Handling Q & A: Should You Say “Good Question”?
By Alexander Lyon, Ph.D.
Question and answer sessions often involve much more interaction than our prepared presentations. Q&A involves a delicate back-and-forth balance that requires social agility on the part of the presenter.
For instance, I’m often asked if a presenter should say, “Good question,” before responding. This question reflects a nuanced appreciation for how even small behaviors can influence the way others perceive us. The short answer is “yes.” It is occasionally acceptable to say “good question.” However, the issue deserves further explanation and a discussion of some alternatives.
We may want to say this phrase for a few good reasons--to acknowledge the importance of the question, to communicate our respect for the person who asked it, and to begin our answer on an affirmative note. These are all excellent motivations. Each reflects a supportive disposition toward the interaction that will likely set a positive relational tone.
I personally recommend responding with “good question” if we truly feel a good question was asked, not merely to flatter an audience. The biggest issue with this phrase is overuse. It can sound insincere or robotic if we respond to multiple questions in the same way regardless of what was asked. For these reasons, I recommend using this response no more than once during a Q&A period.
We can begin our answers in other ways that will still communicate respect, build rapport, and buy us a moment to think.
1) We can substitute other phrases. Equivalents that I’ve heard seasoned presenters use include “You raise an important issue,” “I’m glad you asked about this,” “You highlight an interesting point,” etc. I’ve even heard speakers say “Thank you for your question” and then respond. The exact phrases we use are not too important. Our word choice is really an issue of personal style and comfort. I recommend that presenters develop their own list of 3 to 5 natural ways to say the same thing as “good question.” Of course, even the most varied responses can sound overly coached if we say something like this to every question. Only say it if you mean it.
2) To show respect, we can say the questioner’s name, if we know it, at the end of our initial response, as in “You raise an important issue, Mike.” At the end of a sentence, a person’s name sound respectful and inviting. This is the way people talk to us in normal conversation. In general, we should not use the person’s name at the beginning of our response. This can sound too deliberate and even demeaning to some people. Similarly, we should not overuse a person’s name. Saying the name once adds a touch of respect; saying it multiple times sounds artificial, if not manipulative.
3) We can build a lot of good will and connect with our audiences through nonverbal cues. For example, we can nod affirmatively at the tail end of a question. We can smile to show the questioner that he or she has brought up an important topic. I’ve seen a familiar and encouraging facial expression from skilled presenters. When asked an interesting question, presenters sometimes smile with an open mouth as they tilt their heads up as if they’re realizing the significance of the issue the questioner brought to light. It looks like they are saying “Ah!” with their face. This nonverbally says “good question” without having to say the words. We should also make direct eye contact while the person is asking the question and occasionally return to him or her during our answer. Nonverbal cues like these signal respect and support that will strengthen a presenter’s connection with an audience during Q&A.
Veteran presenters know that they can distinguish themselves and build their credibility during a good Q&A session. We should devote about as much practice to handling questions as we do to our prepared presentations.
Dr. Alexander Lyon is a professor and professional speaker and can be reached via www.alexanderlyon.com
By Alexander Lyon, Ph.D.
Question and answer sessions often involve much more interaction than our prepared presentations. Q&A involves a delicate back-and-forth balance that requires social agility on the part of the presenter.
For instance, I’m often asked if a presenter should say, “Good question,” before responding. This question reflects a nuanced appreciation for how even small behaviors can influence the way others perceive us. The short answer is “yes.” It is occasionally acceptable to say “good question.” However, the issue deserves further explanation and a discussion of some alternatives.
We may want to say this phrase for a few good reasons--to acknowledge the importance of the question, to communicate our respect for the person who asked it, and to begin our answer on an affirmative note. These are all excellent motivations. Each reflects a supportive disposition toward the interaction that will likely set a positive relational tone.
I personally recommend responding with “good question” if we truly feel a good question was asked, not merely to flatter an audience. The biggest issue with this phrase is overuse. It can sound insincere or robotic if we respond to multiple questions in the same way regardless of what was asked. For these reasons, I recommend using this response no more than once during a Q&A period.
We can begin our answers in other ways that will still communicate respect, build rapport, and buy us a moment to think.
1) We can substitute other phrases. Equivalents that I’ve heard seasoned presenters use include “You raise an important issue,” “I’m glad you asked about this,” “You highlight an interesting point,” etc. I’ve even heard speakers say “Thank you for your question” and then respond. The exact phrases we use are not too important. Our word choice is really an issue of personal style and comfort. I recommend that presenters develop their own list of 3 to 5 natural ways to say the same thing as “good question.” Of course, even the most varied responses can sound overly coached if we say something like this to every question. Only say it if you mean it.
2) To show respect, we can say the questioner’s name, if we know it, at the end of our initial response, as in “You raise an important issue, Mike.” At the end of a sentence, a person’s name sound respectful and inviting. This is the way people talk to us in normal conversation. In general, we should not use the person’s name at the beginning of our response. This can sound too deliberate and even demeaning to some people. Similarly, we should not overuse a person’s name. Saying the name once adds a touch of respect; saying it multiple times sounds artificial, if not manipulative.
3) We can build a lot of good will and connect with our audiences through nonverbal cues. For example, we can nod affirmatively at the tail end of a question. We can smile to show the questioner that he or she has brought up an important topic. I’ve seen a familiar and encouraging facial expression from skilled presenters. When asked an interesting question, presenters sometimes smile with an open mouth as they tilt their heads up as if they’re realizing the significance of the issue the questioner brought to light. It looks like they are saying “Ah!” with their face. This nonverbally says “good question” without having to say the words. We should also make direct eye contact while the person is asking the question and occasionally return to him or her during our answer. Nonverbal cues like these signal respect and support that will strengthen a presenter’s connection with an audience during Q&A.
Veteran presenters know that they can distinguish themselves and build their credibility during a good Q&A session. We should devote about as much practice to handling questions as we do to our prepared presentations.
Dr. Alexander Lyon is a professor and professional speaker and can be reached via www.alexanderlyon.com