Mrs Mary Atkins

Question time

This advice and more can be found in Finding Your Voice:

Unless questioners use a microphone, always repeat the question so that the broader audience can hear it.

If you do not know the answer to a question, don't waffle as you try to regain ground. Admit that you do not know the answer. Suggest the person sees you after the presentation and you will take their details and if possible get back to them with an answer.

If the questioner is antagonistic, be courteous but firm. If someone is looking for a confrontation you need to nip it in the bud as quickly as possible. Don't try to justify your position; simply, and pleasantly agree to differ.

Be aware of time, as it will literally take wings, during question time. Ask the emcee to manage question time for you by identifying speakers and watching the clock.

Mrs Mary Atkins, Speaker and Author.

Stick to the brief

This advice and more can be found in Finding Your Voice:

The effectiveness of the speaker's brief plays a major part in the overall success of this style of speaking assignment. The style and content of the program is directed by the conference objectives. The major objective of any conference is to achieve an organic and dynamic program that will attract delegates and meet the needs of their organisation. Organisers look for speakers with a depth of knowledge in their particular field, who have the ability to deliver each of the selected elements of the program. Therefore you need to read and digest the brief thoroughly. If you have any concerns or different thoughts about the direction of the brief, you must discuss them with the organiser. They might be able to satisfy your concerns and accommodate any changes, if this does not compromise the integrity of what they are trying to achieve. Speakers who do not understand the value of stickng to the brief put themselves at risk of being seen as less credible. Mrs Mary Atkins, Speaker and Author.

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