question & Answer: Handling Audience Questions Like a Pro
Hrideep barot.
- Presentation , Public Speaking
If you have ever given a presentation , you might know how witty and challenging a question-and-answer session can get. Not knowing the answer to a question can be quite unnerving and leave a bad impression even after a fabulous presentation. This blog will help you bridge that gap before your next presentation. We will talk about how to maintain your composure as you deal with questions and also the different types of difficult questions one can face.
Why should I have a Question-and-answer session?
Having a Question and Answer (Q&A) session serves multiple valuable purposes. It transforms one-sided communication into a two-way exchange, turning lectures or speeches into engaging discussions. This interaction not only enhances audience engagement but also promotes collaboration and the collective building of knowledge. Historically, great questions have driven innovation and change, such as Isaac Newton’s curiosity about gravity. During a Q&A , encouraging audience participation by inviting questions and making eye contact with various attendees creates a sense of connection and keeps the session lively, much like a talk show host engaging their audience.
Including a question and answer (Q&A) session after your presentation holds numerous advantages and is a pivotal aspect of engaging with your audience effectively.
Let’s delve into these reasons:
1. audience engagement and participation: .
Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:
Your presentation might leave some audience members perplexed or unconvinced. Before you begin, it’s vital to gauge your audience’s understanding. As Aristotle noted, “Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Q&A provides an excellent opportunity to clarify doubts and bolster your argument.
3. Expanding on Your Message:
Often, time constraints force you to condense crucial information during your presentation. Q&A, however, empowers you to elaborate on your points, share practical examples, and address any opposition, creating a more comprehensive understanding. This aligns with Robert Frost’s sentiment: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”
4. Fostering Natural Interaction:
Effective public speaking thrives on interaction. Audiences seek speakers who communicate openly and naturally. Q&A brings a conversational and relatable dimension to your presentation. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
5. Challenging Your Expertise:
The unpredictability of Q&A keeps you on your toes. You must be well-prepared and nimble to handle a variety of questions and objections. Eleanor Roosevelt’s words resonate: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.”
How do you answer Questions effectively?
Handling a question-and-answer session effectively requires preparation, communication skills, and adaptability. Whether you’re conducting a Q&A session as a speaker, presenter, or moderator, here are some tips to help you manage it effectively:
1. Preparation is Key:
Know your audience: Research your audience’s demographics, interests, and knowledge level. Tailor your responses to their needs and expectations. Imagine you’re hosting a Q&A session about pets. Knowing your audience means finding out if they’re mostly cat lovers, dog enthusiasts, or perhaps reptile fans. This helps you tailor your answers to their specific interests, like offering dog training tips for dog lovers and habitat ideas for reptile enthusiasts.
Anticipate questions: Develop a list of potential questions that might arise during the session. This can help you prepare concise and informative answers. If you’re giving a presentation about a superhero movie, anticipate questions like “Who’s the main villain?” or “What are the special powers of the hero?” Prepare concise answers to these common questions to keep the audience engaged.
Review your material: Revisit your presentation or discussion content before the Q&A session. This will help you recall key points and examples that may be relevant to questions. For Ex: You’re a teacher conducting a Q&A after a science class. Before the session, review your notes on the periodic table. This ensures that when a student asks, “What are the noble gases?” you can confidently explain their properties.
2. Set Expectations:
Clearly explain how the Q&A session will be structured. For example, inform the audience whether questions will be taken throughout the session or only at the end. Mention any time constraints.
Let the audience know if you have topics you’d like to cover or all questions are welcome.
For example: Think of a cooking class where you’re the instructor. Before starting, inform your students that they can ask questions anytime during the class. This sets the expectation that it’s an interactive learning experience.
3. Active Listening:
Give the questioner your full attention. Make eye contact, nod to acknowledge understanding, and avoid interrupting.
Repeat or rephrase the question if needed to ensure clarity and show that you are actively engaged with the questioner.
Imagine you’re a detective in a mystery novel. When a witness asks, “Did you see the suspect?”, listen attentively, nod to acknowledge, and ask follow-up questions to gather all the details. This demonstrates active listening.
