160 Questions to Ask After a Presentation

Asking questions after a presentation is not just about seeking clarity on what was discussed. It’s a golden opportunity to delve deeper, engage with the speaker, and enhance your understanding of the subject matter. But knowing which questions to ask isn’t always straightforward.

In this piece, we’re about to break down the art of crafting impactful questions post-presentation that will not only benefit you but also add value to the entire audience’s experience.

Table of Contents

Questions to Ask After a Presentation for Feedback

Questions to ask after a presentation interview, questions to ask students after a presentation, questions to ask after a research presentation, questions to ask after a business presentation, questions to ask after a marketing presentation, questions to ask after a book presentation, reflection questions to ask after a presentation, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.

  • Can you summarize the key points of the presentation?
  • What aspect of the presentation did you find most engaging?
  • Were there any areas that were unclear or confusing? If so, what were they?
  • How would you rate the overall organization and flow of the presentation?
  • Did the visual aids (such as slides or charts) enhance your understanding of the topic? Why or why not?
  • Did the presenter maintain good eye contact and use body language effectively?
  • Was the presenter’s tone and pace suitable for the content and audience?
  • Were there any statistics or facts presented that stood out to you? Why?
  • Did the presenter address potential counter-arguments or opposing views adequately?
  • Were the objectives of the presentation clearly stated and met?
  • How well did the presenter handle questions or interruptions during the presentation?
  • Was there anything in the presentation that seemed unnecessary or redundant?
  • What would you suggest to improve the presentation for future audiences?
  • How did the presentation change or influence your thinking about the subject?
  • Did the presentation feel tailored to the audience’s knowledge and interest level?
  • Was there a clear and compelling call to action or concluding statement?
  • Did the presentation feel too short, too long, or just the right length?
  • What was your overall impression of the presenter’s credibility and expertise on the subject?
  • How would you rate the relevance and importance of the topic to the audience?
  • Can you identify any biases or assumptions in the presentation that may have influenced the message?
  • How did you determine what content to include in your presentation?
  • Can you explain the rationale behind the structure and flow of your presentation?
  • What challenges did you face while preparing this presentation, and how did you overcome them?
  • Were there any points in the presentation where you felt you could have elaborated more or less? Why?
  • How did you decide on the visual elements and design of your presentation?
  • Can you describe your intended audience and how you tailored the content to engage them?
  • How did you ensure that the information presented was accurate and up-to-date?
  • Were there any counter-arguments or opposing views on this topic that you considered including?
  • How would you adapt this presentation for a different audience or context?
  • How do you handle unexpected questions or interruptions during a presentation?
  • Can you give an example of how you’ve handled negative feedback on a presentation in the past?
  • How do you measure the success of a presentation? What metrics or feedback do you seek?
  • What techniques do you use to engage an audience that may not be familiar with the topic?
  • How do you balance the need to entertain and inform in a presentation?
  • How do you prioritize information when you have a limited time to present?
  • What strategies do you employ to ensure that your main points are memorable?
  • How do you deal with nerves or anxiety before or during a presentation?
  • Can you describe a situation where a presentation did not go as planned and how you handled it?
  • How do you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in presenting?
  • Is there anything you would change about this presentation if you were to do it again?
  • How did you feel about the presentation? Were you confident or nervous, and why?
  • What was the main message or goal of your presentation, and do you think you achieved it?
  • How did you decide on the structure of your presentation?
  • What research methods did you use to gather information for this presentation?
  • Were there any challenges you encountered while preparing or presenting, and how did you address them?
  • How did you ensure that your visual aids or multimedia elements supported your key points?
  • What part of the presentation are you most proud of, and why?
  • Were there any areas where you felt uncertain or that you would like to improve upon for next time?
  • How did you tailor your presentation to fit the knowledge level and interest of your audience?
  • What techniques did you use to engage the audience, and how do you think they worked?
  • How did you practice your presentation, and what adjustments did you make as a result?
  • Did you feel the time allotted for your presentation was sufficient? Why or why not?
  • How did you decide what to emphasize or de-emphasize in your presentation?
  • What feedback did you receive from peers during the preparation, and how did you incorporate it?
  • Did you have a clear conclusion or call to action, and why did you choose it?
  • How do you think your presentation style affects the way your audience receives your message?
  • What would you do differently if you were to present this topic again?
  • Can you reflect on a piece of feedback or a question from the audience that made you think?
  • How has this presentation helped you better understand the subject matter?
  • How will the skills and insights gained from this presentation experience benefit you in the future?
  • Can you elaborate on the research question and what prompted you to investigate this topic?
  • How did you choose the methodology for this research, and why was it the most suitable approach?
  • Can you discuss any limitations or constraints within your research design and how they might have affected the results?
  • How do your findings align or contrast with existing literature or previous research in this field?
  • Were there any unexpected findings, and if so, how do you interpret them?
  • How did you ensure the reliability and validity of your data?
  • Can you discuss the ethical considerations involved in your research, and how were they addressed?
  • What are the practical implications of your findings for practitioners in the field?
  • How might your research contribute to theoretical development within this discipline?
  • What recommendations do you have for future research based on your findings?
  • Can you provide more details about your sample size and selection process?
  • How did you handle missing or inconsistent data within your research?
  • Were there any biases that could have influenced the results, and how were they mitigated?
  • How do you plan to disseminate these findings within the academic community or to the broader public?
  • Can you discuss the significance of your research within a broader social, economic, or cultural context?
  • What feedback have you received from peers or advisors on this research, and how has it shaped your work?
  • How does your research fit into your long-term academic or professional goals?
  • Were there any particular challenges in conveying complex research findings to a general audience, and how did you address them?
  • How does this research presentation fit into the larger project or research agenda, if applicable?
  • Can you provide more insight into the interdisciplinary aspects of your research, if any, and how they contributed to the depth or breadth of understanding?
  • Can you elaborate on the primary objectives and expected outcomes of this business initiative?
  • How does this strategy align with the overall mission and vision of the company?
  • What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you’ll be monitoring to gauge success?
  • Can you discuss the risks associated with this plan, and how have you prepared to mitigate them?
  • How does this proposal fit within the current market landscape, and what sets it apart from competitors?
  • What are the potential financial implications of this plan, including both investments and projected returns?
  • Can you provide more detail about the timeline and milestones for implementation?
  • What internal and external resources will be required, and how have you planned to allocate them?
  • How did you gather and analyze the data presented, and how does it support your conclusions?
  • How does this proposal take into account regulatory compliance and ethical considerations?
  • What are the potential challenges or roadblocks, and what strategies are in place to overcome them?
  • Can you explain how this initiative aligns with or affects other ongoing projects or departments within the company?
  • How will this plan impact stakeholders, and how have their interests and concerns been addressed?
  • What contingency plans are in place if the initial strategy doesn’t achieve the desired results?
  • How will success be communicated and celebrated within the organization?
  • What opportunities for collaboration or partnership with other organizations exist within this plan?
  • How does this proposal consider sustainability and the potential long-term impact on the environment and community?
  • How have you incorporated feedback or lessons learned from previous similar initiatives?
  • What are the key takeaways you’d like us to remember from this presentation?
  • How can we get involved or support this initiative moving forward?
  • Can you elaborate on the target audience for this marketing campaign, and how were they identified?
  • What are the main objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for this campaign?
  • How does this marketing strategy align with the overall brand values and business goals?
  • What channels will be utilized, and why were they chosen for this particular campaign?
  • Can you discuss the expected return on investment (ROI) and how it will be measured?
  • What are the creative concepts driving this campaign, and how do they resonate with the target audience?
  • How does this campaign consider the competitive landscape, and what sets it apart from competitors’ efforts?
  • What are the potential risks or challenges with this marketing plan, and how will they be mitigated?
  • Can you provide more details about the budget allocation across different marketing channels and activities?
  • How have customer insights or feedback been integrated into the campaign strategy?
  • What contingency plans are in place if certain elements of the campaign do not perform as expected?
  • How will this marketing initiative be integrated with other departments or business functions, such as sales or customer service?
  • How does this campaign consider sustainability or social responsibility, if at all?
  • What tools or technologies will be used to execute and monitor this campaign?
  • Can you discuss the timeline and key milestones for the launch and ongoing management of the campaign?
  • How will the success of this campaign be communicated both internally and externally?
  • How does this marketing strategy consider potential regulatory or compliance issues?
  • How will the campaign be adapted or customized for different markets or segments, if applicable?
  • What lessons from previous campaigns were applied in the development of this strategy?
  • How can we, as a team or as individuals, support the successful implementation of this marketing plan?
  • What inspired the main theme or concept of the book?
  • Can you describe the intended audience for this book, and why they would find it appealing?
  • How did the characters’ development contribute to the overall message of the book?
  • What research was conducted (if any) to ensure the authenticity of the setting, characters, or events?
  • Were there any challenges or ethical considerations in writing or presenting this book?
  • How does this book fit into the current literary landscape or genre? What sets it apart?
  • What do you believe readers will find most engaging or thought-provoking about this book?
  • Can you discuss any symbolic elements or literary devices used in the book and their significance?
  • How does the book’s structure (e.g., point of view, chronological order) contribute to its impact?
  • What were the emotional highs and lows during the writing or reading of this book, and how do they reflect in the story?
  • How does the book address or reflect contemporary social, cultural, or political issues?
  • Were there any parts of the book that were particularly difficult or rewarding to write or read?
  • How does this book relate to the author’s previous works or the evolution of their writing style?
  • What feedback or responses have been received from readers, critics, or peers, and how have they influenced the presentation?
  • What are the main takeaways or lessons you hope readers will gain from this book?
  • How might this book be used in educational settings, and what age group or courses would it be suitable for?
  • Can you discuss the process of editing, publishing, or marketing the book, if applicable?
  • How does the book’s cover art or design reflect its content or attract its target readership?
  • Are there plans for a sequel, adaptation, or related works in the future?
  • How can readers stay engaged with the author or the book’s community, such as through social media, book clubs, or events?
  • How do you feel the presentation went overall, and why?
  • What part of the presentation are you most proud of, and what made it successful?
  • Were there any moments where you felt challenged or uncertain? How did you handle those moments?
  • How did you perceive the audience’s engagement and reaction? Were there any surprises?
  • What feedback have you received from others, and how does it align with your self-assessment?
  • Were there any technical difficulties or unexpected obstacles, and how were they addressed?
  • How well did you manage your time during the presentation? Were there areas that needed more or less focus?
  • How did you feel before the presentation, and how did those feelings change throughout?
  • What strategies did you use to connect with the audience, and how effective were they?
  • Were there any points that you felt were misunderstood or could have been communicated more clearly?
  • How did the preparation process contribute to the overall success or challenges of the presentation?
  • What did you learn about yourself as a communicator or presenter through this experience?
  • Were there any ethical considerations in the content or delivery of the presentation, and how were they handled?
  • How does this presentation align with your long-term goals or professional development?
  • How would you approach this presentation differently if you had to do it again?
  • How has this presentation affected your confidence or skills in public speaking or presenting?
  • What resources or support would have enhanced your preparation or performance?
  • How will you apply what you’ve learned from this presentation to future projects or presentations?
  • How did your understanding of the topic change or deepen through the process of preparing and presenting?
  • What steps will you take to continue improving or building on the skills demonstrated in this presentation?

