how to ask for questions after presentation

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The Art of Question & Answer: Handling Audience Questions Like a Pro

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

If you have ever given a presentation , you might know how witty and challenging a question-and-answer session can get. Not knowing the answer to a question can be quite unnerving and leave a bad impression even after a fabulous presentation. This blog will help you bridge that gap before your next presentation. We will talk about how to maintain your composure as you deal with questions and also the different types of difficult questions one can face.

Why should I have a Question-and-answer session?

Having a Question and Answer (Q&A) session serves multiple valuable purposes. It transforms one-sided communication into a two-way exchange, turning lectures or speeches into engaging discussions. This interaction not only enhances audience engagement but also promotes collaboration and the collective building of knowledge. Historically, great questions have driven innovation and change, such as Isaac Newton’s curiosity about gravity. During a Q&A , encouraging audience participation by inviting questions and making eye contact with various attendees creates a sense of connection and keeps the session lively, much like a talk show host engaging their audience. 

Including a question and answer (Q&A) session after your presentation holds numerous advantages and is a pivotal aspect of engaging with your audience effectively.

Let’s delve into these reasons:

1. audience engagement and participation: .

Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:

 Your presentation might leave some audience members perplexed or unconvinced. Before you begin, it’s vital to gauge your audience’s understanding. As Aristotle noted, “Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Q&A provides an excellent opportunity to clarify doubts and bolster your argument.

3. Expanding on Your Message: 

Often, time constraints force you to condense crucial information during your presentation. Q&A, however, empowers you to elaborate on your points, share practical examples, and address any opposition, creating a more comprehensive understanding. This aligns with Robert Frost’s sentiment: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”

4. Fostering Natural Interaction: 

Effective public speaking thrives on interaction. Audiences seek speakers who communicate openly and naturally. Q&A brings a conversational and relatable dimension to your presentation. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

5. Challenging Your Expertise: 

The unpredictability of Q&A keeps you on your toes. You must be well-prepared and nimble to handle a variety of questions and objections. Eleanor Roosevelt’s words resonate: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.”

How do you answer Questions effectively?

Handling a question-and-answer session effectively requires preparation, communication skills, and adaptability. Whether you’re conducting a Q&A session as a speaker, presenter, or moderator, here are some tips to help you manage it effectively:

1. Preparation is Key:

Know your audience: Research your audience’s demographics, interests, and knowledge level. Tailor your responses to their needs and expectations. Imagine you’re hosting a Q&A session about pets. Knowing your audience means finding out if they’re mostly cat lovers, dog enthusiasts, or perhaps reptile fans. This helps you tailor your answers to their specific interests, like offering dog training tips for dog lovers and habitat ideas for reptile enthusiasts.

Anticipate questions: Develop a list of potential questions that might arise during the session. This can help you prepare concise and informative answers. If you’re giving a presentation about a superhero movie, anticipate questions like “Who’s the main villain?” or “What are the special powers of the hero?” Prepare concise answers to these common questions to keep the audience engaged.

Review your material: Revisit your presentation or discussion content before the Q&A session. This will help you recall key points and examples that may be relevant to questions. For Ex: You’re a teacher conducting a Q&A after a science class. Before the session, review your notes on the periodic table. This ensures that when a student asks, “What are the noble gases?” you can confidently explain their properties.

2. Set Expectations:

Clearly explain how the Q&A session will be structured. For example, inform the audience whether questions will be taken throughout the session or only at the end. Mention any time constraints.

Let the audience know if you have topics you’d like to cover or all questions are welcome. 

For example: Think of a cooking class where you’re the instructor. Before starting, inform your students that they can ask questions anytime during the class. This sets the expectation that it’s an interactive learning experience.

3. Active Listening:

Give the questioner your full attention. Make eye contact, nod to acknowledge understanding, and avoid interrupting.

Repeat or rephrase the question if needed to ensure clarity and show that you are actively engaged with the questioner.

Imagine you’re a detective in a mystery novel. When a witness asks, “Did you see the suspect?”, listen attentively, nod to acknowledge, and ask follow-up questions to gather all the details. This demonstrates active listening.

4. Take a pause

Before answering any question there is a key aspect that makes you look smart and composed- “The Pause.” The Pause is where you gather your thoughts and prepare your answer in a gist. You decide how to answer the question and tackle it swiftly. If you perhaps don’t know the answer, what is the best way to say you will get back with an answer, and so on? You can get a firm grip on your audience as they wait for you to speak and then speak with utmost clarity, that is the power of Pauses. 

5. Be Concise and Clear:

Answer each question briefly and directly. Avoid going off on tangents or providing excessive background information.

Use plain language and avoid jargon that might confuse the audience. Suppose you’re explaining how to play a video game. Instead of going into a lengthy backstory, say, “To win, you must collect all the magical crystals and defeat the dragon boss.” This clear and concise explanation keeps players engaged.

6. Stay Calm and Confident:

If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it gracefully. Offer to research or follow up later, and don’t try to bluff your way through.

Maintain a calm and composed demeanor even in the face of challenging or critical questions. Focus on addressing the question, not the tone.

This is also where your preparation becomes your backbone and provides you the confidence to deal with your audience. 

Also, I want you to remember that knowledge is very vast- The more you gain knowledge the more you realize how little you know! Do not worry about admitting that you don’t know an answer, you can provide whatever information you have and later get back to them when you do find one.

7. Manage Time:

Allocate a specific amount of time for the Q&A session and communicate this at the outset. Stick to the schedule to ensure you cover all planned topics. If necessary, prioritize questions based on relevance or importance.

Think of a soccer coach during a practice session. Allocate specific time for different drills and stick to the schedule. This ensures that all aspects of the game are covered within the session.

8. Field Diverse Questions:

Encourage a wide range of questions, including those that challenge your viewpoint or prompt discussion. This diversity can lead to more engaging and informative sessions.

For Example: In a book club discussion, encourage members to ask questions about various aspects of the book, from plot details to character motivations. This diversity of questions leads to a more engaging conversation.

9. Moderate Effectively:

As someone who has to give direction to the discussion, try to maintain control of the session and ensure questions are relevant to the topic and audience. Politely redirect or filter out off-topic or inappropriate questions.

Give everyone a chance to ask questions, and manage time to allow for a variety of voices to be heard.

Pretend you’re a radio DJ taking calls from listeners. If someone goes off-topic, gently steer the conversation back to the music or topic of the show to maintain a cohesive experience.

10. Encourage Feedback:

After the Q&A, ask the audience for feedback on the session’s effectiveness. This can help you improve future sessions and tailor them to the audience’s needs. 

Example: After a group art project, ask each participant what they liked and what could be improved. This feedback helps everyone learn from the experience and create better art in the future.

11. Follow-Up:

If you promised to provide additional information or research an answer, do so promptly after the session. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing the audience’s needs.

12. Reflect and Improve:

After each session, take time to analyze what went well and what could be improved. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine your Q&A skills for future engagements.

Can I answer a Question with a Question?

Many a time we think is it disrespectful to answer a question with a question, or perhaps even condescending? However, answering a question with a question can be an effective communication technique when used thoughtfully, but it’s essential to be mindful of the context and tone to avoid coming across as disrespectful or condescending. 

Consider, for instance, a scenario where someone asks, “Do you know where my keys are?” Responding with, “Have you checked your coat pocket?” instead of a direct “yes” or “no” can be helpful. However, if someone in a team meeting asks, “How do we solve this problem?” replying with, “Well, what solutions have you considered?” can encourage collaborative problem-solving. So, while answering a question with a question can be a valuable tool for prompting critical thinking or guiding discussions, it’s crucial to gauge the situation and intent to ensure it’s used appropriately.

Types of Difficult Questions:

Often times in presentations we don’t get softball questions that are easy to handle but rather some sort of pushback. The audience tries to gauge your authenticity or simply disagrees with you. These are what we call Difficult questions. They are inquiries that pose challenges beyond their surface. They require careful consideration, provoke thought, or test one’s knowledge, often demanding more than a simple yes or no answer. Handling difficult questions effectively is a skill that involves not only providing accurate responses but also managing the dynamics of the discussion and the emotions of those asking. In this exploration, we’ll delve deeper into these challenging types of questions, dissect their nuances, and offer strategies for responding adeptly and constructively.

1. When You Don’t Know the Answer:

• Challenge: It’s common to face questions to which you don’t have an immediate answer, especially in complex or unfamiliar topics.
• Example: In a technical presentation, someone asks a highly technical question beyond your expertise.
• Admit it gracefully: Acknowledge that you don’t have the answer, but express your willingness to find it.
• Offer a partial answer: Share what you do know or suggest possible resources or experts to consult.
• Follow up: Make a commitment to research and provide a comprehensive response after the session.

2. Too Many Questions at the Same Time (Machine Gun Questioning):

• Challenge: Some audience members may bombard you with multiple questions all at once, making it difficult to respond coherently.
• Example: An audience member asks, “How does this technology work, and what are its applications? Can you explain its impact on the industry?”
• Politely request clarification: Ask the person to specify which question they’d like you to address first.
• Address one question at a time: Break down the multiple questions into individual responses to maintain clarity.
• Control the pace: Politely request that questions be asked one at a time to facilitate a more organized discussion.

3. Audience Member Makes a Statement and Tries to Take Over:

• Challenge: Some individuals may attempt to dominate the Q&A session by making lengthy statements or challenging your expertise.
• Example: An audience member insists on sharing their own knowledge and experience, seemingly to undermine your credibility.
• Acknowledge their input: Politely thank them for their perspective and acknowledge their knowledge.
• Redirect the focus: Gently guide the conversation back to the topic or the question at hand.
• Set boundaries: Establish ground rules for the Q&A session at the beginning, emphasizing that questions should be concise and relevant.

4. Emotional Questions Driven by Anger:

• Challenge: Emotionally charged questions, often stemming from anger or frustration, can be challenging to handle without escalating tension.
• Example: An audience member confronts you with anger about a controversial topic you’re discussing.
• Stay calm and empathetic: Maintain composure, listen attentively, and acknowledge the person’s emotions.
• Avoid confrontation: Refrain from responding with defensiveness or aggression, as it can escalate the situation.
• Reframe the question: Politely ask the person to rephrase their question in a more constructive and specific manner.

5. Off-Topic Questions:

• Challenge: Sometimes, audience members ask questions that are unrelated to the topic of your presentation or discussion.
• Example: In a business presentation on marketing strategies, someone asks about your personal hobbies.
• Politely redirect: Acknowledge the question but gently steer the conversation back to the main topic.
• Offer to discuss later: Suggest discussing off-topic questions after the session to avoid derailing the current discussion.

6. Provocative Questions:

• Challenge: These questions are designed to provoke a reaction or create controversy.
• Example: During a political debate, someone asks a loaded question aimed at stirring up emotions rather than seeking a constructive answer.
• Stay composed: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor when responding, regardless of the provocation.
• Address the core issue: Focus on the underlying topic or concern within the provocative question rather than getting drawn into the emotional aspect.

7. Incomprehensible Questions:

• Challenge: Some questions are poorly phrased or unclear, making it challenging to discern the intent behind them.
• Example: An audience member asks a question with convoluted language and vague references.
• Seek clarification: Politely ask the person to rephrase or clarify their question to ensure you understand it correctly.
• Paraphrase and respond: Restate what you believe the question is about, and answer based on your interpretation. The person can then confirm or correct your understanding.

8. Condescending Questions:

• Challenge: These questions are posed in a belittling or patronizing manner, often implying that the person asking believes they know better.
• Example: An audience member asks, “Do you even understand the basics of this topic?”
• Maintain professionalism: Respond with professionalism and confidence, avoiding any temptation to match the condescension.
• Address the question’s substance: Focus on providing a well-informed and concise response to demonstrate your expertise.

