Page 33 - 2_studijní opora - modul 8ANG

presentation, try to relate the question back to the main points (“As I said in my
presentation,...”, “You surely remember the scheme I presented. .....”).

Actually, repetition of the question is always recommended from a different point
of view. It´ll not only make you sure that you have understood, but also enables
all the others to hear it and last but not least, it will give you several seconds to
think the answer over. Getting time is always very important, so it is very good to
make a pause before every answer, even if you know it immediately. Thus, the
responses where you hesitate won´t seem so uncertain.

Also fillers (“well”, “OK”, ...) will help you here if you pronounce them
automatically and in that time you can concentrate on answer preparation.
Sometimes the filling phrase can be longer, like “Oh, this is a good question, thank
you very much”, but be careful you compliment each questioner (of course the
phrases will not be exactly the same!), otherwise they´ll have the feeling that their
question was not good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwAwldXDanw (Sample Presentation:

When you don't know an answer – 5:48)

A major point is that the presenter should always maintain control of the session.
So if somebody asks you about something which is not directly connected to the
topic, refuse it politely, don´t digress. In your answers be firm and assertive, but
never aggressive or defensive. Avoid circumstances for which you could be sorry
later. Keep cool if a questioner disagrees with you. You should behave like
a professional. No matter how hard you try, not everyone in the world will agree
with you!
If a questioner becomes provoking, try to get the audience on your side and
remind him/her of the goal of your presentation. Don´t start quarrels, don´t
involve negative emotions.

Answers should be neither very short, nor very long. If they are too short, they
seem impolite, while in long answers you (or the audience) can get lost. This is
always improvisation and much more difficult to be structured immediately. This
needs some practice.

An important point – don´t pretend, be honest: if you can´t answer the question,
say so and promise to obtain additional information and get in touch with the
person later. You can say something like “This is a very good question.
Unfortunately, I have never thought about the issue from this point of view. If you
don’t mind, we can exchange our contacts during the break and I will inform
you as soon as possible.”

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From the beginner to the mentor (Supporting strategies of education of teachers in Zlin region)
Fund of Educational Policy project, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports