Management Tip of the Day: Get the Most Out of Your Q&A

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MARCH 26, 2013 Get the Most Out of Your Q&A As a presenter, a question-and-answer session is a powerful way to address your audience's concerns and drive your point home. Here are three tips for making the best of it: Plan when you'll take questions. Establish early on if you want to field questions throughout your talk or save them until the end. If you need to build a thorough case, ask people at the beginning to hold their questions. Anticipate questions. Think through any queries the audience might raise, from the mundane to the hostile. Prepare answers ahead of time so you won't be thrown when all eyes are on you. Rehearse them, but still be mentally prepared for curveballs. Admit when you don't know something. Never fake an answer. Your audience will see right through it. If you don't know the answer to a question, tell them — and offer to do some research after the presentation and get back to the group. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Buy the book and learn what it takes to be an effective speaker » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + video case study TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PRESENTATIONS. Terrified of speaking in front of a group? Or simply looking to polish your skills? No matter where you are on the spectrum, this guide will give you the confidence and the tools you need to get results. Written by presentation expert Nancy Duarte, the "HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations" will help you: (1) Win over tough crowds, (2) Organize a coherent narrative, (3) Create powerful messages and visuals, (4) Connect with and engage your audience, (5) Show people why your ideas matter to them, and (6) Strike the right tone, in any situation. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Expand Your Company's Innovation Network Reduce Stress with Self-Compassion Don't Sandwich Negative Feedback Welcome Edits on Your Writing Try Out a Career by Volunteering Survive Networking Events by Being Generous 3 Ways to Use Persuasion to Get What You Need Eliminate Jargon from Your Next Presentation Make Your Writing Chronological Make the Most of Your Downtime All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR Guide to Better Business Writing HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)