What if I disagree with a point made during the presentation?

It’s important to frame disagreement in a constructive and respectful way. You might say, “ I found your point on X intriguing. From a different perspective, could Y also be considered…? ” This opens up a dialogue without dismissing the presenter’s viewpoint.

How can I formulate my questions to encourage a more detailed answer?

Use open-ended questions that start with “ how ,” “ why, ” or “ could you explain… ” as these require more than a yes or no answer and encourage the presenter to provide depth. For example, “ Could you explain the process behind your research findings in more detail? “

By asking insightful questions, you’re not only cementing your understanding of the material presented but also opening doors to further knowledge and collaboration. Remember, the quality of your questions reflects the depth of your engagement and willingness to learn.

So, the next time you find yourself in the audience, seize the opportunity to ask meaningful questions and watch as simple presentations transform into dialogues that inspire and illuminate.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Photo of author

Bea Mariel Saulo

Bea is an editor and writer with a passion for literature and self-improvement. Her ability to combine these two interests enables her to write informative and thought-provoking articles that positively impact society. She enjoys reading stories and listening to music in her spare time.

  • Trivia Quizzes
  • Memory Games
  • Spot the Differences
  • Sliding Puzzles

90 Questions to Ask After a Presentation

Have you ever found yourself mulling over a presentation, wishing you had a treasure trove of questions to uncover the speaker’s insights and wisdom fully?

The right question isn’t just a follow-up; it’s a key that unlocks a deeper connection with the topic. This guide is designed to arm you with a curated collection of inquiries that will enhance your understanding, invite valuable discourse, and help you to apply what you’ve learned.

Let’s dive into the art of the post-presentation conversation and transform every ending slide into an opportunity for continued learning and engagement.

Table of Contents

Clarifying Understanding

  • Could you elaborate on the main thesis of your presentation?
  • What inspired the topic of your presentation?
  • Can you summarize the key points you’d like us to take away?
  • Is there an aspect of your presentation you think deserves deeper understanding?
  • How does your presentation relate to current trends or issues in the field?
  • Were there any counterarguments or challenges to your points that you didn’t mention?
  • In what way does your presentation build on or differ from existing research?
  • Could you clarify the methodology behind your study or findings?
  • How would you explain the significance of your findings to a layman?
  • Is there a particular slide or section you can revisit for further clarification?
  • Could you give an example that illustrates your point about [specific detail]?
  • What were the assumptions underlying your analysis or argument?
  • How do definitions used in your presentation compare to industry-standard ones?
  • Can you clarify the statistical significance of your data?
  • Where might we find more information on this topic if we wish to understand it better?

Digging Deeper into Content

  • Can you expand on how your findings compare to similar studies?
  • How might emerging technologies impact the relevance of your findings in the future?
  • Are there ethical considerations linked to your presentation topic?
  • What are the limitations of your research, and how can they be addressed in the future?
  • How can your research be applied in other fields or industries?
  • In what ways do your findings challenge conventional wisdom?
  • Could you walk us through the process of how you collected your data?
  • How would different theoretical frameworks affect the interpretation of your results?
  • What unanswered questions remain after your presentation?
  • How do you expect the discussion on this topic to evolve in the next five years?
  • What are the implications of your findings for policy or practice?
  • How does cultural context play into the outcomes of your research?
  • Can you discuss any relevant case studies that connect to your presentation?
  • What follow-up research would you recommend based on your work?
  • In your research, what was the most surprising discovery you made?

Gathering Practical Applications

  • How can we apply your research findings in our everyday work?
  • What steps can organizations take to implement your recommendations?
  • Can you suggest tools or resources for applying the insights from your presentation?
  • How might your research influence day-to-day decision-making?
  • Could you provide a real-world example where your findings have been put into practice?
  • What are the short-term and long-term benefits of applying your findings?
  • Who stands to benefit most from the practical applications of your research?
  • Are there certain industries or sectors where your findings are particularly relevant?
  • How will applying your findings change existing systems or processes?
  • What are some common obstacles to implementing your research, and how can they be overcome?
  • How do you recommend staying up-to-date on applications in your research area?
  • Can you suggest partner organizations or groups that are working on applying these concepts?
  • What measures can be put in place to evaluate the efficacy of applying your research?
  • How do you foresee your findings impacting future innovations?
  • What action can individuals take to support the practical application of your research?

Providing Constructive Feedback

  • I found [specific point] very compelling; have you considered expanding on this?
  • Your presentation makes a strong case for [topic]; how could it be enhanced with additional data?
  • I noticed [aspect] during your presentation; could this be a point for further refinement?
  • The visual aids were helpful; have you thought about using more interactive elements?
  • The section on [specific area] was very informative; how can it be made more accessible for beginners in the field?
  • In terms of delivery, would you be open to exploring other formats for your presentation?
  • Your research draws important conclusions; how else might you support them?
  • The pacing of your presentation was effective; could you use a similar approach to emphasize other key points?
  • Given the complexity of your topic, have you considered a follow-up session or workshop?
  • What additional resources or readings would you recommend to enhance our understanding of your topic?
  • Your narrative was engaging; might there be a way to incorporate more storytelling?
  • How might audience participation be facilitated in future presentations to enhance understanding?
  • Were there alternative viewpoints you debated including in your presentation?
  • How did you decide on the structure of your presentation, and what could be changed to improve it?
  • Is there a component of your research that you feel requires more visibility or discussion?

Fostering Engagement and Discussion

  • What questions do you have for the audience that might help further the discussion?
  • How can the audience keep the conversation going outside of this presentation?
  • Are there forums or networks where this topic is actively discussed?
  • Could you propose a thought experiment or hypothetical scenario for us to consider?
  • How can we encourage more interdisciplinary dialogue on this subject?
  • What common misconceptions should we address to clear up understanding?
  • In your opinion, what are the most controversial aspects of your topic?
  • How can we contribute to the body of research or thought around this subject?
  • What role can non-experts play in the discussion of these findings?
  • Can you suggest a way to create a community or collective around this area of research?
  • How would you like to see this information shared or disseminated?
  • What would be an ideal outcome of the discussions that stem from this presentation?
  • Are there collaborative projects or initiatives we could start as a result of your findings?
  • Would you be interested in hosting a series of discussions to delve deeper into certain aspects?
  • How do you suggest we handle differing opinions or debates that arise from your topic?

Exploring Next Steps and Actions

  • Based on your research, what should be our immediate action?
  • What are the first steps to be taken for those who want to delve deeper into this topic?
  • Who should be contacted or involved in further development of this topic?
  • Are there upcoming events or conferences where this topic will be featured?
  • What can we do as individuals to further the research or findings you presented?
  • How can we best track the progress and development in this area?
  • What practical steps would you recommend for a follow-up study or project?
  • Could you outline potential obstacles we might face in advancing this topic and how to overcome them?
  • Are there policy changes or advocacy needed to move this conversation forward?
  • How can the general public be engaged in the action steps related to your findings?
  • What are the most critical areas for immediate exploration or action?
  • Is there a need for collaboration with other disciplines to advance this topic?
  • How can educators integrate your findings into their curriculum or teaching?
  • What funding opportunities should be looked into to support further research?
  • How can we measure the impact of the actions taken as a result of your presentation?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i provide feedback on the presentation style as well as the content.

Yes, but always aim to be constructive and polite. Feedback on presentation style can be as valuable as feedback on content.

What should I do if my question isn’t answered during the Q&A session?

If time runs out, try approaching the presenter afterward or sending a follow-up email with your question.

How can I encourage a discussion rather than just a Q&A session?

Ask open-ended questions that invite the presenter or audience members to share thoughts and perspectives, thus fostering a more interactive dialogue.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to quenching your intellectual curiosity and contributing valuable insights after a presentation. From uncovering the nuances of presented content to setting the stage for future collaboration, asking these questions ensures that no stone is left unturned.

Remember, the journey of understanding and exploration doesn’t end with the closing slide; it’s merely the beginning. Now, go forth and turn those questions into conversations that matter!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Photo of author

Bea Mariel Saulo

50+ Questions to Generate Audience Participation

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.

questions to ask audience after presentation

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.

questions to ask audience after 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.

questions to ask audience after presentation

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.

questions to ask audience after presentation

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.

questions to ask audience after presentation

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.

questions to ask audience after presentation

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!

questions to ask audience after presentation

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?

Subscribe for more articles like this

Try slides with friends for free.

The easiest way to host meetings your team will love

Engagement delivered to your inbox

We'll email you 1-2x per month with brand new, ready-to-run events and ideas. Subscribe to stay ahead of the curve and keep your lessons, meetings, and events fresh and engaging.

