How can you answer questions efficiently?

1 Prepare in advance

One of the best ways to answer questions efficiently is to anticipate them in advance. Before your presentation, think of the most common, relevant, and challenging questions that your audience might ask. Prepare concise and clear answers for them, and practice them out loud. You can also use your presentation slides or handouts as a guide for potential questions, and highlight the key points or data that you want to emphasize. By preparing in advance, you will reduce your anxiety, save time, and avoid being caught off guard.

2 Listen carefully

Another key to answering questions efficiently is to listen carefully to what the questioner is asking. Sometimes, questions can be vague, complex, or loaded with assumptions or emotions. In these cases, you need to clarify the question before you answer it. You can do this by repeating the question in your own words, asking for more details, or acknowledging the underlying concern or emotion. By listening carefully, you will show respect, avoid misunderstandings, and tailor your answer to the questioner's needs.

3 Use the STAR method

A useful technique to answer questions efficiently is to use the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a simple and structured way to tell a story that illustrates your point or showcases your skills. To use the STAR method, you need to describe the situation or context of the question, the task or goal that you had to achieve, the action or steps that you took to achieve it, and the result or outcome that you obtained. By using the STAR method, you will make your answer more specific, relevant, and memorable.

5 Handle objections

Sometimes, you may face questions that are not really questions, but objections or criticisms of your presentation. These can be challenging to answer efficiently, as they may trigger your defensiveness or anger. However, you need to handle objections professionally and politely, without losing your confidence or your message. To handle objections, you need to acknowledge the questioner's point of view, provide evidence or logic to counter it, and restate your main argument or recommendation. You can also use phrases such as "I appreciate your feedback" or "I understand your concern" to show respect and empathy. By handling objections, you will demonstrate your credibility, authority, and persuasiveness.