Is it OK to ask questions of audience members?
The following comes from TJ Walker’s upcoming book “The Wisdom of Your Audience”. Consistently, the worst advice speakers and presenters get, comes from everyone who is NOT your audience. The following gives examples of some of the WORST advice people are often given. It is followed by the advice of your audience. Listen to them. They are your true judge and jury.
Is it OK to ask questions of audience members?
Your Corporate Communications Director: “Why on Earth would you want to do that?”
Your Marketing Director: “Too risky, what if they say something that contradicts our policies? Besides, there is no time for this foolishness.”
Your College Speech Coach: “You are there to provide your expertise, not lead a discussion. Don’t ask questions of your audience.”
You: “It seems a little scary asking audience members questions. What if they say something I wasn’t expecting or that contradicts what I’ve said earlier? I’ll look like a fool!”
***
Your Audience: “We thought you’d never ask. Sure, it would be nice if someone actually cared about what we thought for a change. As long as you don’t get annoyed at us for our answers and if you cut us slack if we can’t come up with an answer, then it’s OK to ask us questions. Questions can spice things up a little because it can get a little boring just listening to you. The one thing you know is that if we are answering your question during the middle of your speech, we aren’t sleeping, daydreaming or playing with our Blackberries.”
April 18th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
You are absolutely right on this point; little says more about you to those with whom you interact with than how you answer their questions.
Some people show annoyance when a question derails their monologue. Their body language reflects the thought, “why is this person interrupting?”
A question indicates interest in your subject — embrace it.
- Show respect for the question and the questioner.
- Step or lean in toward the questioner and smile receptively.
- Paraphrase the question to make sure you understand it correctly.
- Ask for clarification. Delve into the deeper issues behind the question.
“Help me understand your concern around this issue.”
“Why is that important to you?”
“Can you give me an example?”
“Say more about that.”
“How does that play out in your organization?”
- Pause one second before answering.
- Answer the question simply and directly. Don’t skirt it but also don’t answer more than was asked.
- Confirm, “Have I answered your question?” Anything but a clear yes means no. In which case, you should dive back in: “Help me. It sounds like I missed something.”
Practice
Some of the seeds we offer will bear fruit immediately, others will germinate for a time and pop up to surprise you in communications to come.
Do not become discouraged if at first your mind is numbed by the number of things we are encouraging you to be aware of and to try.
Thanks for the post!
April 19th, 2008 at 2:17 am
[…] TJ Walker suggests you direct questions to your audience. […]