9. Overly Technical Questions:

• Challenge: In technical or specialized discussions, questions may become overly complex, making it challenging for a broader audience to follow.
• Example: A highly technical question filled with industry-specific jargon is asked in a general audience setting.
• Simplify the response: Offer a simplified explanation or analogy to make the answer accessible to a broader audience.
• Offer follow-up resources: Suggest additional reading or resources for those interested in delving deeper into the technical details.

Handling these challenging question scenarios effectively requires a combination of good communication skills, patience, and tact. Remember that the goal is to maintain a productive and respectful dialogue with your audience while addressing their concerns and inquiries.

People Also Ask:

Why is it important to know how to take the audience’s questions when you are presenting.

It is crucial to know how to handle audience questions when presenting for several reasons. Firstly, audience questions signify engagement and interest in your topic, making it an opportunity to further connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Secondly, addressing questions allows you to clarify any misunderstandings or provide additional context, ensuring that your message is well-received and understood. Moreover, handling questions effectively helps you maintain control over the presentation’s flow, ensuring that it stays on track and doesn’t deviate too far from your intended message. Lastly, audience questions can provide valuable feedback, enabling you to gauge the audience’s comprehension and adapt your presentation in real time if necessary, leading to a more successful and impactful presentation overall.

Who is responsible for answering questions from the audience at the time of the presentation?

The responsibility for answering questions from the audience during a presentation primarily falls on the presenter (most likely You). You’re the one who’s been preparing and practicing your presentation for weeks, months, or maybe even years. You’re the guru on the stage, the oracle of information. When those curious souls in the audience raise their hands or type away with their burning questions, it’s your time to shine. You get to flex your brain muscles and give them answers that will make their heads spin (in a good way, of course). It’s your duty to facilitate a productive Q&A session by actively listening to each question, providing thoughtful and accurate responses, and ensuring that the discussion remains relevant to the topic at hand. However, in some cases, especially during larger presentations or panel discussions, a moderator or facilitator may assist in managing the question-and-answer

In conclusion, mastering the art of Q&A, and handling audience questions like a pro, is a skill that can transform any presentation, discussion, or public speaking engagement. By understanding the diverse types of questions that may arise and adopting effective strategies to address them, you can create an interactive and engaging dialogue with your audience. From riddles that stimulate creativity to emotionally charged inquiries that demand empathy, each question offers a unique opportunity to connect, educate, and inspire. 

Remember, the key to success lies in active listening, clear communication, and maintaining composure, even in the face of challenging questions. Whether you’re a speaker, presenter, moderator, or simply someone engaged in a meaningful conversation, the ability to navigate difficult questions with finesse not only enhances your credibility but also fosters a more enriching and enlightening exchange of ideas. So, embrace the art of Q&A, and with practice and patience, you’ll continue to refine this valuable skill, ensuring that your interactions with your audience are both memorable and impactful.

To learn more about how to conduct presentations and improve your communication skills in the workplace you can try our coaching program here .

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How to Answer Questions After A Presentation – 11 Tips

August 12, 2022

How do you answer questions after your presentation? For many people, handling presentation questions is the scariest part of presenting.

Answering questions becomes much easier if you prepare properly. so how do the best presenters answer challenging questions effectively, answering presentation questions is a real skill.  and it’s a skill you can learn.  over the last 15 years we’ve coached thousands of people to be brilliant at presentation questions and answers. , do please call us and we’ll tell you about our presentation coaching – it’s fast and good value., having coached executives for critical presentations for nearly 15 years, we recently asked our team of experts for their top tips., whether you are a business executive or from the c-suite or just want to improve how you present, these ten tips will help you shine when you answer questions:, ten steps for answering questions after a presentation..

Let’s review each tip in turn:

To Answer Questions Tip #1. Listen to the question!

Take a mental step back when you hear a question.

• What’s really being asked?
• What’s behind the query?
• Is there a hidden agenda?

Don’t be tempted to think of the answer as soon as you hear the start of the question. Instead be an active listener. You may need to clarify the question before answering. If you are not certain what you are being asked, you may answer the question you want, rather than the question they asked. And as you listen, you will learn something . Most questioners are looking for something specific.

How to clarify the question you are asked If you are not 100% sure what you are being asked, then use one of these question clarification techniques. 1. Repeat the question back and rephrase – then check that’s what they want to hear 2. Ask a question 3. Ask them to repeat the question. 4. Apologies, and say you did not understand, could they please repeat.

Answer Presentation Questions Confidently Tip #2. Have the mind-set of a teacher

A question is not an exam test . If you are asked a question, its because someone wants to know something. Your job is to help them understand. Whatever is on their mind, how can you help them?

So, put yourself in the role of a teacher. You have presented on a subject you understand, and you have a someone who wants to know more. Your can inform, educate and perhaps even entertain. If you do it right, you will look good in the eyes of the questioner and in the eyes of the audience. Enjoy the prospect of helping people when you answer questions.

Answering Questions Tip #3. Every question is different

We can never know what’s going on in the minds of the audience. That means each person in the audience will see you differently. For some, it will be about protecting their own interests, for others it may be about gathering more information.

And people have their own style – from super soft to nail hard . You’ll have to assess where they are coming from, what they re looking for and how they think. The best way to answer questions is to listen and learn from the comments they make and the questions they ask.

Learn how we can help – schedule a free consultation now

Answering Presentation Questions Tip #4. There’s no such thing as a stupid question

It may sound stupid to you, but every audience question is aimed at understanding something. Don’t assume that you know what the person really wants. Perhaps they don’t understand – or perhaps they are testing how you react (yes, some people do this!). So treat every question with respect, consideration and then use it as an opportunity to help the audience understand better.

Presentation Questions Tip #5. Every question is an opportunity

If you are properly prepared for your presentation, then you will have key messages to get across. Use your answers to reinforce, restate, or reframe your messages.

Beware of feeling challenged by tough questions . You do not want to look defensive of uncertain. Instead, like a teacher, you want to help your questioner and perhaps help the audience see the world the way you see it. One powerful piece of advice is Show, Don’t Tell. Use stories , examples and illustrations to bring your business to life when answering tough questions.

Answering Questions Tip #6. How you answer questions is as important as what you say

As we said before, your meeting is not an exam. It’s more like a meeting of minds. So work out what the other person believes and is feeling. How can you do this?

You could ask probing questions, such as:

• Does what I’ve just said explain it?
• Do you want to know more?

For more hypothetical questions you could explore what they believe: “And what do you think?” The more it feels like a conversation rather then a quiz, the more likely you’ll be successful.

Give Great Answers Tip #7. You must prepare

We have seen too many people turn up to presentation Q&A sessions unprepared. By contrast, successful presenters and management teams prepare to answer questions with the intensity of an elite athlete.

After all, you want to be seen at your peak when presenting.

There are three best practice techniques for preparing your Q&A:

• List the tough questions you may be asked – especially the ones you don’t want to be asked. Work out answers to these in advance, decide which should be answered before the Q&A by incorporating it into an earlier part of your presentation, and which will wait for the Q&A.
• Select who in your team will respond – You will feel more confident and, if the questions do get asked, you will be properly prepared.
• Bring in a fresh perspective . Get someone outside the organisation to identify new questions you may get asked – and get the outsider to listen to your answers to the tough questions. A neutral third party (like Benjamin Ball Associates ) can give you insight and expose the weaknesses in your arguments and answers.
• Stress-test your answer s. Spend time as a team firing questions back and forth. Then review how you answer these. Keep at this until you have got it right. The more you prepare, the more natural you will sound.

For important presenting events, we frequently spend many hours preparing teams with tough questions, video review and rehearsals. Just like elite athletes, you only build muscle strength with practice.

Answering Questions Tip #8. Don’t try and answer impossible questions

There are some audience questions you cannot answer. If you learn our approach of Question Triage (a technique for classifying questions up front) you can spot these a mile off. Then you can use proven techniques to get yourself back to safe ground and onto a topic that you can talk about with confidence.

Presentation Question Answering Tip #9. Finish strong

Audience question sessions often end flat. Frequently, people feel pressured to finish quickly, especially if time is short. This is a mistake.

Never miss this opportunity to reinforce your important messages while also showing that you have listened to what the other person has said. Even a strong 30-second summary at the end will show that you have listened. This can also highlight what they need to hear.

Tough Question Tip #10. Beware the last question trap

AKA the Columbo moment. If you are a child of the ‘70s you may remember the TV series Columbo .

The bumbling detective always finished his interview with a suspect and, as he walked away, would say “Just, one more thing….’  With that one line he caught the suspect off guard and got the information he needed.

How to answer questions confidently

Top tips for answering questions confidently

What To Do Next to Better Answer Presentation Questions

I f you’d like to improve how you handle tough questions, please give us a call.

We’d be happy to discuss ways we can help you. For example, we run extensive Q&A rehearsals to build skills and increase confidence. You’ll find that working with our experts is a small investment that can deliver amazingly high returns. We offer short, intensive coaching sessions.

To discuss how you can improve your next presentation question session, please call Louise Angus on 020 7018 0922 or email [email protected] .

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We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too .

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For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice of leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East to improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level with Benjamin Ball Associates.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email [email protected] to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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The 10 steps to asking questions so you get an answer every time

by Olivia Mitchell | 17 comments

Asking questions of your audience is a great way to keep the audience engaged. But asking questions is an art. I asked on Twitter what people found hardest about asking questions that engage your audience:

Lee Potts from Breaking Murphy’s Law “Posing the question in such a way that guarantees someone, anyone, will answer and not leave me hanging.”

Brent Dykes from PowerPoint Ninja “How to recover from a question or series of questions that get crickets (i.e., silence)?”

You ask a question and the audience looks blankly back at you

You may have suffered the same fate. There are many reasons why people won’t answer your questions ranging from lack of clarity of the question to fear of public speaking.

Here are the 10 steps for asking questions in a presentation which will help you avoid being left hanging.

1. Warm up your audience first

Comedians warm-up their audiences – or if they’re stars – they have another comedian do it for them.

You also need to warm up your audience first. They need to get to know you and trust you a little before they’ll venture answering a question.

2. Don’t let them settle into a passive mode

But don’t leave it too long before you start asking questions. If you leave it too long, people will settle into a passive “TV-watching” mode and it will be difficult to rouse them into responding. So once you’ve established rapport (2-5 minutes) start asking questions. The audience will then get that this is an interactive presentation and will stay on their toes rather than settling into that passive mode.

3. Move from easy to more challenging questions through your presentation

Plan your questions so that they move your presentation forward. This matrix will help you plan your questions.

For example, say I was giving a presentation on “Overcoming your fear of public speaking” I could use this matrix to come up with progressively more challenging questions. I would start with questions from the bottom-left corner. These are easy questions which will get me and my audience on a roll. But if I only asked questions like this they would soon become trite and boring. More quiz show than presentation.

So as you move through your presentation move towards the top-right corner and ask more challenging questions which will get your audience thinking. Here’s a resource for asking challenging questions .

At every stage your questions needs to be tightly choreographed with the substance of your presentation. The answers to each question need to move the presentation forward.

You’ll get from this that you need to carefully plan your questions. You can’t just blurt out a question that just popped into your head.  Asking engaging questions that your audience will answer needs careful planning.

4. Signal your question

Sometimes people don’t answer a question because they weren’t listening or they didn’t realize you wanted an answer.  Let your audience know you’re about to ask a question. For example, you might say “Here’s a question I’d like you to answer.”

Avoid mixing rhetorical questions (these are questions you don’t expect your audience to answer) with “real” questions. Your audience will get confused about whether they’re supposed to answer or not.

5. Frame your question so that people know exactly what you want

A major reason people don’t answer questions in a presentation is because they’re not clear on what the questioner really wants. Never underestimate the ability of the audience to misunderstand your question.

