What's your strategy for handling tough questions during a speech?

Preparation is important and one of the most empowering things I have learned is to expect difficult questions or conversations so when we are in the situation, it’s not an attack or anything against us, but more a seeking to understand your topic more deeply. We can expect our audience to care especially as we prepare to deliver value, and getting into questions and discussions can be a measure of success for creating the environment to do so. Preparation for me is knowing my topic, knowing the audience, and being open to having a discussion that many of us care about. Good luck out there!

It's importance of acknowledging different perspectives and validating the concerns of others. It's crucial to foster open dialogue and respectful exchanges. It's also important to strive to provide accurate information, say to the audience “I may not have access to the most up-to-date facts. If you have a question or concern, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to provide a helpful response based on the information available to me.”

I handle tough questions, by being genuinely open and curious to varying perspectives and experiences, this requires thoughtful and intentional listening and question asking from me as the speaker to my audience. (This is why polls are excellent as a resource during a talk) A room full of people just sat and listened to my POV for however long and it is only fair those people get an opportunity to be curious, ask questions and share their experience with the topic at hand regardless if it is in alignment or not. For me, curiosity is our greatest strength as leaders.

Simple, be yourself, and add authenticity. You always answer the question, then give an example and explain how you made it better. Make sure your answer is based on prior knowledge and try to take it to the next level by always expanding on things that bring out your passions in life. Last, make sure you make eye contact when delivering a message and then always smile. This is how you close in an interview.

I welcome tough questions; indeed I thrive on them. They are an opportunity to explain my topic in greater detail and, usually, to explore the more challenging and complicated issues I have raised during my presentation. Tough questions show me where the audience is focused and highlight facts or issues which may need more in depth discussion. I find it exhilarating when a question challenges the very premise of a point I may have made. They force me, in real time, to consider my point of view from another perspective; offering me fresh insight. Challenging questions teach me more about my topic and make me a better speaker. They present a critical opportunity that every public speaker should welcome.

In my experience, listening, active, listening, validates the question and the circumstances. I think it’s important to repeat back part of the question, and make sure that you have the correct context. Take a beat, take a breath, acknowledge that it’s a tough question and that perhaps you might not be answering it completely, but that you welcome the challenge. Answer the question and give a small example of your own life of when you have faced a tough decision a challenge where you had to choose and ask yourself did you have the ability to make a choice. Sometimes we are talking to communities that do not feel like they have choices. We must acknowledge that.

It's of utmost importance to listen to the question raised and understand it. Immediately acknowledging and appreciating the question is also important. No question is stupid. The person asking it is quite serious. By responding to the question, may be others will also get a better understanding of what we are trying to convey. It's preferred that the speaker encourages the audience to ask questions and address them in a respectful and dignified manner.

Active listening and acknowledging challenging questions are essential. Even when disagreeing with a question that diverges from the objective of my speech, it remains crucial to validate the other person's perspective. However, it is equally important to assertively provide an answer, especially if the facts support it.

I would first of all expect tough questions if I am to be a leader in what I am speaking about. I would think through how to handle such questions beforehand. If I end up in a struggle on the topic, I will let the person know I will get back to them. This could be either that day or another after thinking things through. If need be I could consult with others. At this point I would give a formal response.

There is always that one person who has to challenge my points during my safety presentations. I know my topic inside out, so I'm pretty comfortable responding directly, eye to eye, to each and every question. And there are always more than one. 😉 I don't take a defensive tone, I believe the questions are sincere and I respond as such. Those folks usually give me the best video testimonials after class!

Be transparent when getting a question that is tough. Especially if you feel tension in the room and are unsure how to response. Humans appreciate transparency that also connects to curiosity! We know what it’s like to not have all the answers. No need to pretend. Great opportunity to make your environment a co-creative space where you get curious about what the answer could be. An answer may come from simply acknowledging the depth of the answer and getting inquisitive from a place of true curiosity vs. anxiety.

When it comes to tackling tough questions during a speech, let me share some friendly advice. First and foremost, keep your cool and stay confident, my friend. Next, truly listen and make sure you fully understand the question before responding. Then, provide thoughtful and well-structured answers that showcase your expertise. And hey, if there's something you're not quite sure about, no worries - just offer to follow up with more info later. Lastly, remember to stay positive and respectful throughout the entire interaction. By following these tips, you'll crush those tough questions and make a lasting impression on your awesome audience!