How can you handle questions that reveal gaps or errors in your presentation?

Giving a presentation can be a rewarding and challenging experience, but it can also expose you to some tough questions from your audience. Sometimes, these questions might reveal gaps or errors in your research, data, logic, or delivery. How can you handle these situations without losing credibility, confidence, or respect? Here are some tips to help you deal with questions that put you on the spot.

1 Acknowledge the question

The first thing you should do when you face a question that reveals a gap or error in your presentation is to acknowledge it. Don't ignore it, dismiss it, or get defensive. Thank the person for raising the issue, and show that you appreciate their feedback and interest. This will help you maintain a positive and respectful tone, and avoid escalating the situation.

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2 Clarify the question

The next thing you should do is to clarify the question and make sure you understand what the person is asking. Sometimes, questions might be vague, ambiguous, or loaded, and you might need to ask for more details, examples, or evidence. Clarifying the question will help you avoid misinterpreting or misrepresenting the person's point, and give you some time to think of a response.

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3 Admit your limitations

The third thing you should do is to admit your limitations and be honest about what you know and what you don't know. Don't try to bluff, lie, or make up an answer on the spot. This will only damage your credibility and trustworthiness. Instead, acknowledge the gap or error in your presentation, and explain why it occurred, how it affects your argument, and what you can do to address it. For example, you might say that you overlooked a source, made a calculation mistake, or used outdated information, and that you will revise your presentation accordingly.

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4 Redirect the question

The fourth thing you should do is to redirect the question and link it back to your main message or objective. Don't let the question derail your presentation or distract you from your purpose. Instead, use it as an opportunity to reinforce your key points, highlight your strengths, or provide additional information. For example, you might say that the question raises an important issue, but that it is beyond the scope of your presentation, and that you can discuss it further after the session.

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Simran Chopra

Final Year PhD Student @ University of Potsdam | Molecular and Experimental Nutritional Medicine Researcher
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In my experience as a Ph.D. student, there are often times when questions are asked where out of your knowledge capacity. However, in these situations admitting to your limitations is equally as important as demonstrating your strengths by interpreting the question with the knowledge you have and thereby showing that you can think on your feet. I believe this is better than just saying "I don't know".

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5 Follow up on the question

The fifth thing you should do is to follow up on the question and show that you care about resolving it. Don't leave the question hanging or unresolved. Instead, promise to get back to the person with more information, resources, or solutions, and make sure you do so. This will show that you are responsible, reliable, and responsive, and that you value your audience's input and feedback.

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Simran Chopra

Final Year PhD Student @ University of Potsdam | Molecular and Experimental Nutritional Medicine Researcher
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I think this is very important as it shows you care about their opinion and also portrays that you care about your project. This can also be the bases for further discussions regarding the project and thereby you can generate more ideas through different perspectives.

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6 Learn from the question

The sixth thing you should do is to learn from the question and use it as a chance to improve your presentation skills. Don't take the question personally or negatively. Instead, take it as a constructive criticism, a challenge, or a learning opportunity. Reflect on what you did well and what you can do better, and seek feedback from others. This will help you grow as a presenter, and avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Directory

How can you handle questions that reveal gaps or errors in your presentation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge the question

2 Clarify the question

3 Admit your limitations

4 Redirect the question

5 Follow up on the question

6 Learn from the question

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Presentations

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Directory

How can you handle questions that reveal gaps or errors in your presentation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge the question

2 Clarify the question

3 Admit your limitations

4 Redirect the question

5 Follow up on the question

6 Learn from the question

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Presentations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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