Why use questions?
- helps audience reflect on their own situations/feeling/lives
- makes your presentation sound conversational as in a dialogue bewteen two
- creates a connection between you and them as Q&A results in an energy exchange
- holds their interest if you genuinely demonstrate an interest in their answers
When use questions? Use 4T’s to Connection!
- at the beginning - Tap into their minds by asking a question using the word ‘you’ in the singular form, giving the audience time to reflect on an issue going to be discussed i.e."When was the last time you....?" "Who was it that helped. you...?
- then Transport them into your story or situation, inviting them in.i.e "If you had seen me then, you..." or "Had you been there, you would've...
- in the middle - Touch base with them periodically to ensure they are still with you.ie How do you think I was feeling when....?" "Can you relate to that?" "What would you have done, if you...?"
- at the end - give them a Take away question, statement, message, as in: “What about you, when will you…?" or "What will your next step be, now that you….?”
How to use questions? Rhetorical ones or ones when you want answers
- the best kind of rhetorical question, especially at the start, is one of the 5 W’s ( when, where, why, who, what) as it doesn’t result in a mental yes or no answer in the audience’s minds; it actually gets them to reflect.
-:after asking a question...PAUSE (don't step on their thoughts) so they can reflect and realize their own thoughts, opiinions on an issue
- DO NOT ask long questions - split them into short punchy digestible ones using power of 3's
For examples:
"Have you ever experienced a disruptive change process in the workplace?" PAUSE ( likely see nods)
"Was it because of...?" PAUSE
"Was it because of...?" PAUSE
"Or was it because of...?" PAUSE
- Questions to which you want verbal answers:
- audience reluctant to answer openly? Try this teaching tip: first have them discuss question with a partner or in a small group, then have them answer aloud...they will feel more confident after a partner discussion
- want to recap at the end? Have them shout out 1 word answers on your content
NEVER, EVER leave a question and answer period at the end! It's a definite recipe for disaster as they will go off on a different tangent away from your main theme. ALWAYS close with your own hopeful, uplifting, positive note!
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