Chinese proverb:

One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.

 

 

Nobody likes looking like or feeling like a fool –

not you, not me and not our audiences either,

so we understand very well, the urge to avoid asking.

Still, as speakers, we don’t want our audiences to be fools either.

So … two things …

One  If there is a chance that Q & A will add to the life improvements or wisdom of your audience that you may have overlooked in your presentation, or you have some other reason for holding Q & A, then encourage them all you can

and

Two Set things up so that your audience can ask questions in a way that is safe for them.

If you would like to learn more about confident, effective use of Q & A, try these …

Q & A – What to say if you don’t know the answer

Your Question and Answer Session – 3 ways to set yourself and your audience up for success

How to stop a boorish Q&A Hog in 3 easy steps

In the Line of Fire: how to handle tough questions when it counts