Handling questions
Answering questions after your presentation does not have to be stressful if you follow the RACER model for answering questions.
Respond – Before answering the question, let the person know you appreciate them asking questions, as this only means that they are in interested in your topic. You can also make sure you understand the question correctly by re-phrasing the question.
That’s a good question
That’s an interesting point
Thanks for asking that
If I understand you correctly, you are asking…..
Sorry, are you asking about…..
Just to repeat your question in case others didn’t hear.
Answer – Even if you know the answer, pause before answering. This will give the person time to finish their question or to add any other points. It also shows that you respect the person’s question, by taking the time to answer it. This will also give you time to think of your answer, if needed. If you don’t have the answer, that’s alright too, and you can respond in the following ways.
I’m afraid I don’t have those figures with me.
I’m afraid I need to check that. Let me email that to you after the meeting.
Could you give me your email address and I’ll send it to you as soon as I get back to the office.
I’m sorry but I don’t have the answer to your question but I’ll get it to you as soon as I get back to my desk.
Check – After answering the question, it’s always good practise to check that you have answered the person’s question.
Does that answer your question?
Is that OK?
Do you need more details?
Have I answered your question?
Encourage – Sometimes people are shy to ask questions so you can encourage them with the following phrases.
Are there any more questions?
Moritz, I know you have strong views on quality. Do you have any comments here?
Does anyone want to know more about safety?
Return – To end the question and answer session and move on to the next part, or end the presentation.
Fine, if there are no more questions, let’s move on.
Good, if there are no more questions, we can finish here.