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

193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers

2025/3/25
logo of podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
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Matt Abrahams
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Matt Abrahams: 我在斯坦福商学院教授战略沟通，我发现许多人在演讲结束后面对问答环节时会感到紧张不安。这其实是可以克服的。在本书《Speaking Up Without Freaking Out》中，我分享了一些技巧，可以帮助你更自信地应对问答环节。首先，在演讲前，你需要花时间思考可能会被问到的问题，并提前准备好答案。这包括进行一些预先调查，例如询问与你的目标受众相似的人，查阅常见问题列表等等。准备好答案后，你需要练习如何表达这些答案，而不是仅仅思考如何回答。 在演讲中，你需要考虑何时进行问答环节。对于新手演讲者来说，最好在演讲结束后再进行问答环节。而对于经验丰富的演讲者或者演讲内容非常复杂的演讲者，可以在演讲过程中预留时间进行问答。 征求听众提问的方式也很重要。不要使用过于笼统的提问方式，例如“有什么问题吗？”，而应该明确指出希望听众提出哪一类型的问题。例如，“我想花5到10分钟来回答关于我刚才提供的解决方案的问题。” 在问答环节中，听众也可能会感到焦虑，因为他们担心问蠢问题，或者担心影响你的形象。你需要帮助听众克服这种焦虑。例如，预留时间让听众思考问题，或者自己准备一个问题来引导。在收集问题时，你可以优先处理一些问题，或者让其他人帮忙筛选问题。在面对面演讲时，可以请听众将问题写在纸上，或者通过短信或推特发送，以便更好地管理问题。 回答问题时，应该先复述问题，这可以帮助确保回答正确的问题，并给提问者以肯定和鼓励。你还可以重新表述一些情绪化或具有挑战性的问题，使其更易于回答。面对面回答问题时，应该面向全体听众，并保持与演讲时相同的表达风格。 为了帮助听众理解你的答案，可以使用ADD方法：A（Answer）回答问题，D（Detail）提供具体的例子，D（Describe）描述好处。最后，在问答环节结束前，应该重申核心信息，感谢听众。通过准备和练习，你可以增强在问答环节中的自信和掌控力。

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This chapter explores the challenges of Q&A sessions and offers strategies to manage the anxiety associated with transitioning from a monologue to a dialogue. It emphasizes the importance of preparation, including anticipating potential questions and practicing answers, and suggests taking questions at the end for novice speakers or at designated times for more experienced speakers.
  • Many speakers find the Q&A portion of presentations nerve-wracking.
  • Taking questions at the end of the presentation is recommended for beginners.
  • Seasoned speakers can 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

  • (02:02) - The Challenge of Q&A

  • (03:00) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance

  • (03:40) - When to Take Questions

  • (04:29) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively

  • (05:32) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A

  • (06:47) - Managing Questions Efficiently

  • (07:48) - Answering Questions with Confidence

  • (09:01) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions

  • (10:14) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact

  • (11:08) - Conclusion

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