Let’s talk about a situation we’ve all encountered at some point: What do you do when someone throws a curveball question that’s completely unrelated to your presentation, threatening to send it on a wild tangent? On the one hand, you want to answer their question because you don’t want to come across as dismissive or arrogant. But on the other hand, if you answer their question in detail, you’re going to derail your presentation and lose your audience’s attention. So, what do you do?
If someone in the audience drops a question that’s off-topic in the middle of your presentation you can ask them to address that question later on in your presentation. Or you can also invite them to address the questions after your presentation.
Does it sound a little confusing? Don’t worry, we´ll go a little more in-depth
Addressing the question later on in your presentation
The first tactic to consider is deferral. This is a tactful way to handle questions that are unrelated to your current topic or could potentially disrupt the flow of your presentation. When you receive an unrelated question, begin by acknowledging the inquiry. Show appreciation for the question and the curiosity of the person asking. This helps maintain a positive and respectful tone.
If you’re going to address that question later on in the presentation, say so. Communicate your plan to address the question but at a later point in your presentation. This sets expectations for both the person asking the question and the rest of the audience. Also, politely ask for the person’s agreement to defer the response. This ensures that you can proceed with your presentation without getting sidetracked. Most people will agree, understanding that their question will be addressed shortly.
It’s like saying,
“I hear you, and I’ll get to that in about five minutes. Can we revisit your question then? Is that okay with you?”
This way you demonstrate your commitment to engaging with the audience while also ensuring that your key points are delivered in a structured and effective manner.
Addressing the questions after your presentation
Sometimes, questions can wander far from the scope of your presentation. In such cases, it’s perfectly acceptable to kindly state that the question is beyond the current scope. In this case, gently communicate that the question falls outside the current scope of your presentation. This is not about avoiding the question but maintaining focus for the benefit of the broader audience.
But here’s the key to turning this into a win-win situation: Extend an invitation to the curious soul to discuss it further after the presentation and invite everyone else in the room to stick around and listen. That second part is super important because it’ll show that you’re not afraid of the question.
This dual-step approach sends a clear message that you’re not dodging their query but maintaining focus for the benefit of the audience. It also showcases your willingness to engage with your audience outside the presentation space.
To sum up, escaping off-topic questions can be a delicate art. You don’t want to come across as rude or dismissive. So, this way you can gracefully extricate yourself from these situations while maintaining your professionalism and ensuring a smooth presentation flow.
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