284 13.7 Delivering Your Speech
Don’t make the issue personal. Even if the hostile questioner has made
you the villain, don’t attack the person who asked the question. Keep
the conversation focused on issues, not on personalities.
Get to the heart of the issue. Respond directly to a hostile question.
Consider restating the evidence that you presented in your speech. Or
provide new insights to support your position.
• When you don’t know, admit it. If you’ve been asked a question to which you
don’t know the answer, just say so. You can promise to find out more infor-
mation and then get back to the person later. (If you make such a promise,
follow through on it. Ask for the person’s business card or email address at
the end of the Q & A session.)
• Be brief. Even if you have anticipated questions and have a double-barreled
talk, make your answers short and to the point.
• Use organizational signposts. Quickly organize your responses. If you have
two responses to a question, let your listeners know it. Then use a verbal
signpost (a statement that clues your audience in to how you’re organizing
your message) by saying, “I have two responses. First... .” When you get to
your second point, say, “My second point is... .” These signposts will both
help you to stay organized and impress your listeners with your clarity.
• Indicate when the Q & A period is concluding. Tell your audience, “I have time
for two more questions.” Let them know that the Q & A session will soon
conclude. Even if you have someone helping you to moderate the discus-
sion, you should remain in charge of concluding the session.