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

Zhun Yee Chew

Zhun Yee Chew

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

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?

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.

Lecture Q&A questions

  • 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 

Academic conference Q&A questions

  • 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

Student presentation Q&A questions

  • 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

Project-based lesson Q&A questions

  • 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.

Sales Pitch Q&A questions

  • 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

Work Meeting Q&A questions

  • 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 

Performance Review Q&A questions

  • 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

Annual or quarterly report Q&A questions

  • 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.

Motivational Speech Q&A questions

  • 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.

Online webinar Q&A questions

  • 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

Demonstration presentation Q&A questions

  • 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.

Brainstorming Presentation Q&A questions

  • 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

Creative showcase Q&A questions

  • 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

Geography Q&A questions

  • 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

Social Science Q&A questions

  • 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.

PowerPoint night Q&A questions

  • 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

Trivia Q&A questions

  • 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

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 . 

About Zhun Yee Chew

Try classpoint for free.

All-in-one teaching and student engagement in PowerPoint.

Supercharge your PowerPoint. Start today.

800,000+ people like you use ClassPoint to boost student engagement in PowerPoint presentations.

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Tress Academic

Conference speaker answering questions from audience.

#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. 

questions to ask audience after presentation

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

#ConferencePresentations #ConferenceTalk #QA #QuestionsAndAnswers, #AudienceQuestions

Presentation Playbook Cover

NOW AVAILABLE! The Presentation Playbook Series

  • Trade Show Presenter
  • Testimonials
  • Trade Show Staffing
  • Sample Videos
  • Seminar Speaker

Spark's Presentation & Public Speaking Blog

  • 7 Tips to Encourage Audience Questions in Your Presentation Q&A

Facebook

September 19, 2017

Ever seen a presenter ask “Any questions?” at the end of their presentation, and heard only crickets from the audience?

In my work as a professional emcee and trade show presenter , I see it often, and it always makes me cringe because it’s so awkward, and so completely avoidable.

Asking for questions and getting none kills a presentation’s momentum. It usually goes like this:

  • The presenter, having run out of content, asks “Any questions?”
  • The audience, having no questions, freezes in place.
  • Everyone thinks they hear crickets, though there are none in the room.
  • The presenter, getting no questions, says, “OK, I guess I’m done.”

OUCH. How’d that happen?

Chances are, you caught your audience by surprise. They didn’t know you’d take questions, so they didn’t think of any. When you asked, you caught them off guard.

I want your next presentation to end with a bang, not a whimper. So try these tips to encourage questions:

1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: PRIME YOUR AUDIENCE

> TIP THEM OFF EARLY:  As you start your presentation, tell your audience: “I’ll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.”  That’ll get them active thinking of questions throughout your presentation.

> REMIND THEM:  A few minutes before you take questions, say: “I’ve got one more slide to cover, then I’ll take your questions.” That’ll remind them to think of some questions if they haven’t yet.

2. STARTING YOUR Q&A: GIVE THEM A NUDGE

> LEAVE ROOM: Starting a Q&A with little or no time left discourages questions; your audience wants to leave on time too! Instead, carve out 5-10 minutes or more for questions (and cut some content to make room if needed; your audience prioritizes the information they want to get over the information you want to share).

> USE A PLANT: Have a “plant” in the audience who’ll ask the first question (one you’re comfortable answering), which encourages other audience members to ask (and saves them the awkwardness of going first) and gives them time to think of something to ask.

> CHANGE YOUR PHRASING: Your audience may interpret the phrase “Any questions?” as a sign that you don’t expect or even want questions, which discourages them from asking. Instead, encourage questions by phrasing your question with a more upbeat, expectant tone:  “Who’s got a question?” or  “Who’d like to go first?”

> ASK IT YOURSELF: Ask yourself a common question:  “One question I get often is…” Then answer it. Again, this encourages the audience to follow suit, and gives them more time to think of a question.

3. ENDING YOUR Q&A: ADD THAT BANG!

Q&A or not, ending your presentation by saying you’re ending your presentation (“OK, I guess I’m done”) will end your presentation with a whimper. You can easily replace that whimper with a “bang” by restating your main takeaway and thanking your audience:

“Folks, I hope my presentation has shown you that when it’s raining and you want to stay dry outside, use an umbrella! You won’t regret it. Thanks so much for your time.”

And thank you so much for your time!

by Andy Saks

Posted in: Sparky Says: Presentation & Public Speaking Tips | No Comments

Add your comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Search Spark’s Blog

Organization:
Phone:
type_submit_reset_5

Spark News: Coming (& Recent) Attractions

  • Spark booth presenter shines at Las Vegas tech show
  • Navy SEAL fundraiser books charity auctioneer Andy Saks
  • Boston awards event books Spark master of ceremonies
  • Read all Coming (& Recent) Attractions

Sparky Says: Presentation & Public Speaking Tips

  • 10 Tips to Boost Donations at Your Fund the Need / Paddle Raise
  • 10 PowerPoint Alternatives That Make Your Presentation Memorable
  • Read all Sparky Says (Speaking Tips)

Presentation Frequently Asked Questions

  • Trade show presenter 101: Your guide to booking a booth presenter (Part 1)
  • Sales presentation skills: How much is your pitch actually worth?
  • How do I hire the right trade show presenter?
  • Read all Presentation FAQ

Spark's Client Success Stories

  • Emcee tips: How Spark’s master of ceremonies made AT&T’s awards dinner fun
  • Trade show booth ideas: How to get the most value from your presenter
  • Trade show booth ideas: Recycle your presentation script
  • Read all Spark Success Stories

Spark Presentations

Andy Saks, Owner & Lead Speaker

781-454-7600 | Email | Contact page

Don't miss exclusive Spark deals! Sign up for your Spark e-newsletter today.

questions to ask audience after presentation

Frantically Speaking

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

Hrideep barot.

  • Presentation , Public Speaking

Question answer session

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 .

Hrideep Barot

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

questions to ask audience after presentation

How to Brag Like a Pro as a Speaker

don't overwhelm the audience

Less is More! Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Your Audience 

resonate with the audience

What does it mean to Resonate with the Audience- Agreement, Acceptance, Approval

questions to ask audience after presentation

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

More From Forbes

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

Forbes Communications Council

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

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

Expert Panel®

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

Product Updates

  • Polling l Q&A l Quiz Tips

Higher Education

  • Employee Training
  • Internal Comms

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

Sophie Thomas

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.

questions to ask audience after presentation

Related articles

From the blog.

Vevox recognized as a top 10 education software

Vevox recognized as a top 10 education software

6 proven ways to use an audience response system

6 proven ways to use an audience response system

What are the key benefits of audience response systems?

What are the key benefits of audience response systems?

Cart

  • SUGGESTED TOPICS
  • The Magazine
  • Newsletters
  • Managing Yourself
  • Managing Teams
  • Work-life Balance
  • The Big Idea
  • Data & Visuals
  • Reading Lists
  • Case Selections
  • HBR Learning
  • Topic Feeds
  • Account Settings
  • Email Preferences

Don’t Dread the Q&A After Your Presentation

You can manage a fear of public speaking by thoroughly rehearsing your presentation. But what about the part of the talk that is less in your control: the question-and-answer period? Don’t worry, there are several things you can do to prepare. First, change your mindset, and develop an appreciation for the conversation. Follow-up questions mean […]

You can manage a fear of public speaking by thoroughly rehearsing your presentation. But what about the part of the talk that is less in your control: the question-and-answer period? Don’t worry, there are several things you can do to prepare. First, change your mindset, and develop an appreciation for the conversation. Follow-up questions mean that people want to engage with what you have to say. Think about the types of things that audience members might ask. Put yourself in their shoes: How will your message impact their job? Practice responding with appreciation, such as “Thank you for raising that.” If you’re asked a contentious question, start your answer by focusing on where you and the audience member agree. This makes the person feel seen and connected to you. If you’re asked a question out of left field, respond with curiosity. Ask follow-up questions that help you understand what they’re getting at and where they’re coming from. If you’re still scratching your head, you can go back to expressing appreciation. A response like “I’m not sure about that, but thank you. I’ll look into it and get back to you,” will always work.

Source: This tip is adapted from “How to Nail the Q&A After Your Presentation,” by Caroline Webb

Partner Center

Tired of the same old webinar? 🥱 Learn how to spice up your webinars with new formats on Sept. 10. Register Now  

  • Services & Support

Discover how intelligent engagement transforms:

ON24 Intelligent Engagement Platform

AI-powered ACE

Performance analytics

Content hubs

Integrations

Landing pages

AI-generated content

Virtual events

Virtual conferences

Professional services

Financial services

Associations

Life sciences

Manufacturing

Learn how you can use intelligent engagement for:

Demand generation

Partner enablement

HCP engagement

Customer marketing

Professional certification

Product marketing

Member enrollment

Upcoming webinars & events

Compare software

Customer stories

What is a webinar?

Investor relations

Executive team

Corporate responsibility

Board of directors

11 Excellent Post-Webinar Survey Questions

June 16th, 2020 Michael Mayday

Man typing on a laptop. A yellow espresso cup and saucer sits on a table to his left.

In today’s data-conscious age, we all know that it’s critical to gather attendee feedback after your webinars . 

Asking the right post -webinar evaluation survey questions will: 

1) provide the meaningful engagement data you need to improve the quality and responsiveness of your programs.

2) understand your attendees and deepen the relationships you’ve begun with them.

10 Tips for Creating Great Webinar Content That Drives Engagement

The Best Post-Event Question Examples

Female looking at laptop

Below is a robust, post- event survey used by one of our clients that serves as a great example for a webinar follow-up. 

It provides three specific pieces of audience feedback that you can use to make your programs better: their views on the value of the webinar , the knowledge and skills of the speaker(s) and the likelihood that they will recommend your program to colleagues (the ‘net promoter score’). Note that, when it comes to surveys, timing truly is everything. More on that below. 

Pick and choose among these, or consider using all:

[Event Name] Feedback

Thank you for attending [Event Name].

