SPEAK UP!

Experts tell us that many people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death. Whether it’s delivering a sales pitch to one perspective client or customer or delivering the keynote address to a crowd of several hundred total strangers at a conference, talking in public can be intimidating, even terrifying.

Conversely, for some, any opportunity to take the stage can be a signal to get on their soapbox or take an advertising opportunity for their company. This fear of, or over-exuberance for, speaking in public can, unfortunately, even extend to asking questions of the speaker during question and answer times during or at the end of presentations.

If you have ever felt hesitant to raise your hand and ask your question in public, here are a few hints that will help you to be more relaxed, appropriate, and confident:

Form Your Question in Your Mind

1. Be sure that you know exactly what you want to ask before raising your hand.
2. Remember that good etiquette requires that you ask only one question.
3. Try to keep the question as short and uncomplicated as possible.
4. Remember, this is not the time for you to give a speech, so get right to the question.
5. Avoid asking questions that may embarrass the speaker or the audience. Unless you are an investigative reporter, that is simply rude.

When the Speaker Acknowledges You

6. After the speaker calls on you, stand, take a deep breath, and make eye contact with the speaker.
7. Be sure the audience is quiet before starting to speak.
8. In a large audience, there may be a microphone, so wait for it before asking your question.

Asking Your Question

9. Start with, “Thank you for taking my question.””
10. Introduce yourself briefly, “I’m Beth Strange from Beth Strange Image Consulting. I would like to ask . . .””
11. Speak loudly enough for not only the speaker but the other members of the audience to hear.
12. After asking your question, sit down and listen to the answer. This is not the time for a dialogue with the speaker.

Following these simple guidelines will allow you to ask your pertinent question appropriately, receive valuable information, and be respected by your business colleagues.