The build-up to and the phrasing of your question are both critical to ensuring that people understand the question and are comfortable answering. For example, in my presentation on nervousness, if I simply ask “what symptoms of nervousness do you get?” I might not get many responses and some might be slightly off-topic (eg: I don’t like talking to people I know”).

Here’s how I get the best results. I start by telling my own story of getting ultra-nervous before a presentation. I describe my heart-beating as if it was going to explode out of my chest and the sweat trickling down my sides! Then I ask:

“What bodily symptoms of nervousness do you get?”

The answers come so quick and fast that I have to get someone to help me write them all up on the flipchart. Why does this work so well:

• I’ve shown them what I want by describing my own physical symptoms.
• I’ve made them more comfortable about sharing these personal details by sharing first.
• I’ve made my question ultra-clear by asking for “bodily symptoms”.

Again, planning is critical. Draft your questions and then test them out on your friends and see if you get the type of answers you’re looking for. Then refine and test again.

6. Ask your question slowly and clearly

You want people to understand you the first time. To make sure you get the phrasing right during the presentation, write the question out in full on a small card and read your question from the card if you need to. Quiz show hosts do this and so can you.

You could also write the question on a slide so that people can read it for themselves and ponder on it.

7. Make it easy for people to answer

Many people avoid answering questions because it means speaking in front of a group a.k.a. public speaking. So you need to make it easy for them. There are a number of ways of doing this:

• Split your audience into small groups (2-4 people) to discuss the question. Then ask for one person from each group to summarize the answers from that group. The spokesperson is just reporting back so there isn’t the same fear of looking stupid with a wrong answer. Less confident people won’t have to speak in front of the group but will still have been able to take part in the discussion.
• Hand out post-it notes and ask people to write their answer on the post-it and then come and stick it on the wall.
• Ask people to write their answer on a flip chart at the front of the room.
• This next method requires you to have some space in your room. Ask people to stand and move to the space. Create an imaginary line across the space by walking along the line. Let them know you’ll be asking a question and you’ll want them to answer by moving to a spot on the imaginary line. For example, I use this technique for people to see the level of presenting experience in the room. I’ll stand at one end of the line and say “Stand here if you’ve got lots of experience presenting”, then I’ll walk down the line to about the half-way spot and say “Stand here if you’ve got some experience” and then down to the other end and say “Stand here if you’ve hardly ever done it before.”

8. Wait for answers

If you simply ask a question and want people to volunteer answers in front of the group you need to wait for the answers. Most people won’t answer straight away. They need time to think. Expect this. Wait in a relaxed but expectant stance. Look softly at different people in your audience. Normally someone will speak. Wait at least 10 seconds. Yes, this will feel like an eternity to you.

If nobody answers you’ve got two options:

• Repeat the question and ask them to talk to their neighbor about it.
• Give the answer yourself and move on smoothly with your presentation.

After the presentation, ask for some feedback from individual audience members why the question didn’t work. You’ll learn valuable lessons for next time.

9. Use the answers you get

Incorporate the answers you get into the flow of your presentation. If you don’t do anything with the answers, people will fail to see the point and will stop contributing.

A great tool here is a flip chart. Writing up the answers on the flip chart demonstrates that you value the answers you’re getting. If the answers are coming very fast you may need to have an assistant to help you write them up. Write them up as closely as you can to the way the person said it. If you need to paraphrase check with the person that it accurately reflects what they said.

10. Do not humiliate anyone

You may think that you would never do this, but it’s incredibly easy to do unintentionally. Here’s how to avoid doing it:

• Acknowledge each answer you get with a warm “Thank you.”
• Do not gush over one particular answer – others will feel slighted in comparison.
• If somebody’s answer is totally wrong or misguided take responsibility for it. For example, you might say “Oh! that’s not quite what I was looking for but I can see why you said that. What I meant was….”
• Do not call on individuals to answer – they will feel put on the spot.

Note that if you humiliate one person it has a ripple effect. Others will feel for them and will want to avoid the same fate.

These 10 steps will help you avoid being left hanging – but they’re not a guarantee – asking questions is an art that requires practice and feedback. What other tips do you have for asking questions that engage your audience?

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17 Comments

Here’s an old teacher’s trick for a shy audience: start with an action.

Instead of asking the audience “Show of hands — how many of you…” — do the opposite. Ask everyone to raise their hands.

This gets everyone “active” right away.

Next, you can demand, “Now, drop your hand if…”

Love this – so smart!

Thanks laua for your advice

Love this! Thank you

Great post, Olivia. These strategies are highly useful and they absolutely work!

Great suggestions, Olivia. Thanks for the insight.

Everything you say about getting people to answer questions is right on. And what you say applies equally well to getting people to ask questions.

I like to ask my audience questions. (I hope that I follow your guidelines when I do, although I need to work on framing my questions so they’re immediately and easily understood.) And then I follow up — if appropriate — with, “And what questions do you have?” If I ask, “Do you have any questions?” they just sit there. (It’s a yes/no question, which doesn’t encourage engagement.) But by asking what questions they have, I let them know I presume they have some. It doesn’t work all the time, but it usually gets people started.

Great ideas, Olivia. Though you implied it, I think it’s worth making obvious that the very best questions are those to which there are many right answers, or even better, no wrong answers.

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350 Top Q&A Questions to Expect for Any Presentations (Save Them Now!)

Zhun Yee Chew

Preparing the slide content is nothing compared to dealing with daunting questions during the Q&A session of a presentation. Sometimes, if we are not lucky, we will face a tough crowd with even tougher questions that may leave us feeling challenged on the spot. And none of us likes the awkward moment of not being able to provide a satisfactory response to the audience.

Answering Q&A questions is a skill that everyone can master with the right resources and the right amount of preparation. You’ve searched, and we have them for you.

In this article, you will find more than 300 Q&A questions that are most commonly asked in a wide range of presentation occasions. Save them so you can be ready for even the most unexpected questions in your upcoming presentations!

What Are Q&A Questions?

Q&A questions, short for “Questions and Answers”, are inquiries posed by an audience or participants to the speaker or presenter during the Q&A session of a presentation . This Q&A segment typically follows a presentation, a talk or a lecture, providing the opportunities for the audience to seek clarification, ask additional information, or understand the speaker’s perspectives.

The whole point of Q&A sessions is to make the presentation more interactive and foster engagement . It’s a chance for the audience to pick the speaker’s brain and get a better understanding of the subject. 

What Are the Different Types of Presentations?

Business Presentations:

• Sales pitches
• Quarterly or annual reports
• Performance reviews
• Project proposals/updates
• All-hands presentations

Academic  Presentations:

• Lesson presentations
• Conference/research presentations
• Classroom quiz games

Training Sessions:

• Employee training
• Onboarding sessions
• Skills development workshops

Public Speaking:

• Motivational speeches
• Commencement addresses

Informative Presentations:

• How-to presentations
• Demonstrations
• Informational sessions

Social Events:

• Celebration speeches
• Team-building activities
• PowerPoint nights
• Presentation games

Technology Presentations:

• Software launches
• Product launches

Crisis Management:

• Crisis communication
• Emergency response briefings
• Contingency plans

Virtual Presentations:

• Online conferences

Different presentations involve different audience types, and the nature of questions posed can vary significantly based on presentation formats and occasions. However, the core of a successful and engaging presentation remains constant – ensuring  interactivity in a presentation  and transforming it into a two-way street through Q&A questions and adding interactive elements or using interactive tools in your presentations.

Academic Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for lecture presentations.

• Can you provide more examples for the concept/theory you just explained?
• Are there any common misconceptions about this topic that we should be aware of?
• What are the main differences between this and [related topic]?
• Can you explain the steps involved in [specific process] in more detail?
• What are the current research trends or developments in this field?
• How does this concept connect to what we learned in the previous lesson?
• Are there any alternative approaches to solve the problems here?
• Can you recommend additional resources or readings?
• Can you provide some tips for studying this material effectively?
• Are there any real-world examples where this concept has been successfully applied?
• What are the most common mistakes students make when working on assignments for this topic?
• Can you explain the significance of this concept in the context of future careers?
• What are the ethical considerations associated with the topics we are discussing?
• Are there any current debates or controversies related to this topic?
• How does this topic connect with interdisciplinary subjects or other courses?
• Can you share examples of how this concept might be used in different industries or professions?
• Can you summarize the key takeaways of today’s presentation?
• Can you discuss any historical or cultural context that influences this topic?
• How might this information be relevant to current events or societal issues?

Q&A Questions for Academic Conference Presentations 

• How did you decide on the research question or topic for your study?
• How did you select your sample or participants, and how representative is it of the broader population?
• Can you explain the methodology you used in your research and why you chose that approach?
• What are the main findings or key results of your study?
• How do your findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your field?
• Can you discuss any limitations or challenges you encountered during your research?
• What implications do your findings have for practitioners in the field?
• Can you elaborate on the theoretical framework that guided your study?
• What ethical considerations did you address in your research, and how were they managed?
• How did you validate the reliability and validity of your research instruments or methods?
• How did you address potential biases or confounding variables in your research?
• How do your findings compare to previous research on the same or similar topics?
• Can you discuss any unexpected or surprising results that you discovered during your study?
• How did you handle data analysis, and what statistical methods were employed in your study?
• What alternative explanations or interpretations of your data did you consider?
• How does your research contribute to addressing specific gaps in current knowledge?
• How did you control for potential confounding variables in your research design?
• What recommendations do you have for policymakers based on your research findings?
• How does your study relate to other recent or ongoing research in the same area?
• Are your findings generalizable to different populations or settings?
• How did you ensure the rigor of your data analysis and interpretation?
• What role did collaboration play in your research, and how did you handle disagreements within the research team?
• Can you share any unexpected challenges you faced during the research process?
• How might your findings be applied in a practical context, such as in industry or education?
• How did you establish the validity of your conclusions in light of potential bias or subjectivity?
• What potential areas for future research did your study uncover?
• Can you discuss the relevance of your research to current global or societal issues?
• How did you handle any limitations in available resources or funding for your research?
• What key takeaway message or lesson would you like the audience to remember from your presentation?

Q&A Questions for Student Presentations

• Can you elaborate on the research process you used to gather information for your presentation?
• Can you discuss the process of selecting and organizing the visual elements in your presentation, such as charts or graphs?
• How did you decide on the topic or key elements to include in your presentation?
• What challenges did you encounter while preparing for your presentation, and how did you overcome them?
• What did you learn about the topic that surprised you during your research?
• Can you explain the significance of your topic or its relevance to the course content?
• Can you discuss any alternative perspectives or counter-arguments related to your topic that you considered?
• What sources did you consult to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented?
• Can you explain the connection between your topic and current events or real-world applications?
• Can you share any specific examples or case studies that support the points you made in your presentation?
• Can you elaborate on any implications or applications of your findings beyond the scope of your presentation?
• Can you discuss any ethical considerations related to your topic that you addressed in your presentation?
• How might your presentation contribute to the understanding of the broader course themes or objectives?
• What aspects of the presentation are you most proud of, and what would you do differently next time?

Q&A Questions for Project-Based Lessons

• What is the main goal or objective of this project, and how will our work contribute to it?
• Can you provide more details about the criteria for success in this project?
• How will our progress be assessed, and what are the key milestones or deadlines?
• Can you clarify the roles and responsibilities of each team member in the project?
• Are there specific resources or materials that we should use or reference for this project?
• Can you provide examples of successful projects from previous classes or students?
• Are there specific presentation or communication requirements for showcasing our project?
• What opportunities for feedback and revision will be available throughout the project timeline?

Business Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for sales pitches.

