Navigating Tricky Questions in Presentations: Honesty and Craftiness in Action

Presentations are a crucial part of professional communication, whether in boardrooms, conferences, or during project defenses. However, questions during presentations can sometimes be challenging, especially when you are not well-versed in the topic or when you simply need more time to consider an answer. But how should you handle these situations?

While it is tempting to dodge a question and switch the focus or divert the discussion, it is important to maintain integrity and honesty. Dodging questions can undermine your credibility and may even damage relations with your audience. Therefore, it is crucial to use appropriate techniques to navigate difficult questions while preserving the flow of your presentation.

Techniques for Dodging Questions Cautiously

Redirect: Shift the focus to a related topic or an alternate question. For example, if a participant asks about a specific aspect of the project, you could say, "That's a great question, but let's first discuss how this project will benefit the entire team." Generalize: Provide a broad answer that touches on the topic without addressing the specifics. For example, "This project is part of our strategic plan to enhance our market share in the coming years." Ask a Question: Turn the question back to the audience. For instance, "I'd love to hear what you think about this idea." Acknowledge and Delay: Recognize the question but suggest that it requires more thought. You could respond, "That's a valid concern, and I'll be happy to provide a more detailed answer in a moment." Use Humor: Lighten the mood with a joke related to the question. This can diffuse tension and allow you to pivot away from the topic. For example, "That's an excellent question, but maybe it would be better if we could discuss it in a more relaxed setting." Cite a Source: Mention that the information is complex and point to an expert or resource for more details. For example, "That's a complex question, and I'd recommend checking out our latest whitepaper on the subject." Stay Vague: Provide an answer that is technically correct but lacks specifics. For example, "The current numbers suggest a positive trend, but a more comprehensive analysis is required."

Why Not Dodge a Question?

While dodging a question can seem like an effective way to alleviate tension, it can also reflect poorly on you. If you genuinely do not know the answer, it’s important to acknowledge the gap in your knowledge rather than pretending to know something you don’t. Honesty in these situations can help build trust and earn the audience’s respect.

Best Practices for Handling Difficult Questions

I Don’t Know the Answer: There is no point beating around the bush or pretending to know something you don’t know. Instead, admit your limitations and offer to look into it further. For example, "That's a great question, and I’m not sure of the answer. Let me gather this information and get back to you." Request for Follow-Up: If you don't have answers, stats, or data at the moment, you can offer to follow up. For example, "I don't have the specifics at hand right now, but if you leave your email, I’ll be happy to send you the detailed information." Encourage Further Discussion: Instead of trying to dodge the question, you could suggest further discussion after the session. For example, "Let's discuss this more in depth after this session. I'd love to chat with you over coffee outside to get into the details." Point to Your Expertise: If the question is outside your area of expertise, it’s best to let someone who is more knowledgeable answer. For example, "That question falls outside my area of expertise. Perhaps we could bring in the project manager or our subject matter expert to discuss it further."

In conclusion, while dodging questions can be tempting, it is crucial to maintain integrity and honesty. By using appropriate techniques to navigate difficult questions, you can preserve the flow of your presentation while also building trust with your audience.