Your views on the program are important to us. Please provide feedback on this session by completing this survey.

1. What percentage of the information was new to you?

Select: 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

2. I can use this session information:

Select: Immediately In 2-6 months In 7-12 months Never

3. Would you like to learn more about this topic?

Select: Yes No

4. Please rate the speaker’s knowledge of the topic:

Select: Excellent Good Fair Poor

5. Please rate the speaker’s presentation skills:

6. Please rate the content of the slides/virtual aids:

7. How accurate was the session description?

8. How did the session compare to your expectations?

9. Overall session evaluation:

[If relevant: Additional comments about the breakout:]

10. How likely are you to recommend this session to a colleague? (with 10 being most likely to recommend)

Select: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11. Please rate your overall experience:

You can of course ask other webinar feedback questions to gain further insight into the needs and interests of your audience. Keep in mind, though, that longer surveys – those that take more than a few minutes to complete – typically generate fewer responses, so if you’re looking for different feedback you may want to swap out questions rather than tacking on new ones.

Remember: with follow-up surveys, timing is everything

Female typing on laptop

Mention the post-webinar survey — and ask people to fill it in — just after the presentation has concluded, right before you start Q&A.

Your attendees are engaged, they’ve either asked questions and are waiting to hear them answered, or are ready to participate in Q&A. The worst time to first mention a survey is in an email when the webinar concludes. By then, your audience is completely disengaged. Recipe for success: mention the survey at engaged moments in the webinar and send soon after.

Post-Webinar Evaluation Questions to Ask for Written Responses

  • How could we make the program better?  

______________________________

The answers help you identify improvements you could make to your webinars in general and the current presentation in particular.

  • Takeaways: What was your single biggest takeaway?

____________________________________

Responses to this question will confirm you’re focusing on the right issues and/or identify modifications you might want to make to the substance of your webinar.

  • Length / pace: The [length / pace] of the webinar was: Too Long/Slow / Just Right / Too Short/Fast

Questions on the length and pace of your program can help you understand how to adjust the delivery of your insight to make the session more relevant and interesting to your audience.

  • Additional interests: What would you like to see next?

___________________________________

This question is a good one to include because it helps you align your content calendar to the actual interests and needs of your targets.

  • Reasons for attending: Why did you attend today’s program? Required for job / Interesting Topic / Knowledgeable Presenters / CLE

While it doesn’t need to appear on every survey, this question can help if you’re trying to understand what motivates your audience to sign up for your webinars.

  • Prior webinars: Have you attended any of our webinars in the past? If so, which ones?

This is a useful question to include when you want to find out how well you’re attracting new participants to your programs.

Your Post-Webinar Survey Checklist

Be ready to ask the right question at the right time. Download our post-webinar survey checklist. Just click here or on the image below.

Download our post-webinar survey checklist.

virtualspeech-logo

Improve your practice.

Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation

October 19, 2017 - Dom Barnard

The questions at the end of a presentation can be terrifying for many speakers as they can’t be controlled and are hard to prepare for. However, questions form an important part of the presentation for the whole audience as they allow for clarification and consolidation of learning.

The presenter can enhance the usefulness of the question and answer session by treating it as a formal part of the presentation that requires as much careful planning and control as the delivery of the core material.

Identify possible questions and scope in your preparation

The background work that you undertook whilst planning your presentation is the key to handling questions effectively and understanding what  type of audience  you’ll be faced with. If you have defined a focus for your presentation and have explored this thoroughly in your research and planning, you are more likely to be able to confidently respond to questions.

When planning your presentation, you will need to prepare prompts for questions that are open and straightforward, for example saying “That’s the end of my presentation. I’ll be taking questions for the next 10 minutes”.

You might also want to define topics for discussion before taking questions, by stating the areas you’re willing to field questions in. Your preparation will help you identify topics you are not confident with and want to avoid in the questioning.

Prepare for questions after the presentation

Set some rules for asking questions

At the start of your presentation, make it clear when you would prefer to deal with questions – as you go along or at the end of the presentation.

Some speakers prefer questions to be raised as they arise during the presentation. The advantage of this approach is that any misunderstandings can be dealt with immediately. However, there is also a danger that the question will disrupt or distract the speaker, or that questions are raised that would have been covered later in the presentation.

If you leave questions until the end, plan to leave plenty of time for questions so that the audience doesn’t feel rushed.

Framework for responding to questions

Answering questions under pressure can make you say things you shouldn’t have – the nerves can force you to give an inappropriate response. In your panic you might have misinterpreted the question or given away company information that was sensitive. Use the following framework to help you respond effectively to your audience.

Practice answering AI-generated questions on your speech or presentation with  VirtualSpeech .

1. Listen to the whole question

You don’t have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds,  actively listen  to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer.

Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet. This can throw you if you have already started to prepare an answer. Remember that questioners will frequently try to make a point whilst asking their question – it’s therefore important to both hear the content of the question and try to decipher the questioner’s intention.

2. Understand the context

If you are worried that you haven’t understood a question, ask them to clarify what they mean. Check for confirmation by paraphrasing the question back to the questioner – “You want me to list the improvements of X?”.

3. Involve the whole audience

It is important to remember that even though you are taking a question from one member of the audience, you are still responsible for the interest of the other audience members. This is particularly important in large groups as the audience will become bored if the presentation descends into a series of one-to-one discussions.

To involve the rest of the audience, make sure the whole audience has heard and understood the question by repeating it or paraphrasing it to the audience.

4. Respond concisely

When you reply to a question, direct your answer to both the questioner and other members of the audience. Try to keep your responses as focused as possible, leaving space for other questions. To avoid going into too much detail, check back with the questioner to see if you have answered their query – “Does that answer your question in enough detail?”.

We’ll cover different ways to respond in a later section.

5. Allow follow-up questions via email

You can also encourage your audience to ask questions after the event has finished by providing your email address. This shows a high level of respect for your audience and implies that the topic still has much further scope for enquiry.

Two good resources for handling questions

  • What’s the art of answering a tricky question?
  • Dodging the Question

Practice Answering Questions

Practice answering questions after your presentation using a 4 step process. Learn More

Options for answering the question

There are five possible choices depending on how well you understand and can answer the question. It’s okay to say that you don’t know the answer to something. This can add to your credibility instead of trying to waffle through an answer you don’t really know.

If you have a good answer for the question from the audience, go ahead and answer it in a short and clear message.

Ask a question back the audience member, such as “Can you clarify what you mean by that”. You can also attack the question if it is not related to the issue, factually inaccurate, personal or based on false assumptions. Be careful with this method.

Ask the question back to the audience or pass it to another panel member if possible. If suitable, another technique is to imply the question has been asked already, with you stating you don’t want to cover old ground.

Tell the audience member you will talk to them after the event. This gives you more time to think of a good answer and there is less pressure to give a perfect answer.

Or mention that that point is coming up in a slide.

This involves answering the question but changing the subject. You can also give a partial answer or give a negative answer, saying that something else will happen instead.

Avoid answering questions that fall outside of the remit of your talk: “I’m afraid that really falls outside of my objectives for today’s presentation. Perhaps we can resume discussion of that particular point later?”

Framework for handling questions after a presentation

Diagram Explained : Once you receive a question, you’ll have a few moments to think about it and reframe it in a way that makes sense to you. This will give you five choices on how to react – you can answer, reflect, deflect, defer or change the scope of the question. Once you’ve answered concisely, you can then follow up to check if the person asking the question is satisfied and then continue with the presentation.

Strategies to use when struggling to answer

Here are some strategies to use when you are struggling to answer the question posed to you. For more information, read this article on  Dodging the Question .

  • Acknowledge the question without answering it – “That’s a good question, let’s consider the impact by looking at…”
  • The question fails to tackle the important issue.
  • The question is based on a false assumption.
  • The question is factually inaccurate.
  • The question is too personal or objectionable.
  • Decline to answer. Refuse to answer on the basis that it is not your area of responsibility or it is sensitive company information – “You will have to ask [name] because I wasn’t involved in that particular project.”
  • Partial answer
  • Start to answer but change the subject
  • Negative answer. You state what won’t happen instead of what will happen
  • Answer a similar question
  • State or imply the question has already been answered – “We’ve already covered that topic”

Things to avoid

When handling questions and answers, you will still need to be as professional as you have been for the main delivery of your presentation. There are some common dangers to avoid.

Answering the question you wished you’d been asked

A common trick played by politicians, this strategy ignores the precise nature of the question and uses a predetermined answer to the broad topic area. If handled poorly, this technique is very obvious to the audience and frustrating to the questioner.

Giving a lengthy response

This is the process whereby you make a lengthy response, including all the information you’d left out in planning the main presentation. Your unplanned response will be unstructured and rambling, so keep things focused and brief. If you find yourself rambling, ask them to talk to you after.

Avoid giving a lengthy response to questions after your speech

Passing the blame

Passing the blame to others comes across as weak and evasive. If an idea from the audience is a good one, acknowledge its value. If it isn’t, make a polite rebuttal and move on.

Defensive answers

Occasionally, questions can really put you on the spot, but it is important to remain calm and in control. An aggressive or defensive reply will be seen as weakness on your part and will spoil the effect of an otherwise successful presentation.

Handling difficult questions

It is important not to start responding to a difficult question before you have thought about the answer. Repeating the question and asking for clarification will help create some space for your thoughts.

Sometimes you will need to think about a question for a moment before responding. You may be able to buy a little bit of thinking time to help focus your response. Useful strategies include searching for an appropriate visual aid to help focus your response or simply pausing for a moment or two to think. For even more time, suggest that you’ll come back to the topic later (but don’t forget to do this).

7 myths when answering tough questions during presentations

Sometimes questions are too difficult to answer. Don’t worry about admitting that you don’t know something or haven’t considered an alternative approach. An enthusiastic “That’s an interesting idea, I’d not thought of that” is much more positive than a mumbled “I don’t know ”. Remember that a presentation is a two-way process and it is important to show that you are learning from your audience as well.

