Communication Tip of the Month
June 2008 |
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Speak with Confidence!
How to Say It Right the
First Time and Every Time
(McGraw-Hill)
by Dianna Booher |
Q&A Shouldn't Feel Like Target Practice
In addition to meeting audience expectations and needs, Q&A periods benefit you, the presenter, letting you apply your key points to the audience’s specific situation. Questions provide feedback on how your message was received and give you a chance to clear up any misunderstandings. Another benefit is that Q&A periods build rapport with the group. Your answers show that you care about individual needs and understanding.
Here are a few basic guidelines:
Answer to Reinforce Your Points
Responses such as, “I’m glad you brought up that issue because it gives me a chance to elaborate on . . . ,” are a way to align listeners’ questions with points you really want to emphasize.
If You Do Not Know, Say So
Nothing makes people believe what you do know like admitting what you do not know. Never be afraid to say simply, “I don’t know. I’ll have to check on that and get back to you.” And then do so. |
Conclude with a Summary
It is a good idea to prepare two closings: one that ends your prepared comments and leads into the Q&A period and one that wraps up the entire presentation.
Never let your presentation limp to a close by following the last question with, “Well, if there are no more questions, that’s about all, folks.” Instead, conclude with your prepared remarks—that pithy quote, rhetorical question, clever anecdote, or summary that will challenge your audience to action.
Nothing reveals your depth of knowledge, credibility, and communication skills as impressively as unrehearsed answers to unplanned questions. |
If you have a communication issue you would like to see addressed in Booher's
Communication Tip of the Month, send an email to AskDianna@Booher.com,
and I'll respond in this newsletter or in my blog. | |
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At the American Society for Training and Development International Conference last week, I shared techniques for handling the most common "tough" question types you might face during Q&A.
My eBook "Tackling Tough Questions: What to Say in Q&A" provides strategies and examples for the six question types covered for ASTD, plus examples and tips for four additional tough questions. |
Click here to get a copy.
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Booher Consultants, Inc.
2051 Hughes Road
Grapevine, Texas 76051
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Fax: 817.318.6521
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