Post presentation questions are often a traumatic experience.This presentation is an attempt to make things simpler by identifying the potential inquisitors.

1. Power Point Presentations:
How to react to post presentation
questions?
PINAKI ROY

2. That awful feeling…..
You’ve just finished your presentation & are
brimming with satisfaction when a hand in the
audience suddenly goes up.
You really can’t see the face ‘cos it’s a bit dark but a
piercing voice dripping in sarcasm drawls “ Maan,
you really went overboard. You spoke on
everything but the main topic”?
Some sniggers follow.
You wish you were never born.

3. The way ahead….
• I’m sure most of us have
faced such situations
(maybe in milder forms) but
the inner feeling is just the
same.
• This presentation is an
effort on how to cope
through such miseries &
react accordingly.
• This may not be the
panacea for all presentation
ills, but may help dampen
that nasty feeling.
Lets first try to identify
these potential ‘question
mongers’ before learning
how to size up such
irritants.

4. Faces of the Inquisitors
• They come in all shapes and
sizes but their expressions are
the give away. Waiting for
your turn to speak is the right
time to assess the potential
inquisitors.
• The serious type on the first
row seen taking occasional
notes, the guy with a flashy
tie and pompous looks, the
shy & timid one clutching
onto some papers, the loud &
raucous sitting with
outstretched arms – are the
types to keep your eyes on.

5. The Prof….
• These are the serious, nononsense first row types, who
really listen. Keep an eye on
them (especially if they are
taking notes), as a question or
two is likely.
• Their questions are always
relevant seeking further
clarification on your topic.
• Only if you know the correct
answer respond or else
politely say that you are
unsure and shall get back (by
taking his/her mail i.d during
the break).
Once you get the i.d make it
a point to seek the answer
& mail it across, because in
case the person attends
another presentation of
yours, then God forbid.
Another point: never fib for
you’ll be mauled.

6. The over smart alecs..
• These are the pompous types,
walk with a swagger and love their
own voice. They’ll ask any odd
question & look around to see
whether others have noticed.
• The best way to deal with them is
to pose a question in return.
• Maybe this example shall make it
clear.
A noted psychiatrist was speaking
at an academic function.
'Would you mind telling me, Doc,‘ our
Smart Alec asked, 'how do you detect
Mental Deficiency in somebody who
appears completely normal?‘
Smiling all over he sits down.
Doc replies…
‘I ask a simple question which anyone
should answer with no trouble. If the
person hesitates, that is the signal.’
'What sort of question?‘ posed our
man. Well, you might ask, 'Captain
Cook made three trips around the
world and died during one of them.
Which trip was it?'‘
Totally stumped our man stutters ‘I
must confess doc, I don't know much
about history. Do you happen to have
another example?’

7. The Know Alls….
• These are the self conceited
types, who feel that they have
done everyone a favor by
attending the talk as they
actually know everything.
• They’ll generally pick upon a
slide and make a statement
( asking questions is below their
dignity) with the intention to
humiliate the speaker and make
others realize their intelligence.
• No worry, their own questions
are often their undoing.
• Maybe this shall explain.
‘Geez ,’ says our guy, ‘that slide of
yours showing a woman with a nose
ring attached to an earring by a
chain, was awful. The ear would rip
out every time she turns her head!’
When explained that a person's
nose and ear remain the same
distance apart no matter which way
the head is turned
He turned purple…

8. The Perennial Pest….
This guy is a different kettle of fish.
Over pampered in childhood he
grew up as an obstinate brat &
remained the same since. His
employers send them to all seminars
so that calm prevails in office during
his absence.
Unruly & often foul mouthed he
schemes to floor all speakers with
irrelevant questions. He’ll even
interrupt while you try to answer
his question.
The secret of dealing with such
pests is not to panic. Look
them in the eye and answer
their questions. In case they
interrupt, just smile & say
‘ Look friend, I've just got one
nerve left, and you're getting
on it’.
If he continues interrupting tell
him ‘Keep asking, I’ll wait till
you say something bright!’

9. Mamma’s Boy…
Timid & shy he grew up under
an overprotective mother
followed by a dominating
wife & an abrasive boss.
Directed to ask questions at
all seminars he squirms when
asked to attend one.
His questions are almost
apologetic, emanating out of
a feeble stutter .
Have a heart for these poor
devils, hear them patiently &
answer their queries.
Word of caution: Never ask
them to repeat their question
because they just might faint.

10. As we wrap up just remember…
• Post Presentation answering is like getting into
a bath tub. After you get used to it, it ain't so
hot.
If you’re still at the receiving end don't feel
bad. A lot of people have no talent.