HONG KONG, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The following is a quick guide, written by Joanne Rigby, Marketing Director, Asia Pacific, PGi, on how Q&A jitters can be overcome in meetings:
The Art of Great Meetings Part 3: Quick Guide to Overcoming Q&A Jitters
Do you remember the last time you delivered a great meeting presentation, with no hitches and glitches, only to fumble during the question and answer (Q&A) session? Yes, we've all been there before. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. After all, it is a presenter's greatest fear -- fear of not knowing the answer or fear of losing control of the situation.
However, with good strategies and endless practice, anyone, including you, can stay confident and in control.
Here's how:
1. Preparation is key
Always be prepared even if you're not sure if there will be a formal Q&A session, because you never know when "impromptu" questions might arise. So what do you need to do?
2. Restate each question clearly
You've completed your presentation, it went well and now you open the floor to a Q&A session. What should you do when the questions start coming?
3. What if there is a domineering questioner in the room?
If someone starts to dominate the Q&A session, you might want to:
4. Handling hostile questions
Hostile questions pose a special challenge, and they can come in a variety of forms. How do you stay in control?
5. Awkward silence
What if there are no questions from the floor? Here are some useful tricks:
6. Go easy on the praise
We often find ourselves say "that's a great question". You might want to play it safe here, because:
7. Don't be a know-it-all
You can craft a great presentation and deliver it brilliantly. But if you fumble and lie when responding to questions, you can damage your credibility and sink your presentation in a flash. Here are some useful tips:
Remember, you don't have to feel vulnerable and nervous when the time for Q&A arises. With careful thought and preparation, your Q&A session can be less frightful for yourself and more fun, interesting, entertaining for your audience.
Notes to Editors:
Joanne Rigby is the Asia Pacific Marketing Director at PGi. She is responsible for driving PGi's marketing strategies across its full communications offering throughout the Asia Pacific region.
"Quick guide to overcoming Q&A jitters" is the last part of PGi's The Art of Great Meetings byline series.
For further information, please contact:
Jasmine Lim
PGi
Tel: +65-6419-5961
Email: jasmine.lim@pgi.com