• What makes your product or service different from competitors in the market?
• Can you provide some specific examples of companies or clients who have successfully used your product/service?
• How does your product/service address specific pain points or challenges that customers commonly face?
• Can you share some success stories or case studies related to your product/service?
• How does your product/service integrate with existing tools or systems our company uses?
• What kind of support or training is provided to customers after they purchase your product/service?
• Can you explain the implementation process and how quickly we can expect to see results?
• Are there any customization options available to tailor the product/service to our specific needs?
• What kind of ongoing maintenance or updates does your product/service require?
• How do you ensure the security and privacy of our data when using your product/service?
• Are there any limitations or restrictions we should be aware of when using your product/service?
• How often do you release updates or new features to your product/service?
• Can you explain the scalability of your solution and how it can grow with our business?
• What is your company’s roadmap for future developments or enhancements to the product/service?
• What is the typical return on investment (ROI) that your customers experience after implementing your product/service?
• How do you handle issues or challenges that may arise post-purchase?

Q&A Questions for Work Presentations

• How does your proposal align with our company’s overall goals or strategic objectives?
• What potential challenges do you foresee in implementing this plan, and how do you plan to address them?
• Can you explain the specific roles and responsibilities of each team member involved in this project?
• What kind of timeline are you envisioning for the different phases of this project?
• Have you considered alternative approaches to achieve the same goals, and if so, what are they?
• What resources, budget, and manpower will be required to execute this plan successfully?
• How do you plan to measure the success or effectiveness of this project?
• Are there any potential risks associated with your proposal, and what mitigation strategies do you have in place?
• Can you provide examples of similar projects that have been successful in the past, either within our company or in other organizations?
• How will you keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle?
• What kind of collaboration and communication tools do you plan to use to keep the team connected?
• Are there any dependencies or external factors that could impact the timeline or success of this project?
• Can you explain how this project aligns with current industry trends or best practices?
• What are the potential roadblocks or obstacles you anticipate, and how do you plan to overcome them?

Q&A Questions for Performance Review Presentations 

• Can you highlight specific projects or tasks where you feel you excelled?
• How have you demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to take initiative?
• Have there been any instances of conflict or difficult situations, and how did you handle them?
• What accomplishments are you most proud of since our last performance review?
• Where do you think you could have performed better, and what challenges did you face?
• How well do you think your current responsibilities align with your career goals?
• What new skills or responsibilities would you like to take on in the next year?
• How have you found the feedback and communication within the team or organization?
• How well do you feel you have contributed to team projects and collaborations?
• Are there ways we can enhance teamwork and collaboration within the team?
• Is there anything we can do to support you better in your role?
• What additional resources or training do you think would benefit you in your role?
• What motivates you in your work, and how can we ensure your continued motivation?
• What steps can we take to help you achieve your long-term career goals?

Q&A Questions for Annual/Quarterly Report Presentations

• How did specific projects or initiatives contribute to the overall success or challenges outlined in the report?
• What challenges or obstacles did the team face during the reporting period, and how were they addressed?
• Are there any unexpected or significant changes in the industry landscape that may affect future performance?
• What steps were taken to mitigate risks and uncertainties identified in the previous reports?
• Can you discuss the budgetary implications of the results presented in the report?
• How did the team adapt to changes in customer preferences or demands during this reporting period?
• How do the results align with the long-term strategic objectives of the organization?
• Can you discuss any feedback or concerns received from clients, customers, or stakeholders mentioned in the report?
• How did internal collaborations or cross-functional teamwork contribute to the outcomes presented?
• What initiatives or projects are planned for the upcoming quarter or year in response to the findings in the report?
• Can you elaborate on the return on investment (ROI) for specific marketing or promotional activities mentioned in the report?
• How do the current results compare to benchmarks or industry standards for similar organizations?
• Can you discuss any changes or improvements in operational processes that were implemented during the reporting period?
• Can you provide insights into any potential areas for improvement or focus in the coming reporting period based on the data presented?

Q&A Questions for All-Hands Presentations

• What are the key priorities and goals for the team in the upcoming quarter/year?
• Can you provide more details about the recent changes in team structure or leadership?
• How will recent industry trends or developments impact our team’s strategies moving forward?
• Can you discuss the reasoning behind recent policy changes or updates within the team?
• How will the team address challenges identified in recent performance reports or feedback?
• Can you provide insights into the budget allocation and resource planning for the team?
• How will the team adapt to changes in technology or tools that may affect our workflow?
• What professional development opportunities will be available to team members in the coming months?
• Can you share updates on recent achievements or milestones reached by the team?
• Can you discuss the team’s approach to fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace?
• What strategies will be implemented to maintain team morale and motivation?
• Can you elaborate on the team’s strategy for managing workloads and preventing burnout?
• How will the team address any challenges related to communication?
• What steps will be taken to recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements in the future?

Public Speaking Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for motivational presentations.

• How did your background or experiences shape your perspective on the topic you discussed?
• How can individuals or communities apply the ideas you shared in their own lives or work?
• What impact do you hope your work will have on the future of [your topic]?
• How has your perspective on [your topic] evolved throughout your journey, and what lessons have you learned?
• How do you suggest we, as individuals, can contribute to or support the goals you outlined in your presentation?
• What advice do you have for someone who wants to get involved in or pursue a similar field or project?
• What are the common misconceptions or misunderstandings about [your topic] that you’d like to address?
• How can the audience stay informed or engaged with ongoing developments in your field or topic?
• Can you share personal experiences where you overcame significant obstacles and found motivation in [an area]?
• What advice do you have for dealing with [a personal issue]?
• How do you handle setbacks and failures in [an area]?
• What daily habits or routines do you recommend for sustaining long-term motivation?
• How can individuals at various career stages benefit from the insights you shared?
• Can you share examples of successful individuals who have been a source of inspiration for you?

Informative Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for youtube or online webinar presentations.

• How can I access the recording of this webinar for future reference?
• Can you recommend any additional resources for further learning on this topic?
• How does this information apply to different industries or professions?
• How do you suggest we adapt these concepts to our specific organizational context?
• How can we stay updated on new developments or research in this field?
• Can you suggest strategies for overcoming resistance to change when implementing these ideas?
• What role does ongoing professional development play in mastering the skills you discussed?
• How can individuals without a background in this field apply the principles you discussed?
• Can you explain the potential challenges or common mistakes people might encounter when trying this on their own?
• How do you foresee the future trends or developments affecting the subject of this webinar?
• Can you recommend specific tools or software that would enhance our implementation of these strategies?
• What are some key indicators of success when implementing the strategies you discussed?
• Can you discuss any industry standards or benchmarks related to the topics covered in this webinar?
• What would be the first step you recommend for someone looking to implement these ideas in their organization?

Q&A Questions for Demonstration Presentations

• Can you clarify the purpose or goal of the demonstration?
• What specific steps are involved in the process you just demonstrated?
• Are there alternative methods or tools that can be used for this demonstration?
• How long does it typically take to master this skill or process demonstrated?
• Are there any safety precautions that should be considered?
• Can you provide tips for troubleshooting or overcoming obstacles in the demonstrated activity?
• How does this demonstration apply to real-world scenarios or practical situations?
• Are there variations or advanced techniques related to this demonstration that you didn’t cover?
• Can you share examples of successful applications or projects that used the demonstrated technique?
• How does this demonstration align with current trends or innovations in the field?
• What feedback or suggestions do you have for individuals attempting the demonstrated task for the first time?
• Can you discuss any modifications or adaptations that may be necessary for different skill levels or abilities?

Training Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for training workshops.

• Can you provide more examples or practice exercises to reinforce the concepts you just covered?
• Are there any additional resources or recommended readings for further learning on this topic?
• Can you explain the specific steps or strategies for applying what we’ve learned in a real-world context?
• How often is this training updated to reflect changes in industry standards or best practices?
• How can we track our progress and measure the effectiveness of this training?
• Are there opportunities for practical application or hands-on exercises to reinforce the learning?
• Can you discuss any potential challenges or common difficulties participants might encounter during the training?
• Can you provide insights into how this training aligns with current trends or innovations in the industry?
• How will successful completion of this training impact our professional development or career advancement?
• What kind of ongoing support or resources will be available to participants after completing the training?
• Can you explain the relevance of each module or section of the training to our specific roles or responsibilities?
• Can you discuss any case studies or success stories related to individuals who have completed this training?
• Can you outline the specific skills or competencies participants are expected to gain by the end of the training?

Creative Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for brainstorming presentations.

• How did you arrive at the ideas presented during the brainstorming session?
• Can you provide more context on the criteria used to evaluate and prioritize the proposed ideas?
• Are there specific goals or objectives that the brainstormed ideas aim to achieve?
• How do the ideas generated align with the overall vision or mission of the team or organization?
• Can you discuss any potential challenges or constraints that may impact the implementation of these ideas?
• What steps will be taken to further develop and refine the selected ideas from the brainstorming session?
• How will the team decide which ideas to prioritize or move forward with?
• What role do you see each team member playing in the implementation or development of these ideas?
• What steps will be taken to test or prototype the most promising ideas before full implementation?
• Are there any potential synergies or connections between the different ideas presented?
• Can you discuss the anticipated impact or outcomes of implementing these ideas on the team’s objectives?

Q&A Questions for Creative Work Showcase Presentations

• What inspired your creative concept or idea?
• Can you discuss your creative process and how you generated or developed your ideas?
• How did you overcome creative blocks or challenges during the project?
• Can you share any unexpected twists or turns that occurred during the creative process?
• What influenced your choice of colors, themes, or visual elements in your presentation?
• Can you discuss any alternative concepts or ideas that you considered before finalizing your creative work?
• How did you decide on the overall tone or mood of your creative piece?
• Can you discuss any specific techniques or tools you used to bring your creative vision to life?
• How do you balance originality with meeting the expectations or objectives of the project?
• Can you elaborate on the symbolism or deeper meaning behind certain elements in your creative work?
• How did you ensure your creative work aligns with the intended message or purpose of the project?
• Can you share any unexpected challenges you encountered while executing your creative ideas?
• What advice do you have for others looking to enhance their creativity or embark on similar projects?
• Can you discuss any future plans or developments related to your creative work?

Q&A Questions for Portfolio Presentations

• How did you curate or select the pieces included in your portfolio?
• Can you discuss the overarching themes or concepts that tie your portfolio together?
• What criteria did you use to determine which projects or works to include in your portfolio?
• Can you provide insights into your creative process for one of the featured projects?
• How do you believe your portfolio reflects your growth or evolution as a professional or artist?
• Can you discuss any challenges you encountered while working on specific projects in your portfolio?
• What inspired the overall design and layout of your portfolio presentation?
• Can you share any feedback or critiques you received during the creation of your portfolio?
• How do you handle showcasing both personal and professional work in your portfolio?
• How do you stay updated on current trends or techniques in your industry, and how does this influence your portfolio?
• Can you elaborate on any technologies or tools you used to create or present your portfolio?
• How do you handle showcasing a diverse range of skills or talents in your portfolio?
• How do you balance consistency with variety in the presentation of your portfolio pieces?
• Can you provide insights into the decision-making process behind the visual and aesthetic choices in your portfolio?

Subject-Based Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for history presentations.

• Why is it important for us to study this particular historical period or event?
• Can you provide more context on the social and cultural aspects of the time you discussed?
• Are there any alternative perspectives or interpretations of the historical event you presented?
• How did political or economic factors contribute to the events you covered in your presentation?
• Can you discuss the impact of this historical period on contemporary society or global affairs?
• How do historians generally view or interpret the significance of the events you discussed?
• Can you elaborate on any controversies related to the historical topic you presented?
• Can you discuss any parallels or connections between the historical events you covered and current events?
• Can you elaborate on any lesser-known or overlooked aspects of the historical topic?
• What were the main causes and consequences of the events discussed in this lesson?
• How did global events or other regions influence the events in this specific historical context?
• Can you share more details about the key figures or individuals involved in the historical events?
• Can you discuss any social movements or cultural shifts that occurred during this time?
• Were there any controversies or debates among historians regarding the interpretation of these events?
• What primary sources or historical documents can we explore to gain a deeper understanding of this time?
• What lessons or insights can we draw from the mistakes or successes of the past?

Q&A Questions for Geography Presentations

• Can you explain the significance of the geographical features discussed in this lesson?
• What are the cultural or societal aspects that make this geographic area unique?
• Can you discuss the environmental challenges or changes occurring in the region you shared?
• Are there any connections between the geography of a region and its cultural practices or traditions?
• How has human activity impacted the natural landscapes and ecosystems in the region?
• Can you provide insights into the economic factors shaping the geography of the area?
• How do political boundaries or geopolitical factors influence the geography of the region?
• Can you discuss any current or historical conflicts related to the geography you presented?
• Can you share examples of how globalization has impacted the geography you discussed?
• How does the geography of the area influence migration patterns and population distribution?
• Can you discuss any challenges or opportunities related to urbanization in the region?
• Can you provide examples of how transportation infrastructure shapes the geography of the region?
• How do the geographical features discussed impact the local economy and lifestyle?
• Can you discuss the role of sustainable development in shaping the geography of the region?
• How does the geography of a region impact the availability and distribution of resources?

Q&A Questions for Science Presentations

• How does this scientific theory or principle apply to real-world situations?
• Can you provide examples of experiments or demonstrations that illustrate the principles being taught?
• How do current advancements or research in technology influence our understanding of this science?
• Can you provide examples of how this scientific concept has been applied in various industries?
• Can you share insights into any ongoing or future research related to the subject of the lecture?
• Can you elaborate on any potential interdisciplinary connections between this science and other fields?
• How do you see the future developments or advancements shaping the field of science you discussed?
• Can you discuss any recent advancements or breakthroughs in the field related to your presentation?
• What experiments or studies have been conducted to support the information presented in your topic?
• Are there any unanswered questions or areas of uncertainty in the scientific understanding of this topic?
• Can you discuss the importance of peer review in the scientific process?

Q&A Questions for Social Science Presentations

• Can you provide some background information on the topic?
• Can you explain the significance of any statistical analyses or data presented in this studies?
• How might cultural or societal factors influence the interpretation of the findings?
• Are there any primary sources or case studies used in the lesson to illustrate these social science concepts?
• What are the alternative opinions or perspectives that one should consider for this topic?
• How can we critically evaluate bias in the research?
• What are the roles of globalization or international perspectives in this topic?
• Why is [a perspective/opinion] the case?
• What are the potential objections for [a perspective/opinion]?
• How does the topic of this lesson relate to broader social issues or current events?
• Are there any conflicting theories or perspectives within the field related to this lesson’s content?
• Can you explain the practical implications of the theories or concepts covered in this lesson?
• How do the concepts covered in this lesson contribute to a deeper understanding of human behavior or society?
• What are some potential criticisms or limitations of the theories presented in this lesson?

Q&A Questions for Art and Design Presentations

• How do different artistic techniques contribute to the overall aesthetic of the piece?
• Can you explain the cultural or historical influences behind the art or design style being taught?
• How can personal experiences or emotions be expressed through art and design?
• Can you provide examples of famous artists or designers who are known for this particular style or technique?
• How does the use of color, shape, and composition impact the visual impact of the artwork or design?
• Are there any contemporary or modern trends in art and design that relate to the topic of this lesson?
• How does the art or design being taught relate to broader movements or styles in the art world?
• How can art and design contribute to social or cultural change?

Fun Presentation Q&A Questions

Q&a questions for powerpoint night  presentations.

• Do you remember the time when we [shared a memorable adventure or experience]?
• What’s your favorite memory from our past travels together?
• If we were to plan a group vacation, what destination would you suggest for our bucket list?
• What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit that we haven’t explored together yet?
• What’s the most spontaneous or unplanned adventure we’ve had?
• What’s our favorite inside joke?
• If we were to create a time capsule representing our friendship, what would you include in it?
• What’s the craziest or most unexpected thing we’ve ever done together?
• What’s your go-to travel snack or comfort food?
• What’s a shared goal or dream destination you’d like to achieve with the group?
• Can you recall the first time we met, and what was your initial impression of me?
• What’s a skill or talent of mine that surprised you when you first discovered it?
• If our group had a theme song, what do you think it should be and why?
• If we were characters in a movie, how would you describe our dynamic or roles?
• What’s a shared goal or aspiration that you think our group could work towards together?
• What’s your favorite thing about our friendship that you cherish the most?
• If we had a group motto or slogan, what do you think it should be?

Q&A Questions for PowerPoint Games

• What are the rules of the game?
• How long is the expected duration of the game?
• Are there any specific materials or equipment needed to play the game?
• Can you explain the objective or goal of the game?
• Are there any hidden surprises in the game that players might not immediately notice?
• Any secret tips for success in the game?
• Are there any special prizes or incentives for winners of tonight’s games?
• How is the game scored, and what determines the winner?
• What happens if there’s a tie in the game?
• Are there any variations or optional rules we should be aware of?
• Can you explain the order of play and how turns are determined?
• Are there penalties or consequences for certain actions during the game?
• Can participants form teams, or is the game strictly individual play?
• Are there any restrictions on player movement or interaction during the game?
• Can you provide examples of common strategies or tactics used in the game?
• How is cheating or rule violations handled in the game?
• Can you recommend any strategies for newcomers or first-time players?

Feedback Q&A Questions

• What specific aspects of the presentation do you think were most effective?
• Can you provide suggestions for improving the clarity of certain points in the presentation?
• How well do you think the presenter engaged with the audience during the presentation?
• Were there any areas where you felt the presentation could have been more engaging or interactive?
• Can you offer insights into the pacing of the presentation and whether it was appropriate?
• What are your thoughts on the visual elements, such as slides or graphics, used in the presentation?
• Were there any technical issues or challenges that affected your experience during the presentation?
• Can you provide feedback on the overall organization and structure of the presentation?
• Were there any moments in the presentation that you found particularly memorable or impactful?
• Did the presenter effectively convey the key messages or takeaways of the presentation?
• How well did the presenter connect with the audience’s level of understanding or familiarity with the topic?
• Can you discuss any specific examples or anecdotes that resonated with you during the presentation?
• Were there any instances where the presenter could have provided more context or background information?
• What are your thoughts on the presenter’s use of language, tone, and overall communication style?
• Can you suggest ways in which the presenter could improve audience engagement or participation?
• Were there any aspects of the presentation that you found confusing or difficult to follow?
• Can you share your overall impression of the presentation and whether it met your expectations?
• What recommendations do you have for the presenter to enhance the overall impact and effectiveness of future presentations?

Closing Thoughts

With more than 300 Q&A questions to help you with your preparation, you can save so much time thinking and anticipating the questions your audience may ask during the Q&A session of your presentation. Now, you can focus on what matters most – acing your presentation! 

BONUS: Lazy to create PowerPoint presentations from scratch? Try these  11 top-rated AI PowerPoint generators (they’re free!), as well as these  4 ways to use ChatGPT to create PowerPoint presentations . 

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More From Forbes

14 smart ways to follow up with attendees after a presentation.

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You’ve developed, rehearsed and successfully delivered a great presentation. Even if you’re feeling confident about the outcome, your work isn’t done quite yet; it’s important to follow up with attendees after the event.

Connecting again not only ensures that participants get the most out of their experience, but can also help you build valuable professional relationships. Not sure where or how to begin your post-presentation outreach? Here, 14 members of Forbes Communication Council share their best advice for making it happen.

Forbes Communications Council members share smart ways to follow up with attendees after giving a presentation.

1. Create A Way For Attendees To Follow Up With You

Create a way for the attendees to be the ones following up with you. This starts with the basics of having contact details shown in large font on each slide; it ends with a clear and compelling call to action to close out your presentation. Often, if you prepare for it, the audience members will be the ones reaching out to you. - Adrian Sossna , HACARUS

2. Answer Common Questions In Video Snippets

Review the questions asked during the webinar or presentation, then ensure that you answer the most commonly asked ones in your response. I think video snippets are always better than text or e-blast responses. Also, you could ask what topics they would be interested in hearing more about, giving them a few to pick from and an option to learn more. - Maura Fitzpatrick , 908 Devices

3. Go Beyond A ‘Thank You’

Post-event follow-ups are essential. Doing more than a typical “thank you” is highly recommended. Be sure to outline key learnings and share the recording within three days of the session. This makes it easy for attendees to share the highlights and the session with their peers, boosting the reach and engagement of your content post-event. - Mary Cusick , Critical Mass

4. Aim To Advance Their Learning

Whatever you do, don’t send a canned “thanks for attending” message. A post-event follow-up should advance subject learning, offer additional material and trigger a next-step action. - Dana Córdova , Smartlinx

Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?

5. Be Personal

Mention a question they asked, a topic that might be relevant to their company or something they said in a chat before or after the main presentation. Even if you restrict your follow-up to just those people with whom you had this sort of engagement, your results will be exponentially greater. You will be building true relationships, rather than sending spam mail. - Dave Platter , Juwai IQI

6. Start Following Up During The Presentation

Whenever possible, follow-up should actually start during the presentation. If the webinar or video conference platform allows, include handouts and supporting documents that attendees can review later. Engage the audience with polls and Q&A. Then, directly after the presentation, send out a survey asking participants to rate the discussion and the presenter(s) and suggest topics for future sessions. - Nysha King , Healthmonix

7. Provide A Post-Event Resource On Your Website

This web page would have a recording of the presentation and include FAQs or answers to questions from the Q&A session. You can even cover questions that were submitted later, or questions you didn’t get to answer due to time. This brings them back to your website and keeps them engaged with you, your social media and your organization. - Laurie Wang , Legal Aid Alberta

8. Capture Information In The Registration Process

In your registration process, try to capture information that will give you insights into each attendee’s role, challenges and needs. This will allow you to tailor a response that is personal and applicable, leading to more meaningful engagement. - Michelle Hughes , U.S. Forensic

9. Open As Many Communication Channels As You Can

Over and above the standard follow-ups, such as email blasts and surveys, we find it very useful to open as many communication channels as you can. Don’t only provide the presenter’s business phone and email contact info, but also encourage attendees to connect with you on LinkedIn, follow you on Clubhouse, etc. The mission here is to get them to ask questions, which leads to a conversation, which can lead to an opportunity. - Rachael Dalton-Taggart , Dyndrite

10. Focus On Building A Relationship

Building relationships is the No. 1 priority. For smaller audiences, send a personalized video with a tool such as Loom , thanking the attendees and asking them for a phone call or meeting to discuss their interests and needs. For larger audiences, engage attendees with a survey to better understand who they are and what they might want or need. Use that information to send a tailored follow-up to specific segments. - Ashley Libby Diaz , OrthoGrid Systems, Inc.

11. Ask For Feedback On Your Presentation

Take time to say “thank you” in the form of an email, a handwritten note or a phone call. Ask for feedback, positive or negative, and share access to your digital presentation assets so that your potential client can review all of the details with their team. Be sure to answer any questions and provide solutions to any action items that came up during your presentation. And, most of all, be timely! - Heather Byrd , Taillight

12. Provide Opportunities To Ask Follow-Up Questions Later

Provide access to the presentation and supplemental materials that will help them make progress or learn more. In addition to taking questions during the presentation, you can provide opportunities for them to connect and ask more specific questions later. You can also invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or the most appropriate network for that audience. - Tom Treanor , Treasure Data

13. Share Next Steps

Follow-up is vital in creating a personalized experience for your audience. It’s important to send a thank-you note that includes next steps, one-page collateral detailing the product or service of interest and the specific use-case that was heard or discussed throughout the meeting so that your audience feels “heard.” This will establish a connection and often lead to continued conversation. - Melissa Fasano , Charcoal Bianco Collective

14. Reach Out Via LinkedIn

Connect with as many attendees as you can on LinkedIn. Then, continue to fill your feed with value-forward content. This is a great way to continue to build trust with your audience and keep you ever-present in their news feed. Interact with their posts and continue to show them support by engaging with them. - Danny Murawinski , Scion Analytics

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Tress Academic

#30: Questions from the audience you should be prepared to answer

November 5, 2019 by Tress Academic

You can never know the exact questions that the audience will ask after you have finished a conference presentation. This uncertainty can cause additional stress for you, and put you on edge during your presentation. There are, however, a few questions you can assume that someone from your audience might ask. So why not prepare yourself for these questions just in case? We’ll tell you which type of questions these are, and how you can easily prepare yourself for them. Having answers ready for these standard questions will make the Q&A part so much easier for you and alleviate unnecessary stress on the big day.

When we recently held our course “How to present at international scientific conferences” at a Swiss university, we discussed the Q&A part that comes right after a conference presentation with the participants. They spoke about their experiences at conferences where they presented their research, and everything that made it especially difficult for them. The presentations were always a big cause of stress and anxiety for them – is it for you as well? If so, we have another post from the Smart Academics Blog that will help you to deal with being nervous, see #3: “How to cope with stage fright?” .

If you are not an experienced presenter, it is a pretty big thing to go out and stand in front of a large crowd of colleagues from your field and tell them about your work. What our course participants were most scared of – even more than giving the talk – was the moment after they had delivered their presentation and the session chair opened the floor for questions. This was the moment where the unexpected could happen because they didn’t know what the questions would be. The biggest fear in the moment was to receive questions that they cannot answer or that make them look inexperienced, ignorant or worse! 

We totally understand this fear. Imagine you were well-prepared for a talk and had a good feeling throughout the presentation,  but the questions from the audience could spoil the good impression. Just imagine if you would have no idea how to answer relatively simple questions – this would be a waste of!

Do you have the same fears? We’d love to help you overcome them! There are actually a handful of questions that are very likely to be asked. These are the type of questions that so often come up at conferences, especially when early-career researchers are presenting. You should be prepared for these questions, with an answer in hand, which is not difficult to do! It should be a part of your preparation for the conference talk to think about these questions. You will see, it takes a lot of stress off your shoulders! 

Let us tell you about the most common audience questions at conferences below. If you want to prepare yourself for the next talk, download our free worksheet “Questions I should be ready to answer” . 

Typical audience questions you should have an answer for

1. what’s next … .

Of all the questions that people from the audience could ask you, this is for sure one of the most friendly and helpful ones. This question offers no critique of your work, and it does not ask for clarification of anything you said in your talk. The questioner simply wants to know what your next research steps are. They are interested in your research and express curiosity of how it might go on. 

So, make sure you have an idea about which follow-up steps you want to take with your research. Be prepared to tell the audience a little bit about how you might progress. Think about what you want to say before the question is asked and make a structure of the points you want to say, so you don’t leave out anything important. Use our free worksheet “Questions I should be ready to answer” to help you. 

2. Why should we know more about this?  

If you hear this question right after finishing your talk, you might feel a bit frustrated, or even threatened. Why is the audience asking this at the end? Wasn’t your talk clear enough? Have they not listened to you? It can sound as if the questioner doubts the value or necessity of your work. Or it could feel as if you were not clear enough when describing why you research what you do. 

In fact, this is again a very friendly and helpful question. It has no negative connotation and the questioner has no intention of criticising you or your work. He or she may just want to know more explicitly from you why you did this research and why it is worth doing in such detail. It is a question about the relevance of your work. 

So, what do you do? Tell the audience why you did your research, what you expect as its outcome and give some examples or applications to help them better understand why your work is needed. Use our free worksheet “Questions I should be ready to answer” .  

3. How have you done this …? 

This is a question about your methods or the overall approach you’ve applied. You will probably be surprised to get this question because you’ll think you had explained everything very clearly in your talk. Obviously, this was not the case for the person asking. 

Don’t be scared! You have most likely not failed to talk about your methods, but in presentations, the reporting on the scientific methods that were applied to address a certain question is often the most difficult part for the audience to comprehend. Thus, it is not surprising that questions arise on the matter. 

Properly describing the methods you applied in your research in a conference presentation is challenging. You hardly have the time to go into such detail in order to make the audience fully understand it. In a typical 15-minute presentation slot, which requires time for questions and discussion, so it is really more like a  10-12 minute talk, you have only a few minutes available to explain your approach. 

For this reason, we advise participants in our courses to always keep the methods part of your presentation short, by reducing it to the main steps and avoiding too much detail. You should give only a rough outline of the steps because it is difficult, tiring, and sometimes also a bit boring for the audience to listen to a specific set-up of a workflow or a project when you have not been part of the project.

Instead, spend time in your talk presenting your problem, your findings, your examples, and your take-home message. This is what the audience needs to understand! But of course, it might then trigger a question about HOW have you done it, which again, you can prepare yourself for. It is really a friendly and helpful question from an interested person. The audience shows that they want to better understand how your work was done. 

In your preparation phase, determine which methods or method steps could be unclear to your audience and what kind of information they would need to have for a quick understanding of a complex issue. Use our f ree worksheet “Questions I should be ready to answer” to help you prepare for this step.  

4. What do you mean by …? 

The fourth most common question that you can expect to receive is probably the easiest one to answer. It is a clarifying question where the questioner has not understood a specific term, a process, or an aspect of your presentation that you referred to. 

Questions like this pose no threat but are necessary for your audience to fully get your talk. Don’t forget, you will also have some listeners in your audience that come from other fields and they might not be familiar with your specialist terminology. We can never know what the exact level of knowledge of our audience is, therefore, you will sometimes be surprised to get questions about aspects you think are common knowledge – they probably are not. 

If you follow our rule to only include what you can explain yourself in your presentation, you will never have a problem with this question. If you fully comprehend what you talk about, you will always be able to address this question professionally. If you try to illustrate your vast knowledge by alluding to processes that you do not fully comprehend, you run the risk of not being able to further explain to them when asked by the audience. Keep your presentation air-tight to what you know you know!

You can prepare yourself with an overview of topics and aspects that probably somebody in the audience who isn’t from your field wouldn’t know and potentially need a clear explanation. Our free worksheet “Questions I should be ready to answer” will help you to prepare for this. 

Naturally, the Q&A part of a conference presentation is the part that you can’t prepare for as precisely as the actual delivery of your presentation. There will always be an element of surprise for you and this is of course also the purpose of this interaction with the audience. They want to experience you off the cuff, where you have to show a bit of spontaneity. They are not coming to see a well-rehearsed play, but a glimpse of the scientists who are conducting this cutting edge work. 

That does not mean everything taking place during the Q&A is random and you have to give yourself over to fate. An audience can feel when you are nervous and they feel for you when you are a less-experienced presenter. Therefore, they sometimes deliberately ask some of the questions above, because they know these are ‘soft-ball’ questions that you can answer. So, make sure you are prepared for them and show your audience that you have done the work and deserve their attention. We wish you best of luck with your next Q&A session! 

Relevant resources:  

• Worksheet “Questions, I should be ready to answer”  
• Presentations course “How to present at international scientific conferences”  
• Smart Academics Blog #03: How to cope with stage fright?  
• Smart Academics Blog #24: New to the PhD? – 5 tips for a great start! 
• Smart Academics Blog #26: First conference presentation? 17 life-saving tips
• Smart Academics Blog #95: Apply these 5 tips to improve any presentation

Relevant courses and services:

• 1-day course: Presenting successfully at virtual conferences
• 3-day course: How to present at international conferences
• 1-to-1 advice: Presentation Check

More information:  

Do you want to present successfully at conferences? If so, please sign up to receive our free guides.  

© 2019 Tress Academic

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6 questioning tactics to use in your next presentation that maximise audience engagement

The famous scientific philosopher Thomas Kuhn said, “the answers you get depend on the questions you ask,” so if you’re not getting the answers, or audience engagement you want, maybe it’s time to take a look at the questions you’re asking.

The art of asking the right questions helps you to gain deep insights, support informed decision making and develop effective solutions to any challenges or plug information gaps. You might ask questions for data collection, tests or research, but it’s important to note that the questions you ask can have a huge impact on the results you get.

When it comes to asking your audience questions with a view to increasing engagement, there's several questioning tactics and question styles you can use, and we’ve detailed some below.

Build rapport and warm up with Icebreakers

Icebreakers should be easy questions that don't require too much thinking capacity. They might not be important from an informational point of view, but they have an important function for engagement. Our brain is highly social and thrives on interaction.

By starting a formalised meeting with light-hearted questioning, dopamine is released which lights up the sense of reward in the brain, encouraging this positive behaviour. Using a live polling tool to ask your icebreaker ramps up the interaction and excitement, increasing audience engagement even further.

Kick things off with:  

• Who will win the match at the weekend?
• What is your favourite movie?
• How did you get here today?

Why not download our ready to use PowerPoint icebreakers to poll your audience with?

Ask open questions

Questioning, with a view to increasing engagement, becomes even more effective when you use open questions - especially good if you’re using a word cloud polling tool . Open questions prompt your audience to consider their personal opinions and beliefs in their response, bringing them closer to the subject matter and naturally increasing interest and audience engagement.

Get your audience to open up by asking:

• What has been your most memorable part of the day/session?
• What will you do differently as a result of this session?
• Describe your feelings about the proposed changes in one word... 

Try the 5 W's

Basic though they may be, asking questions that begin with one of the five ‘W's will almost guarantee you an answer that isn't too taxing for the audience to come up with, perfect if you’re looking for data. Combine one of the 'W's with one of these other techniques and you'll amplify the effectiveness.

Why not try...

• Who, do you find inspirational?
• What, is your biggest challenge?
• When, do you feel most productive?
• Where, should we hold the next event?
• Why do you think (this resource/product/book/technique) is so popular?

You don't need to get too deep and meaningful with your audience but prompting them to reflect can be a powerful engagement tool for both you and them. Often, we all spend so much time looking forward, that we can forget to take a look back to find lessons or inspiration to help us acknowledge, grow, progress and continue to engage.

Ask your audience to ponder on these...  

• What has held you back?
• Who has helped you the most with this project?
• What would you tell your younger self?
• How would you approach this differently now you have experience?

Make a statement, provoke a reaction

Rhetorical questions are often used by coaches or public speakers for effect, to get the audience thinking. Why do they work? Typically, rhetorical questions can be blunt or provocative, they can stop the audience in their tracks and prompt them to pay attention or re-engage if asked midway through a presentation or speech.

Rhetorical questions can also resonate strongly, as each audience member ponders the question in the context of their own reality, increasing the poignancy of the question.

How about asking...  

• Why does this even matter?
• How do we overcome this?
• What does this say about who we are?
• Where do we go next?

Democratic decision making 

We're huge fans of democracy (current politics aside) and nothing engages an audience more than the knowledge that their contribution affects the outcome. Whether you're hunting answers from your audience for the sake of data, to gauge opinion, or to actually make a real-life decision, the use of live-polling will get the crowds engaging.

Multi-choice polling is really effective and increases engagement by giving your audience a sense of autonomy over the decision at hand by providing them with the answers to choose between.   Poll the audience with…

• How often should we hold these sessions? Weekly, monthly, annually?
• Where should we go for our next social outing? Pub/restaurant, mini golf, bowling?
• How is the room temperature? Too hot, Too cold, Just right?

So, now you’ve got 6 question types to try out and engage with your next audience. As a last piece of advice, an engaged audience is a natural bi-product if the information you’re sharing is interesting, relevant and the audience can learn something from you, or about themselves.

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Communication Compendium

15 Questions for Better Feedback

On your talks and presentations.

Here are the three least effective ways to ask for feedback after a talk or presentation:

“What’d you think?”

“How do you think I did?”

“Did you like it?”

And because you asked an empty question, you can expect an empty response…

“I thought you did a great job!”

“Loved it.”

“I really liked it.”

“Nicely done.”

