“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
– Dr Seuss
The Question & Answer portion of a business presentation is where you can really demonstrate clarity, professionalism, and confidence.
Here’s a focused approach to help you “slay” your Q&A but first let’s look at your key goals:
Key Goals for the Q&A Section:
- Understand the question clearly
- Respond clearly and concisely
- Use polite and professional language
- Stay calm and confident
- Handle tough or unexpected questions gracefully
Essential Language for Q&A Success
1. Clarifying the question
It is best to avoid jumping into an answer before you’re 100% sure of what’s being asked. Here are ways to make sure you’ve understood the question clearly:
- “Could you please repeat the question?”
- “Just to clarify, are you asking about…?”
- “If I understand you correctly, you’re asking…”
2. Buying time to think
It is useful to take a moment to formulate your answer before speaking. Rushing an answer can mean it is not clear and can make you look unprofessional:
- “That’s an interesting question, let me think for a second.”
- “Thank you for that question, I’d like to take a moment to give you the best answer.”
3. Answering clearly and concisely
A great way to respond is by using this structure in your response:
Restate the point → Give the answer → Provide an example
Example:
Q: Have you considered expanding in the Middle East?
A: “Yes, we have actually already expanded in the Middle East. In fact, we’ve already partnered with an investor in Saudi Arabia. Our sister company is called Jassour and is doing really well.”
4. Handling Difficult Questions
To avoid looking unprofessional and sounding negative or defensive, it is important to use polite and professional language at all times:
- “That’s a valid concern, and we’re working on a solution.”
- “We haven’t finalized that yet, but it’s on our roadmap.”
- “That’s outside the current scope, but I’d be happy to discuss it after the presentation.”
5. Closing the Q&A
Now it’s time to wrap up with confidence!
- “Thank you for your questions. I hope I’ve addressed your concerns.”
- “If there are no more questions, I’ll now hand it back to…”
Try these practice activities yourself to help you slay your Q&A!
1. Q&A Role Plays:
Partner with a friend or colleague who’s also learning English and give them a presentation on a new product for example and they ask you questions.
2. “Tough Question” Challenge:
Prepare in advance for tricky or awkward questions (e.g. “Why are your prices higher than competitors?”) and then brainstorm and prepare professional responses.
3. Response Ladder:
Think of your normal response to a question and then build a “ladder” by:
- Writing the basic sentence
- Providing a better version
- Preparing a final more professional, confident version
If you would like to review this information again, please check out my Ask Us Anything Live on these tips:
If you would like more help in giving presentations in English, Intrepid English Members can check out our refreshed Presentations course in our Academy and master giving presentations in English today!