Finally, you can come across a questioner who disagrees strongly with your argument. Although this can feel very awkward, remember that you are still responsible for the whole audience and that you cannot allocate all of your question time to one individual.

If you feel that you have answered the initial question, announce that you will move on and suggest that you might continue discussion after the presentation. If the questioner persists, assert your position calmly by saying “I’m afraid I need to move on”.

You can read more on this topic here:  Responding to questions effectively (PDF)

PresentationSkills.me

10 Tips for Handling Questions after a Presentation

questions to ask audience after presentation

In this article, we’ll provide 10 tips for handling questions effectively, from being prepared to staying calm and concise. By following these tips, you can feel confident and prepared to handle any questions that come your way.

As a presenter, handling questions post-presentation can be stressful. However, it’s a crucial part of engaging with your audience and showing your expertise. 

1. Listen Carefully

2. repeat the question, 3. don’t interrupt, 4. encourage dialogue, 5. be respectful, 6. be honest, 7. keep it brief, 8. repeat key points, 9. don’t overpromise, 10. be prepared.

When someone asks you a question, listen carefully. This helps you understand better and gives you time to collect your thoughts and form an appropriate response.

Repeat the question aloud before answering to ensure you’ve understood it correctly and give the audience a chance to hear it. It helps clarify any ambiguity and ensures you’re addressing the right question.

Let the person finish speaking before you respond. Interrupting can seem rude and may make your audience uncomfortable. Wait until they’re done to reply.

Encourage dialogue by asking follow-up questions and inviting the audience to share their thoughts or opinions. This creates a more engaging and interactive experience for everyone.

It’s crucial to be respectful and professional when answering questions, even if the inquirer is difficult or confrontational. Respond calmly and avoid getting defensive or argumentative.

If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest about it. Admit you don’t have the information at hand. Offer to follow up later or direct the person to someone who can help more effectively.

When answering questions, be concise and focused. Avoid rambling or straying off-topic, as this can confuse or bore the audience. Stick to the main point and provide a clear response.

When answering questions, repeat key points from your presentation. This reinforces information and helps the audience understand better. It also contextualizes the answer within your presentation’s larger framework.

Be honest and realistic when answering questions. Don’t overpromise or make claims you can’t back up. If you don’t know the answer, admit it and offer to follow up later.

Before giving a presentation, you should anticipate your audience’s questions. This preparation boosts your confidence and ensures you’re ready with the right answers. Research your topic well, focusing on areas that might cause confusion or trigger interest.

Related Posts:

After Dinner Speech Topics

Presentation Training Institute

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. 

About Stanford GSB

  • The Leadership
  • Dean’s Updates
  • School News & History
  • Commencement
  • Business, Government & Society
  • Centers & Institutes
  • Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Center for Social Innovation
  • Stanford Seed

About the Experience

  • Learning at Stanford GSB
  • Experiential Learning
  • Guest Speakers
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Communication
  • Life at Stanford GSB
  • Collaborative Environment
  • Activities & Organizations
  • Student Services
  • Housing Options
  • International Students

Full-Time Degree Programs

  • Why Stanford MBA
  • Academic Experience
  • Financial Aid
  • Why Stanford MSx
  • Research Fellows Program
  • See All Programs

Non-Degree & Certificate Programs

  • Executive Education
  • Stanford Executive Program
  • Programs for Organizations
  • The Difference
  • Online Programs
  • Stanford LEAD
  • Seed Transformation Program
  • Aspire Program
  • Seed Spark Program
  • Faculty Profiles
  • Academic Areas
  • Awards & Honors
  • Conferences

Faculty Research

  • Publications
  • Working Papers
  • Case Studies

Research Hub

  • Research Labs & Initiatives
  • Business Library
  • Data, Analytics & Research Computing
  • Behavioral Lab

Research Labs

  • Cities, Housing & Society Lab
  • Golub Capital Social Impact Lab

Research Initiatives

  • Corporate Governance Research Initiative
  • Corporations and Society Initiative
  • Policy and Innovation Initiative
  • Rapid Decarbonization Initiative
  • Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative
  • Value Chain Innovation Initiative
  • Venture Capital Initiative
  • Career & Success
  • Climate & Sustainability
  • Corporate Governance
  • Culture & Society
  • Finance & Investing
  • Government & Politics
  • Leadership & Management
  • Markets and Trade
  • Operations & Logistics
  • Opportunity & Access
  • Technology & AI
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Email Newsletter

Welcome, Alumni

  • Communities
  • Digital Communities & Tools
  • Regional Chapters
  • Women’s Programs
  • Identity Chapters
  • Find Your Reunion
  • Career Resources
  • Job Search Resources
  • Career & Life Transitions
  • Programs & Webinars
  • Career Video Library
  • Alumni Education
  • Research Resources
  • Volunteering
  • Alumni News
  • Class Notes
  • Alumni Voices
  • Contact Alumni Relations
  • Upcoming Events

Admission Events & Information Sessions

  • MBA Program
  • MSx Program
  • PhD Program
  • Alumni Events
  • All Other Events

Matt Abrahams: A Good Question Can Be the Key to a Successful Presentation

A Stanford GSB lecturer and expert on public speaking explains how you can become a more compelling and confident presenter by asking – not telling – in the right situations.

July 25, 2014

A man sitting in the audience during a speech.

An audience member at a speech in San Francisco. (Reuters photo by Beck Diefenbach)

Of all the tools and techniques a speaker can use to make a presentation more effective, the simple question is the most versatile. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of presenting. A well-timed question can accomplish a myriad of communication tasks, from building intrigue to fostering audience engagement, helping you remember what to say, and even calming your speaking anxiety. Leverage questions, and you can become a more compelling and confident presenter. Here’s how:

Questions Connect with the Audience

Audience connection is the key characteristic that distinguishes a memorable presenter from an average one. Are audience members participating with the speaker, or simply listening to the speaker? Questions provide a great way to foster engagement. Questions by their very nature are dialogic. They’re two-way: You ask and your audience responds. I recommend using three types of questions throughout your presentation to get your audience’s attention:

  • Rhetorical questions build intrigue. Asking your audience a question for effect (rather than one you expect them to actually answer) prompts them to think about the issue. Example: “Would you believe that companies are making robotic honeybees to pollinate crops in locales where bees are dying off?”
  • Polling questions make the audience part of your point. When asking your audience to respond to your query, be sure to signal how you want them to do so (e.g., model raising your hand as you ask your question, or explain how the online poll works if you are virtually presenting) and comment briefly on the response you get (e.g., “Just as I expected, about 50% of you … ”). Example: “How many of you have ever been stung by a honeybee?”
  • “What if?” questions root your presentation in time. Inquire about a possible future or the historical past; and as with rhetorical questions, you may not expect a literal response, but you definitely focus your audience’s attention on the time period you’re describing. Example: “What would it be like if all crops were pollinated by robo-honeybees?” Or, “Remember when modern science made it possible for genetically modified vegetables to yield more crops?”

Questions Build Your Confidence

Many speakers are anxious because they feel they are under the harsh spotlight of an audience who is constantly evaluating them. But, interestingly, incorporating questions from the moment you start planning can help you feel more confident about every aspect of presenting. Here are two ways to use questions in planning to improve your delivery:

  • Ask yourself, “What does my audience need to hear from me?” Instead of seeing speaking as a performance, think of it as being in service of your audience’s needs – this shifts the attention away from you and onto your audience. The most useful way I know to focus on your audience is to start by asking yourself the simple question: “What does my audience need to hear from me?” This not only helps you tailor your message to your audience, but it also reminds you that they are the ones in the spotlight. Make this question your mantra as you prepare and practice your presentations.
  • Outline your talk using questions. When writing your next outline, create a list of questions to serve as prompts for what you intend to say. I loathe speaking manuscripts and full-text speaker notes, which only invite memorization and actually increase performance anxiety. An outline, on the other hand, is a very practical tool to help speakers prepare and deliver. And the power of a question-based outline is twofold: First, it allows you to feel more confident because you know the answers to your questions – you no longer need to worry you might not know what to say. Second, you will be more conversational, since you are simply answering your audience’s unasked questions, and conversational delivery is often better remembered by audiences.

When you next face preparing for and delivering a presentation, consider using the MacGyver of communication tools, the question. For just about any task at hand, it can yield all kinds of benefits for you and your audience.

For media inquiries, visit the Newsroom .

Explore More

A little “humorbragging” could help you land your next job, creative communication: how our design choices illustrate our values, can we be candid how to communicate clearly and directly, editor’s picks.

questions to ask audience after presentation

March 13, 2014 Matt Abrahams: How to Make Unforgettable Presentations A Stanford lecturer and expert on public speaking explains how to ensure your audience remembers what they hear and see.

March 04, 2014 Matt Abrahams: Presentations and the Art of the Graceful Recovery A Stanford lecturer and expert on public speaking explains what to do when memory fails.

February 26, 2014 Matt Abrahams: How Do You Make a Memorable Presentation? A Stanford lecturer and expert on public speaking explains how to manage anxiety and deliver a smooth presentation.

