Q&A: After the Presentation

ENC 3254 Writing and Speaking for Engineers - Honors

Why have Q&A?

Reinforce the message Clarify the message Like a presentation after the presentation.

Reinforce the Message

Tell your intentions– Let the audience know you’ll have a question and

answer period.

Prime the pump– Motivate your audience to ask questions

Begin by asking “Are there any questions?”

Tips for Answering Questions

Repeat the Question– This allows you to make sure you understand the

question and the audience to clearly hear the question.

– DO NOT only look at the questioner…look at the whole audience.

Tips for Answering Questions

Be concise– Don’t want to relive the speech– Don’t want to bore the audience

Don’t praise questions– You’ll isolate other questioners– Could inhibit questions

Tips for Answering Questions

Maintain Control– You control the speaking situation– Don’t let questioners speak too long– Keep the pace moving– PLAN AHEAD!

Tips for Answering Questions

Loaded Question– Intended to mess you up– Diffuse the question

Comment instead of Question– Don’t allow comment to take too long– Long comments take away from other questions.

Question and Answer

Two Presentations:– Formal– Question and Answer period

Keep some elements of the formal presentation

Your Q&A Assignment

Audience Groups:

1) Transportation & Parking Advisory Committee (TPAC)2) Preservation of Historic Buildings & Sites Committee (PHBSC)3) Lake, Vegetation, & Landscape Committee (LVLC)4) Land Use & Facilities Planning Committee (LUFPC)5) UF Students, Alumni, & Gainesville Citizens (SAG)

Decide on Q&A format.-Be as directive or free flowing as desired.