Preparing for Unexpected Questions: A Guide for Public Speakers

As a public speaker, dealing with unexpected questions from the audience can be a challenging but valuable experience. While talks like a TED talk specifically prohibit audience questions, it's crucial to be prepared to handle any feedback that may arise. This guide offers essential tips to help you stay focused and effective when faced with these moments.

The Importance of Preparation

The key to handling unexpected questions gracefully lies in your preparation. Begin by thoroughly understanding and internalizing your message, making sure you can deliver it with confidence regardless of the direction the conversation takes.

Identify your central message, the key points that support your argument, and the clear message you want your audience to take away. This clarity will serve as a foundation for your delivery and enable you to adapt your responses to any question that may be posed to you.

Anticipating Challenges

Even with thorough preparation, there may be moments when an unexpected or challenging question throws you off. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track:

Be Ready with Beacons: Plan some core themes or 'beacons' that you can refer back to in case the conversation veers off course. These pre-planned ideas will help you guide the discussion back to your main points.

Redirecting the Conversation: If a question appears to be unrelated, you can often redirect the conversation with a strategic question. For instance, if someone challenges your premise, you can ask for specific evidence or a detailed explanation of their argument. This not only buys you time to gather your thoughts but also engages the listener in active thinking.

Engaging Through Social Media: In some cases, it may be best to redirect the conversation to a more appropriate platform, such as social media or email. This allows you to continue the discussion in a way that is less disruptive to the main event, while still engaging with your audience. For example, you can say, 'That's a great question but there's no short answer and I want to keep us focused on the conference theme of XYZ. Tag me on LinkedIn with your question and let's see what our followers have to say about it.'

Example from Experience

One of my talks was about lasting happiness, a topic that can be deeply personal. If someone had asked an out-of-the-box question, I could have brought them back to the themes of fulfillment, self-awareness, and living in alignment with one's values, purpose, and vision.

Another approach is to use their challenge as a teachable moment. If they are presenting a counterexample, like a business that folded or a sports team that lost the championship, you can redirect the discussion with a leading question. For example, 'What could they have done differently?' This keeps the conversation focused and encourages critical thinking.

Conclusion

Handling unexpected questions can be a superb opportunity to deepen the audience's understanding and engagement with your message. By staying prepared, using strategic responses, and redirecting the conversation where necessary, you can maintain control and ensure that your message remains at the forefront.

Remember, the goal is to stay focused and effective, even in the face of unexpected challenges. With these strategies, you can approach any audience with confidence and leave a lasting impression.