cover of episode 193. Conquer questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers

193. Conquer questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers

2025/3/25
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Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
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Matt Abrahams: 我在斯坦福商学院教授战略沟通，我知道许多人在问答环节感到焦虑和紧张。这章节将分享一些技巧，帮助大家在问答环节更加自信从容。首先，在演讲前，要提前思考可能被问到的问题，并练习如何回答。这可以帮助减少焦虑。对于新手演讲者，建议在演讲结束后再进行问答环节；而经验丰富的演讲者或主题复杂的演讲，可以在演讲过程中预留时间进行问答。在问答环节开始时，要明确说明你希望回答哪类问题，以引导观众提问，并控制问答的节奏。 此外，要意识到观众在问答环节也可能感到紧张，所以要留出时间让观众思考和组织问题，如果没有人提问，可以自己先提一个问题。在收集问题时，可以优先处理一些问题，例如在线提问中标记重要问题；在面对面演讲中，可以请观众将问题写在纸上或通过短信、推特等方式提交，以便更好地管理问题。也可以先收集所有问题，再按顺序或优先级回答。 回答问题时，先复述问题，这可以帮助你确认问题，赢得时间，并重新调整问题。回答问题时，要面向全体观众，保持与演讲时相同的风格。可以使用ADD方法：Answer（回答问题），Detail（详细说明），Describe（描述好处），这有助于观众理解你的答案。最后，在问答环节结束前，要重申核心信息，避免仓促结束。做好准备工作可以显著减少问答环节的紧张感，让你在问答环节更加自信从容。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter explores the common fear many speakers have about Q&A sessions and offers strategies for shifting one's mindset to view Q&A as an opportunity. It discusses the importance of preparation, including practicing answers and considering when to take questions.
  • Many speakers find the Q&A portion of a presentation nerve-wracking.
  • Taking questions at the end is recommended for novice speakers.
  • Seasoned speakers might take questions at designated times during the presentation.

Shownotes Transcript

Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.

A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out), he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a tough crowd or just want to refine your speaking skills, you’ll walk away with the confidence to command the room—no matter the question.

Audio excerpt based on Speaking Up without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams (printed book by Kendall Hunt Publishing 2016), read by the author. Copyright 2024 by Matthew Abrahams LLC.

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Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction

  • (01:36) - The Challenge of Q&A

  • (03:07) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance

  • (03:47) - When to Take Questions

  • (04:36) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively

  • (05:39) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A

  • (06:54) - Managing Questions Efficiently

  • (07:55) - Answering Questions with Confidence

  • (09:08) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions

  • (10:21) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact

  • (11:15) - Conclusion

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