Here's how you can navigate difficult questions during a public speaking Q&A session as an entrepreneur.

Navigate difficult questions during a public speaking Q&A by staying calm and acknowledging the questioner. Listen actively to understand the query fully. Respond directly and honestly, using concise and clear language. If uncertain, offer to follow up later. Maintain confidence and poise, focusing on providing valuable insights and addressing concerns effectively.

Prep. For the topic. Even more importantly, learn what triggers you. Tip: just by understanding the triggers, you will start identifying the situations earlier. And eventually, you will be able to respond much more calmly. Make a habit of the following mindset: And what if they did NOT want to hurt me, offend me or so. What if they meant well? What could be the core of their question? Tip: Start answering like if they really meant well. Which is usually the case. People just do not know how to communicate most often. And then, learn to manage yourself. Tip: Time helps. Take your time to answer. Look at Jordan Peterson in some of his famous, difficult interviews. Thank me later. If it works for you.

and ... listen! How often are we trying to think about our our response while the other person is still speaking. Often, right?

Staying calm allows you to process the question without rushing to answer. If you are not calm it can imply anxiety and the feeling of wanting to “know it all”.

You are not expected to have all the answers and you can’t also expect to have all the answers ?? Recommend approach to answer questions you don’t know: ‘That is a great question. Let me check with my team and get back to you on this’ It would be great if you have all the answers but there is always a 20% chance no matter the expert SME you are, you won’t know a few. This shows that you have an area to serve your customer - and when you say I will get back to you, you need and must do it. That shows your commitment to who you are and what you do!

“Honesty is the best policy” - no lies told! You’re not meant to know everything and the worst thing you could do is blag it or lie because then you could be digging yourself a deeper hole than you were in before and that’s when things can get embarrassing. Your only human and it’s okay to admit I’m actually not to sure how to answer that question however I will make sure I get you an answer! I always respect people who don’t act like they know everything inside and out because it brings a sense of humanity to the entrepreneurial side of life.

Sometimes questions can be asked about you, the speaker, rather than the subject. Redirecting to how you apply the topic of discussion to your area of expertise can softly move the conversation back to the main subject without offense or slowing down your discussion progress.