3 Ways to Handle Questions Confidently 

Questions are an essential part of meetings. When questions are asked, there is interest; thats a good thing.  Questions can be a test not only for your knowledge of the content but your confidence in what you are representing.  

The 3 techniques below will help you prepare for inevitable questions.  

1) Restate– In restating the question you are NOT adding any new information or changing the meaning.  This is really important.  Changing the meaning does not always mean words, many times its done with tone and inflection.  Also restating DOES NOT mean using the same words and parroting’ the information.  When this technique is done well the listener repeats the essence of the message with no judgment, emotion or opinion implied, in other words – a neutral tone.  Its much easier said than done.  It can be most challenging in an emotionally loaded conversation which is also where it is the most powerful and effective.  The main resistance people have to restating comes from the fear that they may be seen as agreeing when they do not.  Do not let this stop you from using this effective technique, as it is even more powerful when you do not agree with the other persons statement. 

2) Disclaiming– Many times people are fearful to give an answer because they want to have the right answer.  I dont know, but I will find out” wont really get you very far in business communication especially when its used more than once. Learning how to frame your answer can help.  There are phrases which act as a disclaimer so you can offer insight or at least the limited information you do have.  

Here are some examples: 

Providing the economy doesnt worsen, we can pay the accounts on time 

Im not an expert on unsecured securities however it seems to me that. 

I am not privy to all of the data, however based on what I do have. 

3) Prepare for worst–Most of us do know what the most difficult question we could be asked is relevant to our presentation.   Sometimes its based on knowing a weakness in the data/product or just the personality of that listener.  Think about the mindset of your listener…whats most important to them?  What motivates them?  Next think about your presentation. Are there obvious targets for questions?  Prepare and practice your response to those questions.  If the question is inevitable, its answer should be incorporated into the presentation from the beginning. 

The best way to learn the techniques above is through practice.  Ideally practicing with someone who can ask you questions that are unexpected so you can learn to use the techniques while under pressure and still exude confidence.  If you can hire an experienced speech coach to learn these techniques, you will be answering questions confidently in no time. 

Spread the love

Author

Similar posts

Why Do They Say “Look”?

Have you noticed how many times a political candidate or commentator will say the word “look”? Why do they say that? Well, let us zoom the picture back a little and think about this. Linguists and psychologists have introduced us to what they refer to as “representational systems.” They tell us that people are prone to expressing their feelings, attitudes, opinions, and using one of three ‘representational systems.’ They have named these to be Visual,

Spread the love

Tips for Leading Effective Meetings

Our coaching team appreciates the challenge of masterminding the right mix of talent, personalities, and action items. Fortunately, easy tweaks often go a long way to enhance comfort, participation, and awareness of nuances in a team member’s behavior. Recently, I worked with a senior leader in financial services who felt it was his responsibility to control the agenda and results of all meetings; in fact, he considered it part of his job. He was baffled that his

Spread the love

Listen to Your Gut

Microexpressions are brief, involuntary facial movements that reveal a person’s true emotions. They may last for only a fraction of a second and are often difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they can provide valuable insight into a person’s inner thoughts and feelings. In order to use microexpressions effectively in communication, it is important first to understand their significance. Microexpressions are believed to be universal and biologically based, meaning that they are hardwired

Spread the love

QUESTIONS? NEED HELP?

Tell us what’s on your mind: