How can you actively listen and engage with Q&A participants after a public speaking event?

The most important thing after a speech, talk or presentation is to stick around and network with the audience!!! I’m shocked how often I see speakers and presenters leave right after because they are “too busy” or booked things back to back. So I prepare in advance and make sure I always leave time after a speech or presentation to build those relationships, take pictures and selfies with people and **most importantly** answer questions they didn’t want to ask in front of other people.

Over-preparing your responses is not a good idea because such behaviour prevents real thinking and real listening. Most people engage in public conversations through pre-organised thoughts. You are not listening to learn, said William Isaacs; you are preparing to reload. Such an approach kills off the great energy that might be experienced in a genuine dialogue, leaving the person feeling unheard and unengaged. The opposite of what you aim at as a public speaker.

Audience participation is key! This makes the audience feel valuable and their money’s worth because they are getting something out of it. Audience engagement lets them know they are valuable and that their opinions matter. This makes them believe that showing up is good and effective. For both parties. Engagement and participation enhances the timeliness and presentation of whatever you have to offer. They receive you and the product more. It helps to clarify and direct knowledge as to where and what instead of leaving them asking how. The interaction between you and the audience is vital for business and to resolve any conflicts. This interaction helps to open up your audience and their hearts like a communion which inclines to stay.

Encourage inclusivity by valuing all questions without judgment. Effectively manage time to accommodate a wide range of participants. If uncertain, kindly request a rephrasing of the question for clarity. Refine your body language to project openness, confidence, and a welcoming attitude, signaling your readiness and approachability for questions.

Share a story telling moment related to the Q & A session. If it’s a Question that can be answered with your own authentic answers then you can share the story. It will build up audience engagement and get them to ask questions that are relevant.

Offer contact with person if the question is of significant importance. This communicated to entire audience that you are willing to go second mile for important issues. If the matter is resolved then let others know. Half the audience is typically impressed with positive progress.

To have a more interactive presentation, let people ask questions also during your presentation, for which you already have calculated this time in your presentation. The focus of your audience to your presentation will be higher.

Sounds simple but… Make sure you say that you will be available after and happy to take questions ! It helps to encourage audience members to think up a question that they want to ask and invite them to ask you at any point after. It also gives you license to approach people yourself especially at expos. You could ask “what was your questions” should you be bold enough :)