Executives are one of the toughest audiences you will face as a presenter. Aside from angling your own nerves, executives can often come across as very impatient because their work schedule is jam packed and they are having to spend time listening to a presentation. They are also on a time crunch because they have to make big decisions with little time to weigh the options. For these reasons, they are not likely to sit through a lengthy presentation. It can be frustrating for the presenter because you have a lot to say to them and this might be your only chance. One way to get their attention and make a good impression is by asking questions. Here are a few reasons why it is important to ask questions when presenting to executives.
It Gives You An Opportunity To Discuss The Vision
By asking “What is your vision for our company?†or “How is our product or service better than our competitor?†you are giving the executives a chance to lay out their expectations. This lets you know exactly what the goals are so you can come up with the best way to meet them. Ideally, you can connect the dots between raw data and company vision with short summary statements.
Questions Help You Connect With Your Audience
Questions are a great way to foster audience engagement. When the audience is participating and connecting, they are more likely to remember your presentation. You can do this by asking polling questions where your audience will respond with a show of hands, clapping, standing, etc. You can also do this by asking rhetorical questions that will force your audience to think. Either way, top level execs do not want to be bored with too many facts and figures. They want to feel as though they are getting important bullet points of information by attending your presentation.
It Seems More Conversational
Questions are a great way to break the ice and take a presentation from stale to comfortable. Two-way questions can make a presentation feel more like a conversation rather than a formal speech. Executives can appreciate your attempt at giving a light-hearted presentation. They will also love the opportunity to provide feedback in an appropriate atmosphere.
A simple question is one of the most effective tools a speaker can use for delivering a powerful presentation. A good question can build interest, engage an audience, help you remember what to say next, and provide important feedback. Asking questions is a great way to become a more dynamic and compelling presenter.