Sure, the comment will make you feel good (temporarily), but you’ll walk away not knowing what you did that made you great or what you should have done to be even better.

And because you’re someone who wants to improve, I know you want to know how to get better feedback.

But before getting that feedback, you need to first consider who you’re going to get feedback from.

Here’s who I consider:

Someone who’s in my target audience. Meaning, the person I had in mind while I was writing my talk or creating my presentation.

Someone who I’ve told in advance that I’ll be asking for their feedback — and likely shared exactly what I want their feedback on.

Someone who isn’t too close to me personally, so their potential critical feedback doesn’t bleed into our personal relationship (this depends on the dynamics of my relationship with the person).

Someone who has experience giving talks or presentations.

Someone who uses the type of information I shared.

Someone I’ve paid to coach me (or a mentor).

Someone who isn’t overly complimentary (like my mom).

Once you know who you’re going to ask for feedback from, try one (or more) of these feedback questions:

How do you plan to use what you learned?

Where do you think I should have spent more/less time?

If I spoke again on the same topic, what else would you want to know about?

What are three words you’d use to describe me while I spoke/presented?

What do you think was my most memorable point or slide?

If there was one thing I could do to improve my talk or presentation, what would it be?

What specifically did I do that connected me or disconnected me from my audience?

What’s something you now know that you didn’t know before my talk or presentation?

What problem was my talk or presentation trying to solve?

What type of person would benefit most from hearing my talk or presentation?

At what point in my talk or presentation did you feel most/least engaged?

What do you remember about my body language while I spoke/presented?

What made you decide to attend my talk or presentation?

Was there anything you were hoping to learn that you did not?

If I had to remove one section from my talk or presentation, what would you suggest I cut out?

Feedback is only valuable when it tells you what you should start doing, keep doing, or stop doing.

When you ask for feedback, be intentional about who you ask, be specific about what type of response you want, and remember that just because they say it doesn’t make it true.

If you’d like to add a question to the list, drop it in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

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Stop Ending Your Speeches With 'Any Questions' and End With This Instead

Don't let your audience decide how you're going to end your presentation.

You have a big presentation to make to your client, your funders, or your boss . You've spent hours developing a deck that's concise, crisp, and visually stunning. You've practiced the delivery so that you speak with clarity, calm, and confidence . You've tested to make sure your tech is glitch-free, proofread the printed materials, and developed an opening statement that's sure to capture the hearts and minds of your listeners.

You got this...

Until the end.

If you're planning to wrap up your presentation with a half-hearted call for "any questions?" followed by a "thank you" and a quick exit, then you haven't planned your whole presentation.

In fact, you're missing out on a critical opportunity to reinforce your key message, offer a final appeal to gate keepers or decision makers, and make yourself and your pitch memorable.

The principle of recency states that people remember most what they learned most recently. In other words, your audience is likely going to recall how you ended your presentation more than they will remember how you started, or even much of the content in the middle. And if they're going to remember the end, you need a finish that's bigger than "any questions?"

Too many people end their presentations with a call for questions, which is a mistake. Why? Because it leaves the audience in charge of your ending, when, in fact, you want to be the one who decides the last words the audience hears. Think about it--what if the last question someone asks is irrelevant or hostile or bizarre ? What if there are no questions at all? Is that what you want your audience to be thinking about when they make their decisions about whether to invest in your offering, move your agenda forward, or advance your career?

Here's one more possibility to consider: What if the question that someone asks is so helpful and insightful that it actually changes your planned conclusion?

So, you may be asking yourself, "If I don't end with Q&A, how do I end?" (Great question!)

If you're not planning to take questions throughout your presentation, here are the final four steps you need to end your presentation memorably (in a good way):

1. Recap your main points

After you've covered your content, sum it up for the audience so that they remember what you've just told them. (Remember the old saying, "Tell them what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them"? This is the "tell them what you told them" part.) No matter how compelling you were, you still need to assume that people's attention spans are short. A quick review of your main points will help your listeners lock in what they've learned.

2. Invite questions (and mean it!)

While you may wish you could avoid this section at all costs, you need to give people an opportunity to clarify anything they didn't understand, seek additional information, and even challenge your proposal. You might even find that an audience member's question brings up a novel idea or thoughtful approach you hadn't considered, leading you to draw an updated conclusion.

3. Share your conclusion

Don't get complex or fancy. It can be a simple restatement of your objective, with a few observations thrown in that you collected during the Q&A. Or, if the Q&A didn't yield any new insights, you can skip the observations. The point is to remind your audience of the key message you want to reinforce. (This is also a useful technique if you're dealing with a hostile audience, because the person who summarizes the discussion, no matter how tense the discussion may have become, stays in control by having the last word.) 

4. Close memorably and meaningfully

Perhaps no section of a presentation is as important as the closing, since that's the last thing your audience will hear. And because it's so critical, your closing must be prepared and practiced. What are you preparing and practicing? A powerful quotation from a business leader, a relevant song lyric or movie line, a rousing call to action, a concise story, a rhetorical question, or (for bonus points) a link back to your opening statement. 

You never get a second chance to make a last--and lasting--impression. Make sure that your presentations end positively, memorably, and with you in the driver's seat.

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

Privacy Policy

50+ Questions to Generate Audience Participation

When it comes to presentations, one of the most important things you can do is get your audience engaged and participating. This can be a challenge, but with the right questions, it can be easy!

In this post, we will provide you with over 50 different questions you can use in your next presentation. These questions are broken down into different types, so you can easily find the ones that will work best for your needs, as well as slide deck recs for each type of question.

Introduction Questions

Using questions in an introduction to a meeting or presentation sets the tone for the rest of your time together. These questions can also give the speaker an idea of the expectations and wants of those in the audience.

While asking some of these questions to a group can quickly devolve into side conversations or serve as distractions, picking one or two of them and having the group answer on their phones can provide real insight. We suggest using the Meeting Kickoff slide deck to quickly ask the questions, get the audience participating, and set the tone for the rest of the meeting.

1. Who here has ever been to a meeting where they were completely lost within the first five minutes?

2. How many of you have some knowledge about the topic we're discussing today?

3. What is something you're hoping to come away with after this presentation?

4. What are you tired of hearing about on this topic?

5. What motivates you most to learn about this topic?

6. What can I do to make this presentation valuable to you?

7. If you aren't here due to work obligations, would you still want to be here?

8. How do you prefer to consume information on this topic?

9. Do you prefer presentations/meetings in-person or virtually?

10. What would help you focus for the rest of this presentation?

Word Cloud Questions

Another fantastic way to gauge what your audience feels or thinks about certain topics (while keeping them engaged and entertained) is through the use of word clouds. Unlike open-ended questions, word clouds allow an audience to answer a prompt and give a visual representation to the group on which answer is the most prevalent.

Word clouds are an excellent way to draw a group back in mid-meeting and gauge the mindset of your audience. Slides with Friends has a fantastic Word Cloud Game you can put together in a few moments to boost the participation in your next presentation.

1. How are you feeling right now?

2. Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

3. What person in our industry has had the biggest impact on your career?

4. What's something you're worried about professionally today?

5. What's something you're excited about professionally today?

6. What's one of the best ideas our company/group has come up with?

7. How would you describe our last month in one word?

Ice Breaker Questions

If you’re hosting a meeting with a smaller group that’s already comfortable with each other, meeting icebreakers can loosen tongues and generate conversation. These questions are also a bit more fun, perfect for easing into a heavier presentation.

Use our Meeting Icebreaker slide deck to start your meetings with a little bit of sharing and laughter. Setting the tone at the beginning of your meeting will keep the audience engaged throughout.

1. What’s your favorite tradition or holiday?

2. What fictional world or place would you like to visit?

3. What is your favorite time of the day? Why?

4. What's one routine that has changed how you work?

5. What's something about the co-worker/person next to you that you appreciate?

6. What's your biggest non-work goal right now?

7. What's something you're willing to share that we don't know about you?

This or That Questions

With larger groups, it can be even more difficult to grab and keep everyone’s attention, much less get the group to participate. The key to using questions with larger audiences is to keep the answers simple and easy to share.

One of our favorite ways of keeping an audience engaged with questions is with this or that questions. Or, as we call them at Slides with Friends, tea vs coffee questions. Our slide deck Tea vs Coffee was created to make engaging with big groups easier, but still fun.

1. Coffee or tea?

2. Hot or cold climate?

3. Pager or fax machine?

4. Train or plane?

5. Staycation or vacation?

6. Netflix or Amazon Prime?

7. Mountains or beach?

8. Macs or PCs?

9. Beer or wine?

10. Work from home or in the office?

Discussion Questions

Sometimes to generate audience participation, you need to let them do the talking. This is the concept that inspired the discussion questions we’ve put together. What are things people want to talk about while still staying on topic? What can you ask to get the group involved and engaged without derailing the purpose of the gathering?

With the Brainstorming Session Template slide deck, you can present your questions to the group and either have them answer aloud or through their phones. The key here is taking a step back and letting them lead the conversation.

1. What is the best advice you've ever gotten about your career?

2. What was your first job? How has it influenced your career now?

3. How have you seen your industry change in the past 10 years?

4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

5. What is the hardest thing about your job?

6. What are some of the biggest challenges you see in your industry right now?

7. What's one thing you wish was more efficient about your job?

8. What small change can we make today that will shift how we work long-term?

Exit Questions

We’d all love to think every single one of our presentations was a slam dunk, but we know that’s not true. One way to finish up strong and with appreciated audience participation is to ask how you did.

Use the questions below in our Project Wrap Up slide deck to find out how you did and what you can change for the next time you meet. The best way to improve audience participation is to give the group what they want. These questions will help you figure out what that ‘want’ is.

1. What was your favorite part of the presentation?

2. What are you going to do with what you learned today?

3. Who is going to help you implement what you learned today?

4. When are you going to start using what you learned today?

5. What's your plan for continuing to learn about this topic?

6. How would you rate the overall quality of the presentation?

7. What could we have done better?

8. Was the pace too fast, too slow, or just right?

9. Did you feel like you learned something new?

Silly Questions

And finally, just for the fun of it, here are a few of our favorite silly questions to ask the crew at your next Happy Hour Hang . Sure, these questions might devolve into laughter, but that still counts as participation!

1. How would you describe your job to a preschooler?

2. What would your entrance song be if you were coming out on stage?

3. What place in time do you think you'd fit in the most?

4. What do you think is the most overrated show or movie right now?

5. What fictional team (X-Men, Avengers, Justice League) is the best?

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Presentation Training Institute

A division of bold new directions training, asking for feedback after your presentation.

It’s always a good idea to ask for audience feedback after a presentation. Constructive feedback is necessary if you want to improve yourself and your presentation skills. This is your chance to figure out where you shine and where there is room for improvement. Even the greatest leaders understand the value of feedback and how it’s a critical component for growth and development. It’s important to be mindful of how you collect feedback so you can be sure it is worth your while. Here are a few suggestions for how to ask for feedback after a presentation. 

Feedback Forms

One simple way to collect valuable feedback is by providing audience members with a feedback form after your presentation has concluded. Encourage your audience to fill it out and leave it with you in a dropbox. When you create a feedback form, stay away from multiple choice questions, as this provides very little useful feedback. Rather, ask open-ended questions to solicit more useful feedback such as, “What is the most valuable thing you learned today? How could this session have been more valuable? What recommendations do you have?†

Interactive Polls/Questionnaires

Once the audience leaves the room, it can be difficult to ensure they will take the time to fill out forms, respond to emails, etc. Therefore, ask for feedback while your audience is still present. There are several polling and questionnaire apps that you can use for live polling during your presentation. The respondents will remain anonymous, but you can see the results of your polls and surveys instantly. 

