Answering Questions for Trainers

The effectiveness of communication between the trainer and learners in the learning setting depends on the trainer's ability to answer questions.

In fact, if you as the trainer, handles questions and answers poorly, this could cause you to lose control of the presentation or training; leaving your audience with a bad impression of you.

As you talk, you are in command of the situation. It can be a little terrifying to lose some control once the audience or learners began to ask questions. You can be more comfortable handling this issue if you prepare to answer questions in advance.

Make a decision about when to take questions.

Would you prefer to take them all at once at the conclusion, or are questions welcomed during your presentation?

Be sure the audience or learners understand this right away to prevent misinterpretation.

Answering questions skillfully entails knowing when to answer the questions and how to frame answers.

Among the methods for answering questions are the following:

a) Listen well to the words questions;

b) Pay attention to your audience's questions and remarks before responding;

c) Welcome challenging inquiries;

d) Establish rapport;

e) Concentrate on the questioner;

f) Repeat the question for the other audience or learners to hear it;

g) Rephrase the question if necessary.

If you don't understand what someone is saying, you can ask them to restate their question. It's likely that the other audience members or learners will appreciate your request for a recap.?

Unsure of a response? Don't worry; it's better to state, "that's a wonderful question. I'm not too certain of the answer at this moment. Could I get back to you after I speak to my colleague or find out for you," instead of rambling your way through.?

Sometimes, you must be aware that an opinion might be presented as a question; in such a case, you can simply express gratitude for the audience or learners' viewpoint. Acknowledge that they have a valid point without feeling obligated to offer an "answer" on their behalf.

The conclusion is that allowing your audience to engage with you is about answering their questions regarding the information you presented so that your answer will turn your presentation from a one-way conversation into a two-way dialogue. When used properly, questions and answers can be used to gauge how well they comprehended what you were saying. Questions can also draw attention to any issues or clarification requests that the audience and learners may have, and thus, questions give them a chance to express their understanding of the newly learned material.