  • See the Current DEI Report
  • Supporting Data
  • Research & Insights
  • Share Your Thoughts
  • Search Fund Primer
  • Teaching & Curriculum
  • Affiliated Faculty
  • Faculty Advisors
  • Louis W. Foster Resource Center
  • Defining Social Innovation
  • Impact Compass
  • Global Health Innovation Insights
  • Faculty Affiliates
  • Student Awards & Certificates
  • Changemakers
  • Dean Jonathan Levin
  • Dean Garth Saloner
  • Dean Robert Joss
  • Dean Michael Spence
  • Dean Robert Jaedicke
  • Dean Rene McPherson
  • Dean Arjay Miller
  • Dean Ernest Arbuckle
  • Dean Jacob Hugh Jackson
  • Dean Willard Hotchkiss
  • Faculty in Memoriam
  • Stanford GSB Firsts
  • Annual Alumni Dinner
  • Class of 2024 Candidates
  • Certificate & Award Recipients
  • Dean’s Remarks
  • Keynote Address
  • Teaching Approach
  • Analysis and Measurement of Impact
  • The Corporate Entrepreneur: Startup in a Grown-Up Enterprise
  • Data-Driven Impact
  • Designing Experiments for Impact
  • Digital Marketing
  • The Founder’s Right Hand
  • Marketing for Measurable Change
  • Product Management
  • Public Policy Lab: Financial Challenges Facing US Cities
  • Public Policy Lab: Homelessness in California
  • Lab Features
  • Curricular Integration
  • View From The Top
  • Formation of New Ventures
  • Managing Growing Enterprises
  • Startup Garage
  • Explore Beyond the Classroom
  • Stanford Venture Studio
  • Summer Program
  • Workshops & Events
  • The Five Lenses of Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership Labs
  • Executive Challenge
  • Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program
  • Selection Process
  • Training Schedule
  • Time Commitment
  • Learning Expectations
  • Post-Training Opportunities
  • Who Should Apply
  • Introductory T-Groups
  • Leadership for Society Program
  • Certificate
  • 2024 Awardees
  • 2023 Awardees
  • 2022 Awardees
  • 2021 Awardees
  • 2020 Awardees
  • 2019 Awardees
  • 2018 Awardees
  • Social Management Immersion Fund
  • Stanford Impact Founder Fellowships
  • Stanford Impact Leader Prizes
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Stanford GSB Impact Fund
  • Economic Development
  • Energy & Environment
  • Stanford GSB Residences
  • Environmental Leadership
  • Stanford GSB Artwork
  • A Closer Look
  • California & the Bay Area
  • Voices of Stanford GSB
  • Business & Beneficial Technology
  • Business & Sustainability
  • Business & Free Markets
  • Business, Government, and Society Forum
  • Get Involved
  • Second Year
  • Global Experiences
  • JD/MBA Joint Degree
  • MA Education/MBA Joint Degree
  • MD/MBA Dual Degree
  • MPP/MBA Joint Degree
  • MS Computer Science/MBA Joint Degree
  • MS Electrical Engineering/MBA Joint Degree
  • MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA Joint Degree
  • Academic Calendar
  • Clubs & Activities
  • LGBTQ+ Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Minorities & People of Color
  • Partners & Families
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Student Support
  • Residential Life
  • Student Voices
  • MBA Alumni Voices
  • A Week in the Life
  • Career Support
  • Employment Outcomes
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
  • Yellow Ribbon Program
  • BOLD Fellows Fund
  • Application Process
  • Loan Forgiveness
  • Contact the Financial Aid Office
  • Evaluation Criteria
  • GMAT & GRE
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Personal Information, Activities & Awards
  • Professional Experience
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Optional Short Answer Questions
  • Application Fee
  • Reapplication
  • Deferred Enrollment
  • Joint & Dual Degrees
  • Entering Class Profile
  • Event Schedule
  • Ambassadors
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Ask a Question
  • See Why Stanford MSx
  • Is MSx Right for You?
  • MSx Stories
  • Leadership Development
  • How You Will Learn
  • Admission Events
  • Personal Information
  • GMAT, GRE & EA
  • English Proficiency Tests
  • Career Change
  • Career Advancement
  • Career Support and Resources
  • Daycare, Schools & Camps
  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
  • Requirements
  • Requirements: Behavioral
  • Requirements: Quantitative
  • Requirements: Macro
  • Requirements: Micro
  • Annual Evaluations
  • Field Examination
  • Research Activities
  • Research Papers
  • Dissertation
  • Oral Examination
  • Current Students
  • Education & CV
  • International Applicants
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Reapplicants
  • Application Fee Waiver
  • Deadline & Decisions
  • Job Market Candidates
  • Academic Placements
  • Stay in Touch
  • Faculty Mentors
  • Current Fellows
  • Standard Track
  • Fellowship & Benefits
  • Group Enrollment
  • Program Formats
  • Developing a Program
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Strategic Transformation
  • Program Experience
  • Contact Client Services
  • Campus Experience
  • Live Online Experience
  • Silicon Valley & Bay Area
  • Digital Credentials
  • Faculty Spotlights
  • Participant Spotlights
  • Eligibility
  • International Participants
  • Stanford Ignite
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Operations, Information & Technology
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Political Economy
  • Classical Liberalism
  • The Eddie Lunch
  • Accounting Summer Camp
  • California Econometrics Conference
  • California Quantitative Marketing PhD Conference
  • California School Conference
  • China India Insights Conference
  • Homo economicus, Evolving
  • Political Economics (2023–24)
  • Scaling Geologic Storage of CO2 (2023–24)
  • A Resilient Pacific: Building Connections, Envisioning Solutions
  • Adaptation and Innovation
  • Changing Climate
  • Civil Society
  • Climate Impact Summit
  • Climate Science
  • Corporate Carbon Disclosures
  • Earth’s Seafloor
  • Environmental Justice
  • Operations and Information Technology
  • Organizations
  • Sustainability Reporting and Control
  • Taking the Pulse of the Planet
  • Urban Infrastructure
  • Watershed Restoration
  • Junior Faculty Workshop on Financial Regulation and Banking
  • Ken Singleton Celebration
  • Marketing Camp
  • Quantitative Marketing PhD Alumni Conference
  • Presentations
  • Theory and Inference in Accounting Research
  • Stanford Closer Look Series
  • Quick Guides
  • Core Concepts
  • Journal Articles
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Researchers & Students
  • Research Approach
  • Charitable Giving
  • Financial Health
  • Government Services
  • Workers & Careers
  • Short Course
  • Adaptive & Iterative Experimentation
  • Incentive Design
  • Social Sciences & Behavioral Nudges
  • Bandit Experiment Application
  • Conferences & Events
  • Reading Materials
  • Energy Entrepreneurship
  • Faculty & Affiliates
  • SOLE Report
  • Responsible Supply Chains
  • Current Study Usage
  • Pre-Registration Information
  • Participate in a Study
  • Founding Donors
  • Location Information
  • Participant Profile
  • Network Membership
  • Program Impact
  • Collaborators
  • Entrepreneur Profiles
  • Company Spotlights
  • Seed Transformation Network
  • Responsibilities
  • Current Coaches
  • How to Apply
  • Meet the Consultants
  • Meet the Interns
  • Intern Profiles
  • Collaborate
  • Research Library
  • News & Insights
  • Program Contacts
  • Databases & Datasets
  • Research Guides
  • Consultations
  • Research Workshops
  • Career Research
  • Research Data Services
  • Course Reserves
  • Course Research Guides
  • Material Loan Periods
  • Fines & Other Charges
  • Document Delivery
  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Equipment Checkout
  • Print & Scan
  • MBA & MSx Students
  • PhD Students
  • Other Stanford Students
  • Faculty Assistants
  • Research Assistants
  • Stanford GSB Alumni
  • Telling Our Story
  • Staff Directory
  • Site Registration
  • Alumni Directory
  • Alumni Email
  • Privacy Settings & My Profile
  • Event Registration Help
  • Success Stories
  • The Story of Circles
  • Support Women’s Circles
  • Stanford Women on Boards Initiative
  • Alumnae Spotlights
  • Insights & Research
  • Industry & Professional
  • Entrepreneurial Commitment Group
  • Recent Alumni
  • Half-Century Club
  • Fall Reunions
  • Spring Reunions
  • MBA 25th Reunion
  • Half-Century Club Reunion
  • Faculty Lectures
  • Ernest C. Arbuckle Award
  • Alison Elliott Exceptional Achievement Award
  • ENCORE Award
  • Excellence in Leadership Award
  • John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Award
  • Robert K. Jaedicke Faculty Award
  • Jack McDonald Military Service Appreciation Award
  • Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award
  • Tapestry Award
  • Student & Alumni Events
  • Executive Recruiters
  • Interviewing
  • Land the Perfect Job with LinkedIn
  • Negotiating
  • Elevator Pitch
  • Email Best Practices
  • Resumes & Cover Letters
  • Self-Assessment
  • Whitney Birdwell Ball
  • Margaret Brooks
  • Bryn Panee Burkhart
  • Margaret Chan
  • Ricki Frankel
  • Peter Gandolfo
  • Cindy W. Greig
  • Natalie Guillen
  • Carly Janson
  • Sloan Klein
  • Sherri Appel Lassila
  • Stuart Meyer
  • Tanisha Parrish
  • Virginia Roberson
  • Philippe Taieb
  • Michael Takagawa
  • Terra Winston
  • Johanna Wise
  • Debbie Wolter
  • Rebecca Zucker
  • Complimentary Coaching
  • Changing Careers
  • Work-Life Integration
  • Career Breaks
  • Flexible Work
  • Encore Careers
  • Join a Board
  • D&B Hoovers
  • Data Axle (ReferenceUSA)
  • EBSCO Business Source
  • Global Newsstream
  • Market Share Reporter
  • ProQuest One Business
  • RKMA Market Research Handbook Series
  • Student Clubs
  • Entrepreneurial Students
  • Stanford GSB Trust
  • Alumni Community
  • How to Volunteer
  • Springboard Sessions
  • Consulting Projects
  • 2020 – 2029
  • 2010 – 2019
  • 2000 – 2009
  • 1990 – 1999
  • 1980 – 1989
  • 1970 – 1979
  • 1960 – 1969
  • 1950 – 1959
  • 1940 – 1949
  • Service Areas
  • ACT History
  • ACT Awards Celebration
  • ACT Governance Structure
  • Building Leadership for ACT
  • Individual Leadership Positions
  • Leadership Role Overview
  • Purpose of the ACT Management Board
  • Contact ACT
  • Business & Nonprofit Communities
  • Reunion Volunteers
  • Ways to Give
  • Fiscal Year Report
  • Business School Fund Leadership Council
  • Planned Giving Options
  • Planned Giving Benefits
  • Planned Gifts and Reunions
  • Legacy Partners
  • Giving News & Stories
  • Giving Deadlines
  • Development Staff
  • Submit Class Notes
  • Class Secretaries
  • Board of Directors
  • Health Care
  • Sustainability
  • Class Takeaways
  • All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions
  • If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society
  • Grit & Growth
  • Think Fast, Talk Smart
  • Spring 2022
  • Spring 2021
  • Autumn 2020
  • Summer 2020
  • Winter 2020
  • In the Media
  • For Journalists
  • DCI Fellows
  • Other Auditors
  • Academic Calendar & Deadlines
  • Course Materials
  • Entrepreneurial Resources
  • Campus Drive Grove
  • Campus Drive Lawn
  • CEMEX Auditorium
  • King Community Court
  • Seawell Family Boardroom
  • Stanford GSB Bowl
  • Stanford Investors Common
  • Town Square
  • Vidalakis Courtyard
  • Vidalakis Dining Hall
  • Catering Services
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Reservations
  • Contact Faculty Recruiting
  • Lecturer Positions
  • Postdoctoral Positions
  • Accommodations
  • CMC-Managed Interviews
  • Recruiter-Managed Interviews
  • Virtual Interviews
  • Campus & Virtual
  • Search for Candidates
  • Think Globally
  • Recruiting Calendar
  • Recruiting Policies
  • Full-Time Employment
  • Summer Employment
  • Entrepreneurial Summer Program
  • Global Management Immersion Experience
  • Social-Purpose Summer Internships
  • Process Overview
  • Project Types
  • Client Eligibility Criteria
  • Client Screening
  • ACT Leadership
  • Social Innovation & Nonprofit Management Resources
  • Develop Your Organization’s Talent
  • Centers & Initiatives
  • Student Fellowships

