HOW TO
How to keep your event Q&A from becoming a soapbox circus
The Q&A session introduces unknowns to an event. One minute you’re standing by for a thoughtful question and the next, it’s open mic night. It’s meant to be the cherry on top of your conference sundae, but too often, the Q&A turns into a sticky mess of off-topic rants and unsolicited TED talks. Let’s bring it back from the brink.
1. Use a pre-Q&A slide
Set the boundaries before the mic even leaves the stand by using a slide that shares some version of this: “Brief Questions, Not Life Confessions”. Use copy that suits your event and complement the slide with a gentle but firm explanation about having limited time to answer relevant questions.
2. The polite cut-off
If you’re delivering the talk or keynote, you’re on a pedestal of sorts. You don’t want to come across as a mic-hungry meanie. But if someone kicks off a long-winded opinion instead of asking an actual question, you can answer with, “I’m hearing a lot of good points, but what’s your question?”
3. The 20-second rule
If they can’t ask it in 20 seconds, it’s over. Set a time limit and use a cheeky sound effect or bell when they exceed it. There’s nothing like an obnoxious alarm to remind people they aren’t attending a presidential debate.
4. Stack the deck
Plant a few audience members with sharp, relevant questions to set the standard. Then, top it off by voicing how impressed you are with those questions.
5. Catch the rabbit
We all know people who start with questions but quickly drag the audience down a philosophical rabbit-hole. If you get a whiff of this happening, reel the rabbit back in.
6. Reward the brave
Offer a small prize for the sharpest question of the day. Trust us, nothing motivates obedience (and discourages disobedience) like a little public recognition.
7. One and done
One question per person and that’s it. This need not be your actual rule but choose something like it. No follow-ups, no elaborations, no diary entries. And if someone tries to sneak a second helping, don’t be afraid to channel your inner game show host: “One question, folks! Who’s next?”
8. Close with a bang
Pre-select a concise, thought-provoking question to wrap things up. You get to decide on your event’s lasting impression, not the guy who’s on a publicly declared mission to remove pineapple from every pizza on earth, always.
9. The power of “no”
Beware dud questions that are either off-topic, too niche, scarily technical or just plain weird. If you see it coming, pull the plug and say, “Great question, but not quite relevant for today’s forum. Next.”
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EYES ON
WE, THE PURPLE
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