The Q&A – a learning practice waiting to emerge as a scientific process

The Q&A session at the end of every webinar is now an established rite of passage. It closes gaps in the presentation. It bonds the audience with the speaker. It tests the depth of his comprehension beyond the scope of the topic. The gentle banter produces both heat (emotions) and light (meaning). It is the penultimate task before the summary close of the webinar.

While the webinar has grabbed everyone’s attention, the Q&A format has escaped notice. Considering that it offers so much value in such a short time, it deserves better treatment in terms of a value proposition or statement and guidelines. Are you waiting for HBR's case study on the art and science of questioning in the Q&A? Or maybe, you prefer the McKinsey report with a 2x2 matrix and other graphics? Don't. Let me make a checklist of do’s and don’ts on the Q&A for you.

KEEP IN SHORT AND SIMPLE. Let the speaker understand you. Ideally, 1-2 sentences should be enough to package your doubts within a question. E.g., Where is the evidence that the world would end in March?

STAY FOCUSED. If the talk is on chess, don’t ask him on the LBW rules of cricket.

USE THE KEYWORD IN THE PRESENTATION. E.g., Could you please explain ‘attribution’ with respect to ‘solidarity’?

APPRECIATE HIS IDEAS BEFORE ASKING THE NASTY QUESTION. E.g., I liked your idea of vaccinating every person on Earth. But is the plan feasible?

CRITICISE THE TOPIC, NOT THE SPEAKER. E.g., 'The idea appears to be weak’ is better than ‘Your idea is stupid’!

BE POLITE. ‘May I tweak your recommendations’ is nicer than ‘What a stupid conclusion!’.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE HUMOUR. ‘But economists do not understand finance’ may rebound on you.

DON’T HOG THE TIME. Be quick; give way to others. Ask only one question unless there is time for more.

SMILE so that the speaker knows that you are on his side.

Can the Q&A be codified as a scientific process and reduced to guidelines to aid our learning? This quick list is not complete. Please feel free to chip in with your suggestions.