Speaking about Presenting

8 tips for encouraging questions in your presentation

by Olivia Mitchell | 8 comments

questions to ask audience after presentation

Most of us would like people in the audience to ask questions. A lively Q&A session is stimulating and engaging for the audience. But sometimes you ask for questions, and you’re just met with blank gazes back from your audience. It’s a let-down and your presentation ends on a sour note.

Questions from the audience are like young fragile seedlings – they need nurturing. Consider when you’re in the audience – what stages do you have to mentally go through in order to ask a question? It might go something like this:

questions-all-stages

So as the presenter, you need to nurture your audience’s questions through these four stages. Here are 8 tips to help make them through:

1. Pitch your presentation at the right level for your audience

The first stage of questions is birth – they have to be born in your audience’s mind. If your presentation is too simple for the level of knowledge in your audience – it’s all material they’ve covered before – they won’t have any questions. Conversly, if it’s too complicated for them, they’ll turn off rather than risk asking a question which might make them look stupid.

2. Don’t cover every aspect of your topic in the presentation

If you cover everything there is to know on the topic – you won’t leave room for questions. So don’t be exhaustive in your coverage.

3. Let your audience know you would like questions and when to ask them

Near the beginning of your presentation let your audience know that you welcome questions. Then let them know when to ask them. There are a number of options:

Take questions throughout your presentation

Tell people they can interrupt you throughout the presentation to ask questions as they come to mind. This has several benefits:

  • people won’t have to remember their question till later
  • if they’re uncertain about something they can get that clarified at the time
  • questions on a particular issue are dealt with at the same time that you’re discussing that issue.

The downside to this strategy is that it can take you off track if people ask irrelevant questions or questions that you’re going to cover later in the presentation. If you find it tricky to get back into the flow of your presentation after an interruption it may not be the best strategy for you. Finally, it can throw the timing of your presentation if people ask a lot of questions on a particular issue. This strategy is best used in longer presentations and training courses where timing is less critical.

Take questions at defined points of your presentation

Tell people you will have an opportunity for questions after you’ve finished each part of your presentation. This option is a useful halfway point between having questions throughout and leaving them till the end of the presentation. You can also decide how long to take questions for during each break in your presentation, and so control the timing better.

4. Let them ask a question as soon as they have one

If you’re serious about ensuring that people get their questions answered, invite people to interrupt you and ask their question. It’s the only way to ensure this. That’s when the question is burning for them. The longer you make people wait, the less likely they are to remember it. Once you’ve moved onto a new topic, their question will seem less relevant. Joey Asher from Talking Points blog says:

Questions aren’t to be feared. They’re to be embraced.  There’s no better way to connect with an audience than to allow them free rein to ask as many questions as they want.

5. Invite people to write down their questions as they think of them

If you don’t want to take questions throughout, you can help people remember their questions by suggesting that they write them down.

6. Validate every question

It takes courage to ask a question. It’s public speaking – just not from the front of the room. People are held back by wondering if their question is stupid or did they miss something and you already answered it. So you need to do your bit to make it a safe environment for people to ask questions. Do that by responding warmly to all questions that are asked – even if the question is stupid or you had already covered it. I don’t recommend saying “Good question”. It’s become a cliche which is often used when the presenter can’t immediately think of the answer.

7. Have people discuss in pairs any questions they may have

If your audience seems a little shy, give them an opportunity to discuss their questions with one other person before they ask them in front of the whole of the audience. Here’s how do do this:

“I’m going to ask for questions in a moment. Please turn to the person next to you and discuss together any questions you have. Then I’ll answer those questions.”

This has several benefits:

  • It gives people the opportunity to try out their question in front of one person before risking humiliation in front of the whole audience.
  • Any questions that are answered by material you’ve already covered can be answered by their partner.
  • It gives people the opportunity to rehearse and fine-tune their question so that it will be shorter and clearer when they ask you.

8. Answer questions clearly and succinctly

If you answer every question with a long-winded and incoherent ramble, people are going to be reluctant to ask you another one. They’ll conclude they’re unlikely to get a useful answer from you. Nor do they want to subject the rest of the audience to another ramble.

More resources on other blogs

Five ways to make presentations Q&A friendly from Joey Asher at Talking Points. He also recommends validating every question:

Smiling at the questioner is like rewarding a dog for sitting on command.  Once rewarded, the chances are the audience will ask more.

John Windsor has a useful post Making the most of a Q&A session . He stresses anticipating the questions that might be asked. And also advises that you recap and conclude your presentation after the Q&A session. That provides a stronger ending to your presentation than just lettting questions peter out.

Andrew Dlugan discusses Leading the perfect Q&A . This covers all elements of the Q&A session from both the audience’s point of view and the presenters.

Free Course

How to tame your fear of public speaking.

In this video-training series (plus workbook with transcripts) you’ll learn:

  • The three things you must know BEFORE you begin to tackle your fear of public speaking
  • Why the positive-negative thought classification doesn’t work for fear of public speaking
  • The two powerful self-talk tweaks that can make an immediate difference.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

I ask for your email address to deliver the course to you and so that I can keep on supporting and encouraging you with tips, ideas and inspiration. I will also let you know when my group program is open for enrolment. I will keep your email safe and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Simon Raybould

Hi again Olivia – just seen this following someone else’s link. It’s something I blogged about myself a while ago – and in retrospect I probably over-stated my case: http://www.curved-vision.co.uk/presentation-skills-blog/2008/03/29/questions-or-not/

To me, it’s important to differentiate between two types of question. Firstly, you’ve got questions of fact (“Did you say 200%?”) which seem to me to be necessary at any point because otherwise people won’t be able to make much of anything you say after that.

Secondly though, there are questions of “application” for lack of a better term. Things like “So in my position, would it make sense to….?”. I love these questions as it shows the audience has bitten what I’ve said and is running with it. My instinct is that these questions should only surface at the end (in fact if the presentation is well structured this is probably the only place it CAN surface!).

Emma

And, for the “during the presentation so askers don’t forget”, I’ve also seen Twitter used effectively – either as a displayed backchannel – so that the whole audience can see, or just visible to those who have the necessary hardware. Quite often, small questions can be answered by someone else in the audience (like whispering to the person next to you – only there are lots of people next to you!), or the presenter/room host can skim them at the end & answer the key ones.

Olivia Mitchell

Hi Emma Yes, that’s a great use of the backchannel. Thank you for adding it to this post. Olivia

https://Youtu.Be

You actually make it seem really easy with your presentation however I to find this topic to be actually one thing which I believe I might never understand. It seems too complex and very wide for me. I am taking a look forward to your next publish, I will attempt to get the dangle of it!

Daftar Domino QQ Online

Nice response in return of this query with real arguments and explaining the whole thing concerning that.

thuê váy c??i

Các c? ?ã có câu Nh?t dáng nhì da th? ba là váy c??i”.

nelle

Right here is the right website for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

918kiss casino singapore

Look no more, as I will give you the 918Kiss Free Obtain along with the 918Kiss Free Credit score. Let’s check out every thing that 918Kiss does proper. The opposite thing which makes Lucky Palace so special is its versatile. Lucky Palace has easily grow to be probably the most most popular online casino played all over Malaysia. In addition, there are several online on line casino platforms however the most effective and safest is SCR888 / 918KISS. SCR888 / 918KISS is certainly one of the top-notch on-line casinos in Malaysia and emerges as a reliable platform with none fear of inhibition. Should you try one webpage, you might imagine you’ve tried all web sites.For example XE88 platform Nevertheless, whatever the similarities between one site and one other, many web on line casino websites typically fluctuate significantly. Regardless of whether its recollections of outdated companions, associates, and family, individuals we could see every day or might have put some distance between, each previous sport we burden up is a window to the previous and that’s extraordinary. Games today spotlight fully organized scores or soundtracks including properly-recognized music which are just as nice as what we would see in different mediums, however it looks like we have misplaced one thing en route, as effectively. I messed round per week ago and I couldn’t let you recognize whether they’d music by any means. Don’t let this opportunity slip previous you. Wistfulness may appear to be a cop-out the reply; all things considered, considering again on the previous with rose-tinted displays are frequently what fanatics of anything retro is reprimanded with.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  • 15 ways to improve your presentations in 2009 : Speaking about Presenting - [...] When you’re just starting out presenting, it makes sense to take questions near the end of your presentation. It’s…
  • IPDI » Blog Archive » Innovation Brainstorm: Public Speaking and Twitter - [...] with asking the audience for “out-loud” questions as well. It’s good practice to stop for questions throughout your presentation…
  • Best Presentation Tips | Speaking about Presenting: Presentation Tips from Olivia Mitchell - [...] 8 tips for encouraging questions in your presentation [...]
  • How to Present While People are Twittering — Pistachio - [...] with asking the audience for “out-loud” questions as well. It’s good practice to stop for questions throughout your presentation…
  • The first five stages of speaker development - [...] to look for in a presentation skills trainer 8 tips for encouraging questions in your presentation How to survive…
  • Sparring Sessions With Questions | The Public Speak King - [...] http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/audience/presentation-question-time/ Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like [...]
  • How to Handle Questions during your Presentation | Moving People to Action - [...] Olivia Mitchell on 8 steps to encourage questions from the audience [...]

