What are the most effective ways to develop public speakers who can handle difficult questions?

As a speaker we can attempt to identify some common questions….but we never really know what questions will come up until we are actually asking them live. I would agree that practicing and having someone play the audience could be supportive. The bottom line IS….knowing our topic inside and out and having it in our body….more than being attached to what possible questions could show up.

There are only so many questions I can anticipate. I do feel that listening skills need to be very sharp. The ability to capture the questions & and emotions.

Coming up with questions which an audience member may ask is good practice, however, you will never know 100% what questions could be asked. Asking other people to come up with questions having heard you practice is a very good tool but the main thing is to understand your subject matter inside and out. By doing that, no matter what question comes up, you will have the knowledge to answer it.

Para mi dos variables se vuelven esenciales, potenciar nuestra escucha activa, y, sobre todo, aprender a hacer preguntas abiertas que nos ayuden a entender las motivaciones de la otra persona.

As a speaker, it is crucial to identify what kind of questions you may encounter, either during the course of the talk or at the end of the talk that you are delivering. If you can identify potential questions, not only are you seen as more prepared, but also you are seen more as an expert in the topic of discussion.

It is important to prepare a proper structure that extends beyond: proposition, content and logic. Two kinds of questions work the best: analytical and case study based, provided that they are framed in crisp manner for the speaker to understand. Jargons in questions might make them too long or difficult for answering.

I don’t necessarily agree with being attached to a clear set structure for answering the audiences questions. I believe it’s more important to be FULLY present to the audience in the room and being FULLY present in the moment. Knowing our topic inside and out and trusting ourselves as a speaker is the way to go authentically!

I believe that an audience doesn't want to see a clear structure when you are answering a question. Yes, it's important not to ramble or digress, but an audience wants to see you answer a question authentically. Each answer should have a different feel to it because that is the most authentic way or answering any question.

If ww proactively plan tough questions are answered during our talk or presentation. Further, I believe in thoroughly preparing for my audience. I tend to study their community through state data, newspapers, or other forms of media. Cookie cutters are for Pillsbury

Humour is a great way to connect with your audience. Humour can also help manage your own emotions when delivering a presentation or answering a difficult question. Managing both your own emotions and understanding the emotions of people around you is key.

As a speaker we absolutely have to be able to manage our emotions. This is emotional intelligence. I would agree that humor, compassion, empathy and curiosity does help in connecting with our audience.

Remember the term "QTIP" - "Quit Taking It Personally" The tough questions you're being asked can be answered much more effectively if you approach them from a rational and objective mindset. That means you need to avoid the impulse to take their questions personally, even if they are directed at you. Pretend you are your own PR representative and they are talking about a client rather than you.

As a speaker I wouldn’t necessarily pass on the question to other members of the audience. I may ask a general question to the audience in relation to the question or my answer. For instance how many of you…or raise your hand etc….but I think passing the entire question on to the audience would result in us loosing control of the room/audience as a speaker.

If you're educated on your topic there are no difficult questions. Professional not being able to answer a question? Really? Know what you're talking about.

There are diplomatic ways to handle tough questions. Responses that can help include: "If I hear you correctly..." "I respect your position..." "I hear your concern, and..." Avoid the word "but"

Feedback is indeed the most important part of any public speaking engagement. Active listening is needed to provide feedback as well as ask questions to any speaker. It is the first step to building analytical outlook and well-structured questions.

Authenticity makes the presentation. - Know enough to be talking in the first place - Be honest when it's tough or you don't know - Be confident in your ability to answer

By combining preparation, active listening, confidence, and practice, we can become more adept at handling difficult questions, turning these moments into opportunities to showcase our expertise and adaptability. It' not what happens, it's how we handle it.

Simple: - Read a lot, - Master your niche, - Master the topic, - Identify common question. - Practice practice and practice

3 TIPS NOBODY TELLS, HELPING YOU TO BECOME A GREAT KEYNOTE SPEAKER I transformed into a leading keynote speaker on design thinking innovation and I like to share three tips, nobody tells you, not even AI: 1. BE THE FIRST IN THE VENUE. Exploring the venue, going all the way to the back, walking to every corner, makes you feel THE VENUE IS YOURS. After this, I dress in my stage-outfit, and I know the venue is mine. 2. NEVER INTRODUCE YOURSELF. You are the hero, and heroes either do not need an introduction or get introduced. 3. NEVER ALLOW QUESTIONS. Questions break the rythm of your performance, and can get you into trouble too; Q&A in private. I wish you lots of success! #keynote #keynotespeaker #speaker #motivationalspeaker

3 TIPS NOBODY TELLS, HELPING YOU TO BECOME A GREAT KEYNOTE SPEAKER I transformed into a leading keynote speaker on design thinking innovation and I like to share three tips, nobody tells you, not even AI: 1. BE THE FIRST IN THE VENUE. Exploring the venue, going all the way to the back, walking to every corner, makes you feel THE VENUE IS YOURS. After this, I dress in my stage-outfit, and I know the venue is mine. 2. NEVER INTRODUCE YOURSELF. You are the hero, and heroes either do not need an introduction or get introduced. 3. NEVER ALLOW QUESTIONS. Questions break the rythm of your performance, and can get you into trouble too; Q&A in private. I wish you lots of success! #keynote #keynotespeaker #speaker #motivationalspeaker

Listen and start by showing understanding, empathy and interest in insight and the audience’s perspective. Create answers with strategic positive key points that you want to communicate.