Many leaders communicate poorly and panic when they face challenging questions after they deliver a presentation . With that in mind , following are some best practices for the Q & A .
--Change your perspective . Instead of thinking to yourself , “ I get so stressed out after I deliver a presentation . What if I am asked a question and I don ’ t have the answer ?,” view the Q & A as an opportunity to engage with your audience .
--Be patient and listen to the entire question . Pause and take a moment to think through the entire question before you respond . Listen to understand versus listening to simply respond .
--Breathe . When communicating in a stressful situation , we forget to breathe . Some leaders are so nervous that they border on hyperventilating . Practice slowing down your breathing to communicate in a more thoughtful fashion .
--Be concise . Monitor yourself . Get to your point concisely and quickly . Some leaders are so unaware of how long they have been talking that they pay a hefty and unnecessary price .
--Anticipate the three or four toughest questions you are likely to be asked . Think about what your audience is likely to be asking and prepare for how you would respond .
--Don ’ t be afraid to say , “ I don ’ t know .” It is an unforced error for a leader to act like they know the answer to a question when they clearly don ’ t . It is okay to say you don ’ t know the answer and then state how exactly you will follow up and by when .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including his latest , " Lessons in Leadership ". He is an Emmy ® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS who has appeared on CNN , FOX5 NY and NBC ' s Today Show . Steve Adubato ' s " Lessons in Leadership " video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com