Recent posts

  • Why striving to be authentic can be a trap
  • The first time is never the best
  • The Need to be Knowledgeable
  • Would you wear clothes that clash?
  • An unconventional approach to overcoming the fear of public speaking

Connect With Me

questions to ask audience after presentation

Recommended Books

Click here to see my favorite presentation books.

I earn a small commission when you buy a book from this page. Thank you!

  • Audience (22)
  • Content (62)
  • Delivery (31)
  • Nervousness (30)
  • Powerpoint (37)
  • Presentation blogs (2)
  • Presentation books (4)
  • Presentation critiques (9)
  • Presentation myths (6)
  • Presentation philosophy (5)
  • Presentation research (11)
  • Presentation skills (23)
  • Presenting with Twitter (10)
  • Visual thinking (3)

How to Tame your Fear of Public Speaking 

  • Do you have to perform perfectly?
  • Do you beat yourself up if you don't?
  • Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself?
  • Does it make sense that if you changed the way you talked to yourself, you could reduce your fear of public speaking?

I will show you exactly how in this free video training series and workbook.

Discover more from Speaking about Presenting

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Get a FREE Marketing Audit

  • CATEGORY: Perspectives

3 Best Questions To Ask Your Audience After A Presentation

  • Are you making the most of your time at the end of a presentation?
  • By: Peter Lang

questions to ask after a presentation - Chris Durham speaking at a business lunch on social media

What Questions to Ask After a Presentation

The end of your presentation is a crucial time, and you should make the most of, but you may be wondering what questions to ask after a presentation. Here are three questions to help you do just that.

1. What did you find most useful? Assuming you did not totally crash and burn this question will get your audience thinking about the positives from your presentation. It’s always a good idea to have people remember you in a positive light. It also helps you to see what your audience felt was most important and can help you refine and improve your presentation for the next time.

2. How can you implement this? You just spent some time sharing information with a group of people, and it’s good to give them something to take away. How is the information you’ve shared with them able to help them? You can state a few examples but by asking them this question each audience member can think in the context of their lives, increasing the relevancy of what you shared.

3. What will you do if you hit a roadblock? The purpose of this question is twofold. The first is to close your presentation with one last positive take away. Leave them with a simple 3 or 4 step process for troubleshooting a potential hurdle related to whatever your presentation focused on. The second part is to give them your contact info and an invitation (call-to-action) to use it. The last step in your troubleshooting guide should be to communicate with you. Use this as a great way to turn audience members into clients without being a pushy salesman. Nobody likes that.

Instead of just ending your presentation and calling it a day engage your audience with questions that will get them thinking. We hope this post has answered the question: what questions to ask after a presentation.

Also See:  Best Question To Ask Your Presenter After A Presentation

Recent Blog Posts

questions to ask audience after presentation

How Fashion Ecommerce Should Do Content Marketing

The ultimate guide, uhuru investor acquisition resources.

Sign up to get free investor acquisition articles straight to your inbox. Learn our proven systems that we use to increase website traffic, leads, and revenue.

questions to ask audience after presentation

CEO, Co-founder

questions to ask audience after presentation

How to Build a Full Inbound Conversion Funnel

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

questions to ask audience after presentation

Agency vs. Freelancer: How to Choose What’s Right for Your Business

questions to ask audience after presentation

10 Benefits of Working With a HubSpot Agency Partner

questions to ask audience after presentation

What is Regulation A+ and How Does it Change Corporate Fundraising?

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You’ve seen what we can do. Now see what we can do for you!

questions to ask audience after presentation

Inbound Marketing

Paid Customer Acquisition

Outbound Lead Generation

Sales Enablement

Marketing Strategy Framework

Investor Acquisition Marketing

questions to ask audience after presentation

Marketing Strategy

Agile Programs

Agile Marketing

Pricing/Program Levels

Why Hire Uhuru

Surface Level Audit

Business Assessment

questions to ask audience after presentation

Remote Work

How we work

Digital Marketing Career Guide

How We Work

TEXAS +1 (512) 852-4307 2028 E Ben White BLVD #240-9660 Austin, Texas 78741 U.S.A.

CALIFORNIA +1 (415) 745-3616 100 Pine St., Suite 1250 San Francisco CA 94111 U.S.A.

Design and Development by Uhuru

questions to ask audience after presentation

IMAGES

  1. Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation

    questions to ask audience after presentation

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

    questions to ask audience after presentation

  3. 3 simple questions you should ask about your audiences

    questions to ask audience after presentation

  4. Asking for questions after a presentation on cork billboard Stock Photo

    questions to ask audience after presentation

  5. How To Handle Presentation Audience Questions Like a Pro

    questions to ask audience after presentation

  6. How To Ask Good Questions After A Presentation

    questions to ask audience after presentation

VIDEO

  1. Mastering Audience Engagement: Handling Questions During Presentations

  2. Miranda Devine: 'Pretty sad' Biden had to ask audience to clap for him

  3. Answer Any Presentation Question

  4. Improve Your Technical Presentations: Key Feedback Questions

  5. If An Audience Doesn’t Like Your Speech? Reply with THIS #publicspeaking

  6. How Bout That Millionaire Audience?

COMMENTS

  1. 160 Questions to Ask After a Presentation

    160 Questions to Ask After a Presentation. Asking questions after a presentation is not just about seeking clarity on what was discussed. It's a golden opportunity to delve deeper, engage with the speaker, and enhance your understanding of the subject matter. But knowing which questions to ask isn't always straightforward.

  2. 90 Questions to Ask After a Presentation

    Ask open-ended questions that invite the presenter or audience members to share thoughts and perspectives, thus fostering a more interactive dialogue. Final Thoughts. And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to quenching your intellectual curiosity and contributing valuable insights after a presentation.

  3. 50+ Questions to Generate Audience Participation

    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.

  4. How to Nail the Q&A After Your Presentation

    In the moment after you finish speaking, as the first person puts their hand up or opens their mouth to speak, tell yourself silently: "Aha, good — they're interested!". Start your answer ...

  5. How To Answer Questions After a Presentation (With Tips)

    2. Ask others what they might ask after your presentation. A beneficial way to determine the questions your audience might have is to ask individuals you know who are similar to your expected audience what their questions are about your topic. Consider discussing potential questions with people you know who work in a similar field or position.

  6. 350 Top Q&A Questions To Expect For Any Presentations

    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 ...

  7. 30: Audience questions to prepare for

    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.

  8. Tips to encourage audience questions in your presentation Q&A

    So try these tips to encourage questions: 1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: > TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: "I'll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.". That'll get them active thinking of questions throughout your presentation.

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

    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.

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

    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:

  11. 14 Smart Ways To Follow Up With Attendees After A Presentation

    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 ...

  12. 6 questioning tactics to use in your next presentation

    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 ...

  13. Don't Dread the Q&A After Your Presentation

    Follow-up questions mean that people want to engage with what you have to say. Think about the types of things that audience members might ask. Put yourself in their shoes: How will your message ...

  14. 11 Excellent Post-Webinar Survey Questions

    The worst time to first mention a survey is in an email when the webinar concludes. By then, your audience is completely disengaged. Recipe for success: mention the survey at engaged moments in the webinar and send soon after. Post-Webinar Evaluation Questions to Ask for Written Responses . How could we make the program better?

  15. Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation

    1. Listen to the whole question. You don't have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds, actively listen to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer. Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet.

  16. 10 Tips for Handling Questions after a Presentation

    7. Keep it Brief. When answering questions, be concise and focused. Avoid rambling or straying off-topic, as this can confuse or bore the audience. Stick to the main point and provide a clear response. 8. Repeat Key Points. When answering questions, repeat key points from your presentation.

  17. 21 insightful questions to ask when moderating your next panel

    Your questions can spark a great discussion that will leave the audience both informed and entertained. So, make sure you know what you want to ask before you get on stage. Here are some questions that will help get you started. 21 Questions to ask when moderating your next panel discussion

  18. Asking for Feedback After Your Presentation

    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 ...

  19. Matt Abrahams: A Good Question Can Be the Key to a Successful Presentation

    Polling questions make the audience part of your point. When asking your audience to respond to your query, be sure to signal how you want them to do so (e.g., model raising your hand as you ask your question, or explain how the online poll works if you are virtually presenting) and comment briefly on the response you get (e.g., "Just as I ...

  20. 8 tips for encouraging questions in your presentation

    Here are 8 tips to help make them through: 1. Pitch your presentation at the right level for your audience. The first stage of questions is birth - they have to be born in your audience's mind. If your presentation is too simple for the level of knowledge in your audience - it's all material they've covered before - they won't ...

  21. Free Q&A Platform: Ask Anonymous Questions Live

    A Q&A or "questions and answers" is simply allowing your audience or students to ask questions during or after a presentation. Participants ask questions anonymously via their smartphone or laptop, and the presenter can view them before answering. This typically results in more participation and more efficient live Q&A sessions.

  22. 3 Best Questions To Ask Your Audience After A Presentation

    Here are three questions to help you do just that. 1. What did you find most useful? Assuming you did not totally crash and burn this question will get your audience thinking about the positives from your presentation. It's always a good idea to have people remember you in a positive light.