4. Take a pause
Before answering any question there is a key aspect that makes you look smart and composed- “The Pause.” The Pause is where you gather your thoughts and prepare your answer in a gist. You decide how to answer the question and tackle it swiftly. If you perhaps don’t know the answer, what is the best way to say you will get back with an answer, and so on? You can get a firm grip on your audience as they wait for you to speak and then speak with utmost clarity, that is the power of Pauses.
5. Be Concise and Clear:
Answer each question briefly and directly. Avoid going off on tangents or providing excessive background information.
Use plain language and avoid jargon that might confuse the audience. Suppose you’re explaining how to play a video game. Instead of going into a lengthy backstory, say, “To win, you must collect all the magical crystals and defeat the dragon boss.” This clear and concise explanation keeps players engaged.
6. Stay Calm and Confident:
If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it gracefully. Offer to research or follow up later, and don’t try to bluff your way through.
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor even in the face of challenging or critical questions. Focus on addressing the question, not the tone.
This is also where your preparation becomes your backbone and provides you the confidence to deal with your audience.
Also, I want you to remember that knowledge is very vast- The more you gain knowledge the more you realize how little you know! Do not worry about admitting that you don’t know an answer, you can provide whatever information you have and later get back to them when you do find one.
7. Manage Time:
Allocate a specific amount of time for the Q&A session and communicate this at the outset. Stick to the schedule to ensure you cover all planned topics. If necessary, prioritize questions based on relevance or importance.
Think of a soccer coach during a practice session. Allocate specific time for different drills and stick to the schedule. This ensures that all aspects of the game are covered within the session.
8. Field Diverse Questions:
Encourage a wide range of questions, including those that challenge your viewpoint or prompt discussion. This diversity can lead to more engaging and informative sessions.
For Example: In a book club discussion, encourage members to ask questions about various aspects of the book, from plot details to character motivations. This diversity of questions leads to a more engaging conversation.
9. Moderate Effectively:
As someone who has to give direction to the discussion, try to maintain control of the session and ensure questions are relevant to the topic and audience. Politely redirect or filter out off-topic or inappropriate questions.
Give everyone a chance to ask questions, and manage time to allow for a variety of voices to be heard.
Pretend you’re a radio DJ taking calls from listeners. If someone goes off-topic, gently steer the conversation back to the music or topic of the show to maintain a cohesive experience.
10. Encourage Feedback:
After the Q&A, ask the audience for feedback on the session’s effectiveness. This can help you improve future sessions and tailor them to the audience’s needs.
Example: After a group art project, ask each participant what they liked and what could be improved. This feedback helps everyone learn from the experience and create better art in the future.
11. Follow-Up:
If you promised to provide additional information or research an answer, do so promptly after the session. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing the audience’s needs.
12. Reflect and Improve:
After each session, take time to analyze what went well and what could be improved. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine your Q&A skills for future engagements.
Can I answer a Question with a Question?
Many a time we think is it disrespectful to answer a question with a question, or perhaps even condescending? However, answering a question with a question can be an effective communication technique when used thoughtfully, but it’s essential to be mindful of the context and tone to avoid coming across as disrespectful or condescending.
Consider, for instance, a scenario where someone asks, “Do you know where my keys are?” Responding with, “Have you checked your coat pocket?” instead of a direct “yes” or “no” can be helpful. However, if someone in a team meeting asks, “How do we solve this problem?” replying with, “Well, what solutions have you considered?” can encourage collaborative problem-solving. So, while answering a question with a question can be a valuable tool for prompting critical thinking or guiding discussions, it’s crucial to gauge the situation and intent to ensure it’s used appropriately.
Types of Difficult Questions:
Often times in presentations we don’t get softball questions that are easy to handle but rather some sort of pushback. The audience tries to gauge your authenticity or simply disagrees with you. These are what we call Difficult questions. They are inquiries that pose challenges beyond their surface. They require careful consideration, provoke thought, or test one’s knowledge, often demanding more than a simple yes or no answer. Handling difficult questions effectively is a skill that involves not only providing accurate responses but also managing the dynamics of the discussion and the emotions of those asking. In this exploration, we’ll delve deeper into these challenging types of questions, dissect their nuances, and offer strategies for responding adeptly and constructively.