Social Media

Twitter and Facebook are also great tools for gathering audience feedback. Today’s generation might not be reliable when it comes to written feedback, but they have no problem posting it to social media. Twitter can be used before, during, and after your presentation to engage and interact with your audience. Create a hashtag for your talk and encourage audience members to post comments or questions during and after your presentation. This is a great way to collect valuable and authentic feedback. You can also create a Facebook page for your presentation and ask audience members to post comments and feedback to your Facebook page. 

Another way to collect audience feedback is by sending a follow-up email with feedback questions. This is a great way to recap your main points and reconnect with your audience after the presentation.  It also gives audience members a chance to provide constructive feedback about the presentation. 

Oasis reunion live: Tickets officially sold out - as fans complain about surge in prices

Tickets have now sold out for the Oasis reunion tour that will see Liam and Noel Gallagher reunite fifteen years after their band split. The band will play 17 shows across London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin as part of the Oasis Live 25 world tour.

Saturday 31 August 2024 19:12, UK

• Oasis fans scramble for tickets for reunion tour
• Band set to play 17 concerts in UK and Ireland after 15-year split
• O asis tickets officially sold out
• Issues with Ticketmaster reported as Ireland ticket sales went live
• Fans share anguish over wait for tickets - as sites crash
• Oasis warns fans against buying resale tickets at inflated prices 
• Fans fume during Friday's pre-sale as tickets resold for thousands
• How and where to get tickets? | How much can you buy tickets for?
• Top tips for getting tickets - and how to boost your internet at home
• Live updates by  Samuel Osborne

Ask a question or make a comment

Tickets for the Oasis Live '25 Tour have officially sold out, according to the band.

A post on the Oasis X account issued a third warning about counterfeit and void tickets appearing on unapproved resale websites.

It's difficult to portray how big Oasis were if you didn't live through it, with no British guitar band matching their status since. 

Here are five reasons that show their appeal then and now...

According to the NME, Oasis have sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. They had eight UK number-one singles and eight UK number-one albums. Their biggest album - (What's The Story) Morning Glory? - sold 22 million copies and is the fifth-biggest-selling album in British chart history, behind greatest hit compliations from Queen and Abba, plus Adele's 21 and The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. 

Newsworthiness

The brothers' fractious relationship made them big news in the mid-90s. They were arguably second only to Princess Diana for the frequency with which they appeared on the front of the tabloids. Their rivalry with Blur, which peaked when the bands released singles Country House and Roll With It on the same day, making television news bulletins on the BBC and here at Sky News.

It is said that 4% of the UK population applied for tickets to the band's two shows at Knebworth in 1996. The lucky 250,000 saw concerts that are still talked about today - but Oasis could have sold out another 18 times.

Downing Street

A sign of the Gallaghers' influence came with an invitation to Downing Street in 1997 by  then new prime minister Tony Blair, who was riding on a wave of so-called Cool Britannia.

Wonderwall was the first 90s song to reach one billion streams on Spotify, while Radio 2 last year had Morning Glory and Definitely Maybe as the top two most-streamed albums from the 1990s. The popularity of hits such as Don't Look Back In Anger has endured for several generations, becoming an anthem in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

"I think it’s a calmer Liam Gallagher now," Dominic Mohan, former editor of The Sun, has told Sky News while discussing how he thinks the upcoming gigs will go.

He said the band appeared to have matured and said Liam "describes himself as Zen-like," adding: "I think he's very professional and they'll make it work."

Reminiscing about how the band used to act in their heyday, he said: "If you think back to the 90s, you never really knew which Liam you were going to get.

"I remember going to Tokyo to see the band and bumping into Liam in a hotel bar, and he talked to me for two hours about the birth of his child, and it was a very poignant interview, but at the end of it, he threw a pint of Guinness at me.

"So it's that sort of dichotomy really, of him back then."

He added: "He was only in his early 20s when Oasis exploded. So for the last 30 years, he hasn't really had to grow up.

"But I think over the past few years he's had a little reflecting and this is the moment he has craved, getting back on stage with Oasis."

Mr Mohan said he was still in the queue for tickets, adding: "I would hope to be there whether or not it can live up to the glory days of Knebworth… but it’ll be a great night out."

While Oasis fans are seeing prices above £350 for tickets, it's far from the first time fans have felt the pinch when trying to see their favourite artists.

Last year, Bruce Springsteen fans paid upwards of £120 for "rear pitch" standing tickets for his tour, while some expressed disappointment recently over the £145 price tag of standing tickets for Billie Eilish's 2025 UK leg.

And while you could have nabbed Beyonce or Taylor Swift tickets in the UK for £50 (before fees) if you took a "nosebleed" seat, these had limited availability and quickly sold out. 

General admission standing tickets for Swift's Eras tour started at £110.40 and those at the front had to shell out £172.25. It didn't stop there - by the time many fans got to the front of the online ticket queue, the only tickets left cost upwards of £300.

So what's behind rising ticket costs? The  Money blog   investigates some of the reasons...

By Jimmy Rice, lives news editor

Oasis reuniting is all very well - but which Oasis might we see on stage?

The band went through numerous incarnations after forming in 1991 with Liam, rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, bassist Paul McGuigan and drummer Tony McCarroll - later being joined by Noel.

So who are the definites and the maybes - and who won't be seeing - in a reformed Oasis?

The only remaining founding member, Liam's snarling vocals brought his brother's songs viscerally to life - and his swagger and unpredictability (quitting a US tour hours before the plane was due to take off, deciding he didn't fancy taking part in a coveted MTV Unplugged session, and getting arrested along with the rhythm section on a ferry to Amsterdam - where the band in their early years had been due to perform a crucial gig to industry bosses) made the band so compelling before it all got a bit tired as the 1990s wore on.

Songwriter Noel is the only other ever-present, if you discount walking out of a few tours here and there, including for three months in 2000 when he was replaced by Mother Earth's Matt Deighton.

Taking over rhythm guitar duties following the departure of Bonehead in 1999, the musician has managed to remain close to both Gallaghers, performing in Liam's Beady Eye post-Oasis and currently a part of Noel's High Flying Birds.

The story goes that original member Bonehead was struggling to abide by Noel's no-alcohol rule as the band tried to recover from the critical mess that was 1997's Be Here Now. When Noel suggested he could be fired, Bonehead was said to have quit. In recent years he has performed with Liam, with the presumption being that he and Noel were not talking  - but, replying to a fan on Twitter last year, the 59-year-old revealed the pair had recently spoken and were on good terms.

Now, the original Oasis bandmember is set to rejoin Noel and Liam Gallagher for their reunion tour - that's according to The Sun. 

Maybe 

Chris Sharrock

The only other Oasis member to join the brothers in their respective solo projects is Chris Sharrock, who was in Oasis from 2008-09. He seems the most likely presence on drums.

This one seems unlikely - but not impossible. Bassist Bell performed with Liam's Beady Eye but was said to have a frosty relationship with Noel. However, in 2023 Bell's band Ride supported High Flying Birds.

Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan 

The founding bassist has rarely been seen in public since he quit the band weeks after Bonehead. According to Noel, Guigsy announced his departure by sending the band a fax. He declined to take part in the Supersonic film in 2016 and in 2019 Liam said: "Not seen him since he left the band and he only lives up the road."

Tony McCarroll

The original drummer was fired in 1995, before the band went from being the next big thing to the biggest band on the planet. There were accusations of bullying but the upgrade in drumming from debut album Definitely Maybe to (What's The Story) Morning Glory? is unquestionable. McCarroll tried to sue Oasis for £18m but settled for £550,000 out of court in March 1999, giving up future royalties.

Oasis's longest-serving drummer, having been recommended to the band by Paul Weller upon McCarroll's sacking in 1995. White was thrown in at the deep end, his debut performance coming on the BBC's iconic Top Of The Pops for the band's first number one, Some Might Say. He was fired in 2004, with the reasons remaining unclear. White has stayed out of the public eye ever since.

Zak Starkey

White's replacement, son of Beatles drummer Ringo, performed with the band from 2004 until 2008. It was reported he fell out with Noel, with his ongoing commitments with The Who a suggested point of tension.

Celebrities and politicians are also struggling to buy tickets for Oasis.

Newsnight host Victoria Derbyshire said she was in the online Ticketmaster queue shortly after the sale began and was still there an hour later.

She tweeted: "Has anyone actually managed to get a ticket today yet?"

Dan Walker, 5 News presenter, wrote: "There has got to be a fairer, simpler, more efficient way of selling tickets that isn't so open to touts, scammers, resellers & bots #Oasis.

"In the queue, out of the queue, refresh / don't refresh, wait in line, back of the line, accused of being a bot ... timed out."

Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, shared screenshots of her trying to get two passes for a show at London's Wembley Stadium on Ticketmaster, before her session was "suspended" by the site.

She said she had a "three hour wait for Oasis tickets and Ticketmaster crashes".

"Nationalise Ticketmaster," she added.

 A woman has offered her garden up to Oasis fans struggling to find a hotel room near their gig in Manchester - providing they can get her a ticket.

Olivia Bridge tweeted to say she lives near Heaton Park, adding: "If you're an Oasis fan and don't want to fork out £100s for a place to kip, you can camp in my garden. For free."

She said: "The only condition is that you get a ticket for me too. I'll pay for it, and I'll even throw in brews, breakfast and a driveway.

"This is actually a serious offer! I've got my parents and pals all at the ready for Saturday 9am, but anything to increase my chances."

She later tweeted to say she had managed to snag her Oasis ticket, but said she "can’t let The Internet and the 100s of new fellow fans I’ve met in the weirdest 48 hours of my life down" and so was "committing to the bit".

"Garden plan on," she said.

Fans have been complaining about being struck with higher prices for "in demand" tickets.

They have shared screenshots showing the tickets, which should start at £151.25 without booking fees, going for £356.80.

Ticketmaster implemented a new pricing system in 2022 which can increase the price of tickets based on demand.

It said the move was intended to stop touts and give more money to the artists themselves.

On its site Ticketmaster says: "In Demand Tickets are tickets offering sought after views and seats from Ticketmaster. The prices are adjusted according to supply and demand.

"The goal is to give fans fair and safe access to the best tickets while enabling artists and other people involved in staging live events to price tickets closer to their true market value."

Oasis followers have slammed the practice, with one calling it "absolutely shameful" and another saying "you are no better than the touts".

Official resale website Twickets has told fans not to "panic" after some were booted out of online ticket retailer queues.

The company tweeted: "If you haven't secured @oasis tickets then don't panic, and certainly don't buy on unofficial sites such as Viagogo & StubHub as these tickets will be cancelled.

"Twickets will have tickets available soon. Register to receive our newsletter and we'll let you know."

The record executive who discovered Oasis says the band's reunion is "good for music".

Alan McGee signed the rock band to his label Creation Records after watching them perform at the bottom of a bill in Glasgow in 1993.

Celebrating the news of their reunion on Instagram, McGee said it was "good for music, good for them, good for us".

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The Morning

21 questions for harris.

We’re asking unanswered questions for her potential administration.

By David Leonhardt

Kamala Harris has largely avoided answering questions since her campaign began: She hasn’t participated in a town hall or given an extended media interview.

She and her aides say she will do one soon. In the meantime, I’ve worked with my Times colleagues to put together a list of 21 questions that could help the country understand how she would govern. Here they are, separated into four categories.

Economic policy

1. Madam Vice President, your agenda revolves around helping the middle class — such as offering a credit of up to $25,000 for first-time home buyers and increasing the child tax credit. You haven’t said much about some big related issues, though, including paid leave and universal preschool. Will you try to revive President Biden’s plans?

2. You support raising taxes on households that make more than $400,000. But these tax increases may not be large enough both to pay for your agenda and to reduce the federal debt , as you’ve promised. How would you reduce the debt?

3. Biden has been more populist than other recent Democratic presidents. He’s skeptical of free trade and has subsidized manufacturing. Are you as populist as he is? Or are there any policy areas in which you would return to a more market-friendly, neoliberal approach?

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