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Sample answer:
A presenter may have to deal with such difficult questions, but he or she should al-
ways have patience and presence of mind. He or she must always remember that
things can be settled in a peaceful way, so he or she must not get into a long-winded
discussion or argument. If the presenter and the one who asked the question have
more to talk about; they can do it after the presentation.

3. During a presentation, have you ever been asked a question that you cannot
answer?

Sample answer:
Yes. I felt embarrassed and broke into a cold sweat, but I tried to get past such feelings.
I just answered honestly that unfortunately, I don’t know the answer but I would try to
find out. I hope it doesn’t happen again so I always try to know my topic backwards
and forwards.

1. You were doing a presentation, when a member of the audience raises his
hand to ask a question. He can’t ask a simple question and rambles on about
comments on your presentation then proceeds to some inappropriate topic.
What should you do?

Sample answer:
I know that both the audience and I have limited time and I don’t think either of us is
interested in what he is saying. Therefore, I will try to make him get to the point. I will
ask him if he has a question and I hope that he will take the hint. If he does not, then
I will try to soothe his ego while getting him to stop. I’ll say that I find what he’s saying
interesting but we don’t have time for a full discussion right now. If he wants I’ll be
happy to talk with him some more after the presentation.

2. Your company is holding a press conference for the launch of your new prod-
uct. As it has happened before, you are expecting that the reporters will be
eager to ask about controversial issues, which are not exactly relevant. What
do you recommend?

Sample answer:
I think we should be prepared in the event that the reporters will try to get some
scoop. They will probably be asking about controversial issues. We have to remain
calm and in control no matter how much they try to get us flustered. Let us just stick
to our decision. If they are persistent, let us just be polite but firm in refusing to com-
ment on topics, which are irrelevant. Let us keep in mind our purpose for conducting
this press conference.

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