1. When You Don’t Know the Answer:
- Challenge: It’s common to face questions to which you don’t have an immediate answer, especially in complex or unfamiliar topics.
- Example: In a technical presentation, someone asks a highly technical question beyond your expertise.
- Admit it gracefully: Acknowledge that you don’t have the answer, but express your willingness to find it.
- Offer a partial answer: Share what you do know or suggest possible resources or experts to consult.
- Follow up: Make a commitment to research and provide a comprehensive response after the session.
2. Too Many Questions at the Same Time (Machine Gun Questioning):
- Challenge: Some audience members may bombard you with multiple questions all at once, making it difficult to respond coherently.
- Example: An audience member asks, “How does this technology work, and what are its applications? Can you explain its impact on the industry?”
- Politely request clarification: Ask the person to specify which question they’d like you to address first.
- Address one question at a time: Break down the multiple questions into individual responses to maintain clarity.
- Control the pace: Politely request that questions be asked one at a time to facilitate a more organized discussion.
3. Audience Member Makes a Statement and Tries to Take Over:
- Challenge: Some individuals may attempt to dominate the Q&A session by making lengthy statements or challenging your expertise.
- Example: An audience member insists on sharing their own knowledge and experience, seemingly to undermine your credibility.
- Acknowledge their input: Politely thank them for their perspective and acknowledge their knowledge.
- Redirect the focus: Gently guide the conversation back to the topic or the question at hand.
- Set boundaries: Establish ground rules for the Q&A session at the beginning, emphasizing that questions should be concise and relevant.
4. Emotional Questions Driven by Anger:
- Challenge: Emotionally charged questions, often stemming from anger or frustration, can be challenging to handle without escalating tension.
- Example: An audience member confronts you with anger about a controversial topic you’re discussing.
- Stay calm and empathetic: Maintain composure, listen attentively, and acknowledge the person’s emotions.
- Avoid confrontation: Refrain from responding with defensiveness or aggression, as it can escalate the situation.
- Reframe the question: Politely ask the person to rephrase their question in a more constructive and specific manner.
5. Off-Topic Questions:
- Challenge: Sometimes, audience members ask questions that are unrelated to the topic of your presentation or discussion.
- Example: In a business presentation on marketing strategies, someone asks about your personal hobbies.
- Politely redirect: Acknowledge the question but gently steer the conversation back to the main topic.
- Offer to discuss later: Suggest discussing off-topic questions after the session to avoid derailing the current discussion.
6. Provocative Questions:
- Challenge: These questions are designed to provoke a reaction or create controversy.
- Example: During a political debate, someone asks a loaded question aimed at stirring up emotions rather than seeking a constructive answer.
- Stay composed: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor when responding, regardless of the provocation.
- Address the core issue: Focus on the underlying topic or concern within the provocative question rather than getting drawn into the emotional aspect.
7. Incomprehensible Questions:
- Challenge: Some questions are poorly phrased or unclear, making it challenging to discern the intent behind them.
- Example: An audience member asks a question with convoluted language and vague references.
- Seek clarification: Politely ask the person to rephrase or clarify their question to ensure you understand it correctly.
- Paraphrase and respond: Restate what you believe the question is about, and answer based on your interpretation. The person can then confirm or correct your understanding.
8. Condescending Questions:
- Challenge: These questions are posed in a belittling or patronizing manner, often implying that the person asking believes they know better.
- Example: An audience member asks, “Do you even understand the basics of this topic?”
- Maintain professionalism: Respond with professionalism and confidence, avoiding any temptation to match the condescension.
- Address the question’s substance: Focus on providing a well-informed and concise response to demonstrate your expertise.
9. Overly Technical Questions:
- Challenge: In technical or specialized discussions, questions may become overly complex, making it challenging for a broader audience to follow.
- Example: A highly technical question filled with industry-specific jargon is asked in a general audience setting.
- Simplify the response: Offer a simplified explanation or analogy to make the answer accessible to a broader audience.
- Offer follow-up resources: Suggest additional reading or resources for those interested in delving deeper into the technical details.
