Page 84 - PUBLIC SPEAKING_Neat

Some significant points that may sufficiently help to handle this situation are:
1. Be prepared.
This is the very beginning step to win this session. We should consider the
possible questions that may arise along the session and prepare the answer all at
once or make a trial speech to some friends and ask them to give us questions.

2. Stay in control is also important.
If we lose the control of the speech, our audiences may lose their interest to
the speech and will have a poor image of us as a speaker. Avoid silence and try as
good as possible to answer every question. We can start answering the questions
by using some expressions to state our opinion and can further clarify the answers
by using the expressions as follows:
Giving your opinion Asking for someone’s opinion
I think... / I don’t think ... Do you agree?
I believe... / I don’t believe ... What do you think?
In my opinion, What do you think about ... (this)?
For me, … Do you think that’s right?
Personally, I think ... What’s your view?
From my point of view … Are you OK with that?

To my mind, …
I have no doubt that …
It’s quite clear that …
Taken and adapted from: http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/speaking-exams/opinions

3. Check the answer.
Question may be too long or too short. It is advisable to make sure that the
questioner satisfied with the answer. As an appropriate manner, checking it by
asking “Does it answer your question?” after we give your answer.

4. Prime the pump.
If no question is asked, we can “prime the pump” by asking a question. Say, “A
question I’m often asked is….” Ask the question and then answer it. If there are
then no questions, you can finish with “Are there any other questions?” Some of
the enthusiasm for your presentation is lost if you have no questions from the
audience. Usually, “priming the pump” will motivate audience members to ask
questions.

5. End the question and answer session.
By the end of the session, we should show a signal to end up the session.
Below are some possible expressions.
 If there is no question, I’ll finish here. Thank you very much.
 I’m afraid that’s all the time we have. Thank you.
 I’m sorry to say we’ve run out of time. Thank you.
 That’s all for today. Thank you for your presence.

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