Tip #79: Handling a question about a topic you are not ready to cover

The Challenge: Someone asks a question that you do not want to cover until you have provided some preliminary basic information.

Possible Approaches: Thank the person for asking the question and indicate it will be covered at a specific time later in the day; offer to answer the question at break; and, if the person absolutely cannot wait and continues to ask the question in different ways, provide a basic response that will not confuse the rest of the group.

It may minimize premature questions if you provide an overview of the agenda and then offer a “parking lot” (a labeled flip chart on which participants can place sticky notes with their questions). The “parking lot” flip chart can provide a designated space for questions related to each specific topic area. As long as you review the” parking lot” frequently and address the questions when they pertain, the participants will not mind waiting for their answers.

Another option is to simply provide sticky notes so that participants can jot down their questions as they arise. This may alleviate their need to ask them quickly, before they forget them..

If the participants know you will ask for questions after you present each new topic or concept, they may be more comfortable holding their questions until that time.

Sometimes a participant will ask a question simply to demonstrate that s/he is knowledgeable about the topic. In that event, acknowledge the participant’s expertise and ask that s/he assist you by providing definitions or examples when you get to that point in the lesson.

Related Posts

uw-platteville

Two new virtual business workshops for Spring 2023

Presentation Skills: Learn to be informative and persuasive.
8:30-4:00 pm,  4/26/2023

Register here

Six Steps to Yes: Acquire instant influence in a virtual world.
8:30 – 12:30pm, 3/28/2023

Register here

 

It doesn’t have to be difficult to Deal with Difficult People.

In this course you will define the behavioral characteristics and underlying needs of difficult people, assess situations in which you effectively handled a difficult person, review five steps for handling difficult people Laurel & Associates now offers courses through Teachable. Learn at your own pace.

Share This Post