Handling these challenging question scenarios effectively requires a combination of good communication skills, patience, and tact. Remember that the goal is to maintain a productive and respectful dialogue with your audience while addressing their concerns and inquiries.
People Also Ask:
Why is it important to know how to take the audience’s questions when you are presenting.
It is crucial to know how to handle audience questions when presenting for several reasons. Firstly, audience questions signify engagement and interest in your topic, making it an opportunity to further connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Secondly, addressing questions allows you to clarify any misunderstandings or provide additional context, ensuring that your message is well-received and understood. Moreover, handling questions effectively helps you maintain control over the presentation’s flow, ensuring that it stays on track and doesn’t deviate too far from your intended message. Lastly, audience questions can provide valuable feedback, enabling you to gauge the audience’s comprehension and adapt your presentation in real time if necessary, leading to a more successful and impactful presentation overall.
Who is responsible for answering questions from the audience at the time of the presentation?
The responsibility for answering questions from the audience during a presentation primarily falls on the presenter (most likely You). You’re the one who’s been preparing and practicing your presentation for weeks, months, or maybe even years. You’re the guru on the stage, the oracle of information. When those curious souls in the audience raise their hands or type away with their burning questions, it’s your time to shine. You get to flex your brain muscles and give them answers that will make their heads spin (in a good way, of course). It’s your duty to facilitate a productive Q&A session by actively listening to each question, providing thoughtful and accurate responses, and ensuring that the discussion remains relevant to the topic at hand. However, in some cases, especially during larger presentations or panel discussions, a moderator or facilitator may assist in managing the question-and-answer
In conclusion, mastering the art of Q&A, and handling audience questions like a pro, is a skill that can transform any presentation, discussion, or public speaking engagement. By understanding the diverse types of questions that may arise and adopting effective strategies to address them, you can create an interactive and engaging dialogue with your audience. From riddles that stimulate creativity to emotionally charged inquiries that demand empathy, each question offers a unique opportunity to connect, educate, and inspire.
Remember, the key to success lies in active listening, clear communication, and maintaining composure, even in the face of challenging questions. Whether you’re a speaker, presenter, moderator, or simply someone engaged in a meaningful conversation, the ability to navigate difficult questions with finesse not only enhances your credibility but also fosters a more enriching and enlightening exchange of ideas. So, embrace the art of Q&A, and with practice and patience, you’ll continue to refine this valuable skill, ensuring that your interactions with your audience are both memorable and impactful.
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- Effective Presentation Skills Tutorial
- Handling Questions and Answers
At the end of your presentation, if it is appropriate for the type of presentation, solicit questions from the audience.
Responding to Audience Questions
When someone is asking a question, make eye contact with that person, listen positively, and acknowledge by saying "thank you for that question," or say "that is an excellent question" or "that is an important question".
If the audience is in a large room and cannot hear each other's questions, repeat the question loudly for everyone to hear, before answering it.
If you know the answer to the question, respond appropriately and briefly so you can take more questions and not spend too much time on one question.
Effective Response to Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter effectively responding to an audience member's question .
Ineffective Response to Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter ineffectively responding to an audience member's question .
If the question is not relevant to the presentation, say something like, "I am really sorry that question is outside the scope of this presentation, but I will be happy to stay after the presentation and discuss it with you."
Effective Response to Off-topic Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter effectively responding to an off-topic question or one in which he or she does not know the answer .
Inappropriate Response to Off-topic Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter inappropriately responding to an off-topic question or one in which he or she does not know the answer .
If time is running out for answering all of the questions, say, "I am sorry. I am running out of time, but I will take one last question, and then I will be available at the end to answer any remaining questions."
If you do not know the answer to a question say, "That is an interesting question, and I will have to get back to you later on that" or ask the audience "Can someone help me with this?" or be gracious and acknowledge you do not know the answer at that time.
If an audience member criticizes or attacks what you had covered in your presentation, do not attack back, but separate the valid criticism from the personal attack, and respond to the criticism appropriately.
Some things not to do during the question and answer period:
- Shuffling papers or technology and not making eye contact with the questioner
- Belittling the questioner
- Calling those who want to ask questions by their physical characteristics
- Not taking questions in the sequence they are asked, but focusing on certain people or a side of the room
Asking Good Questions
If you are in the audience, know also how to ask good questions to indicate that you are following the presentation.
You can ask some general questions about any topic, and you may be genuinely curious about some things presented.
- What were the most challenging aspects, or what surprised you the most, in conducting this project?
- Why did you choose this particular methodology or argument instead of another one?
- How did you collect the data? Were there any problems in collecting data? What was the sample size?
- How did you validate your work? Did you validate with a real problem or situation?
- What are some of the limitations of your work?
- What recommendations do you have for further exploration in this project?
Learning to ask good questions at the end of a presentation demonstrates your active participation.
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Spark's Presentation & Public Speaking Blog
- 7 Tips to Encourage Audience Questions in Your Presentation Q&A
September 19, 2017
Ever seen a presenter ask “Any questions?” at the end of their presentation, and heard only crickets from the audience?
In my work as a professional emcee and trade show presenter , I see it often, and it always makes me cringe because it’s so awkward, and so completely avoidable.
Asking for questions and getting none kills a presentation’s momentum. It usually goes like this:
- The presenter, having run out of content, asks “Any questions?”
- The audience, having no questions, freezes in place.
- Everyone thinks they hear crickets, though there are none in the room.
- The presenter, getting no questions, says, “OK, I guess I’m done.”
OUCH. How’d that happen?
Chances are, you caught your audience by surprise. They didn’t know you’d take questions, so they didn’t think of any. When you asked, you caught them off guard.
I want your next presentation to end with a bang, not a whimper. So try these tips to encourage questions:
1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: PRIME YOUR AUDIENCE
> TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: “I’ll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.” That’ll get them active thinking of questions throughout your presentation.
> REMIND THEM: A few minutes before you take questions, say: “I’ve got one more slide to cover, then I’ll take your questions.” That’ll remind them to think of some questions if they haven’t yet.
2. STARTING YOUR Q&A: GIVE THEM A NUDGE
> LEAVE ROOM: Starting a Q&A with little or no time left discourages questions; your audience wants to leave on time too! Instead, carve out 5-10 minutes or more for questions (and cut some content to make room if needed; your audience prioritizes the information they want to get over the information you want to share).
> USE A PLANT: Have a “plant” in the audience who’ll ask the first question (one you’re comfortable answering), which encourages other audience members to ask (and saves them the awkwardness of going first) and gives them time to think of something to ask.
> CHANGE YOUR PHRASING: Your audience may interpret the phrase “Any questions?” as a sign that you don’t expect or even want questions, which discourages them from asking. Instead, encourage questions by phrasing your question with a more upbeat, expectant tone: “Who’s got a question?” or “Who’d like to go first?”
> ASK IT YOURSELF: Ask yourself a common question: “One question I get often is…” Then answer it. Again, this encourages the audience to follow suit, and gives them more time to think of a question.
3. ENDING YOUR Q&A: ADD THAT BANG!
Q&A or not, ending your presentation by saying you’re ending your presentation (“OK, I guess I’m done”) will end your presentation with a whimper. You can easily replace that whimper with a “bang” by restating your main takeaway and thanking your audience:
“Folks, I hope my presentation has shown you that when it’s raining and you want to stay dry outside, use an umbrella! You won’t regret it. Thanks so much for your time.”
And thank you so much for your time!
by Andy Saks
Posted in: Sparky Says: Presentation & Public Speaking Tips | No Comments
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Asking questions after a presentation is not just about seeking clarity on what was discussed. It's a golden opportunity to delve deeper, engage with the speaker, and enhance your understanding of the subject matter. But knowing which questions to ask isn't always straightforward.
30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation. 1. "In summary, let's revisit the key takeaways from today's presentation.". 2. "Thank you for your attention. Let's move forward together.". 3. "That brings us to the end. I'm open to any questions you may have.".
Ask open-ended questions that invite the presenter or audience members to share thoughts and perspectives, thus fostering a more interactive dialogue. Final Thoughts And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to quenching your intellectual curiosity and contributing valuable insights after a presentation.
Beforehand, think through the types of questions audience members might ask. Put yourself in your shoes and ask yourself what concerns they might have about how your message impacts their job ...
2. Ask others what they might ask after your presentation. A beneficial way to determine the questions your audience might have is to ask individuals you know who are similar to your expected audience what their questions are about your topic. Consider discussing potential questions with people you know who work in a similar field or position.
The questions at the end of a presentation can be terrifying for many speakers as they can't be controlled and are hard to prepare for. However, questions form an important part of the presentation for the whole audience as they allow for clarification and consolidation of learning. ... Ask a question back the audience member, such as "Can ...
But how you end it can make all the difference in your presentation's overall impact. Here are some ways to ensure you end powerfully: Way #1: Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) Way #2: Don't End With a Q&A. Way #3: End With a Memorable Quote. Way #4: Close With a Story. Way #5: Drive Your Main Points Home.
Here are some tips for using a story to conclude a presentation: Make sure the story is brief. Choose a story that relates to the main points of the presentation. Stories about a customer experience or successful case study are effective. Make sure the story is relatable and encourages empathy from your audience. 7.
Audience Engagement and Participation: Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, "The important thing is not to stop questioning.". 2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:
At the end of your presentation, if it is appropriate for the type of presentation, solicit questions from the audience. Responding to Audience Questions When someone is asking a question, make eye contact with that person, listen positively, and acknowledge by saying "thank you for that question," or say "that is an excellent question" or ...
So try these tips to encourage questions: 1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: > TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: "I'll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.". That'll get them active thinking of questions throughout your presentation.
The Question & Answer (or Q&A) session happens at the end of your presentation—audience members are free to ask you questions about your content and your ideas, and you have the chance to show how well you know your research. ... List the tough questions someone might ask, especially the one you don't want people to ask.
Here's how we typically ask for feedback after a talk or presentation: "What'd you think?". "How do you think I did?". "How do you think it went?" And because you asked an empty question ...
Here are 8 tips to help make them through: 1. Pitch your presentation at the right level for your audience. The first stage of questions is birth - they have to be born in your audience's mind. If your presentation is too simple for the level of knowledge in your audience - it's all material they've covered before - they won't ...
Typically, rhetorical questions can be blunt or provocative, they can stop the audience in their tracks and prompt them to pay attention or re-engage if asked midway through a presentation or speech. Rhetorical questions can also resonate strongly, as each audience member ponders the question in the context of their own reality, increasing the ...
9. Postpone questions aimed at resolving specific problems. until the end of the presentation. This is particularly important if the answer will distract either you or the audience from the flow ...
At the end of the formal presentation ask attendees to come and stick the questions on the wall or flip chart at the front and give group a short comfort break. During this time review the ...
And with a typical Q&A taking place at the end of a presentation, it's also a critical time to make the positive final impression that your audience will remember. Don't worry. ... If someone does ask a tough question, be honest and openly admit that. Your attitude in receiving the questions - and showing you're happy to seek out more ...
Here are some questions that will help get you started. 21 Questions to ask when moderating your next panel discussion. While creating questions specifically for your panel is the very best way to make your discussion unique and engaging, sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start.
Effective endings. To be truly effective, take questions and then finish with a closing that is as powerful as the beginning of your presentation. Here are three techniques for creating a ...
The key point is don't ask for questions at the end. If you think about it, the same principles apply to the end of your presentation as the start…. Last impressions are equally, if not more ...
Ask Open-ended Questions as Opposed to Closed-ended Ones. Open-ended questions are questions that require more than a simple "yes or no" answer. Asking the audience open-ended questions when clarifying or paraphrasing a point they have made is a great way to gain a more thorough understanding of the question.
1. Recap your main points. After you've covered your content, sum it up for the audience so that they remember what you've just told them. (Remember the old saying, "Tell them what you're going to ...
"The worst way to end a meeting is abruptly [and] without closure or summary, which can cause confusion, wasted time and frustration among participants," Dr. Frank says. Dr. Goldman agrees, adding ...
Aside from doing your research and preparing your answers to the best of your ability, arming yourself with a killer question to ask at the end is a great way to strengthen your competitive ...