John Adair's 100 Greatest Ideas for Brilliant Communication

Idea 37: How to handle the question-and-answer phase

To question a wise man is the beginning of wisdom.

German proverb

Whenever you speak in public there is usually some time made available for a question-and-answer session. Poor speakers regards this phase as a rather unnecessary optional extra, something to be got through as quickly as possible. In fact it is the most important part of your whole session. Remember, communication is dialogue.

Some practical tips:

• Make sure that you are clear what the questioner is asking.
• Keep your answer as brief as fullness allows – don’t ‘gild the lily’ with unsolicited information.
• Allow the questioner to come back to you if they wish.
• If you can’t answer the question, don’t bluff. There may be someone else ...