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Last updated on Jan 5, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Presentation Skills

Your presentation's core assumptions are being questioned. How do you respond effectively?

When your presentation's core assumptions are being questioned, it's crucial to respond effectively to maintain credibility and control of the conversation. Here's how to handle it:

  • Stay calm and listen: Acknowledge the question and listen carefully to understand the concern.

  • Clarify and provide evidence: Address the question by clarifying your assumptions and backing them up with solid data or examples.

  • Engage in constructive dialogue: Encourage a discussion to explore different viewpoints and find common ground.

How do you handle tough questions during a presentation? Share your strategies.

Presentation Skills Presentation Skills

Presentation Skills

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Last updated on Jan 5, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Presentation Skills

Your presentation's core assumptions are being questioned. How do you respond effectively?

When your presentation's core assumptions are being questioned, it's crucial to respond effectively to maintain credibility and control of the conversation. Here's how to handle it:

  • Stay calm and listen: Acknowledge the question and listen carefully to understand the concern.

  • Clarify and provide evidence: Address the question by clarifying your assumptions and backing them up with solid data or examples.

  • Engage in constructive dialogue: Encourage a discussion to explore different viewpoints and find common ground.

How do you handle tough questions during a presentation? Share your strategies.

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27 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Luisa Balaniuc

    Vice President of Growth @ The Functionary | AWARD WINNING LEADER | Growth | Revenue | Leading Marketing, Sales, Account Management and Fun!

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    Be as open as you can. When facing objections presenters often get defensive and things derail. If you’re open minded and relaxed, you have better chances of turning the objection into a positive thing. It’s an opportunity to: • show your expertise • show a misconception that could block the deal from moving forward if not addressed • highlight your value prop • propose a joint effort to overcome the issue Don’t let them see you sweat. Smile, keep your arms relaxed and uncrossed, talk slowly and eloquently, don’t ramble. Wrap up appreciating the person who was brave to speak up what other peers could be worrying about!

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    6
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    Akshita Gupta

    HR (India Compensation and Benefits)@Wipro | Wellbeing Enthusiast | Summer Intern @ONGC I 1st Rank-MBA HR | Best Student MBA - Bronze Medal | Freelance Resume Writer

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    When your presentation's core is questioned: * Stay Calm: Breathe, maintain eye contact. * Understand: Listen carefully, clarify if needed. * Acknowledge: "Great question," "Thanks for asking." * Respond Directly: Clear, concise answers. * Provide Evidence: Data, examples, anecdotes. * Acknowledge Limits: Be honest about what you don't know. * Offer Follow-up: "I'll research that and get back to you." * Be Confident & Respectful: Project assurance, avoid defensiveness. * Open to Feedback: Consider other perspectives. * Practice: Anticipate questions, rehearse. * Use as Opportunity: Deepen discussion. * "I Don't Know" is OK: Honesty is best. * Keep Answers Concise: Avoid rambling. * Be Yourself: Passion shines through.

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    Godfrey Dzhivhuho, PhD

    Myles H. Thaler Center for AIDS and Human Retrovirus Research. Dept of Micro Immuno and Cancer Biology

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    I think, ensure you understand the question first, then give an answer if you know, it can be based on material you read or educated opinion. If you are speculating, make it clear that you speculate that . . . Then give your answer. If you don't know, there is nothing wrong in saying "I do not know" but I'll go find out,[if this is something you think you should know but just don't know atthe time].

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    3
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    Elahe Irannezhad

    Backend Developer

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    When the core assumptions of my presentation are questioned, I see it as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and refine my work. I start by actively listening to fully understand the concerns. Then, I respond with evidence and logical reasoning, clearly explaining the basis of my assumptions while respecting differing perspectives. If a valid point is raised, I acknowledge it openly, saying something like, "That’s a great point—I’ll explore how I can improve this further." Finally, I summarize the discussion constructively, aiming to turn potential criticism into collaboration. This approach ensures I maintain trust, professionalism, and a focus on achieving the best outcome.

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    3
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    Jon Barnes🔰

    Adjunct Lecturer @ University of Gold Coast||Branch Manager @ Provident Insurance||ACIIG||ACII-UK|| ACIM-UK||ACIIG||MSc Insurance||MBA Innovation Marketing||MBA Strategic Mgt.||BBA Accounting||

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    Foremost, acknowledge the question. Assumptions and understanding may differ but your interviewee may be the author of reference. Your assumptions about your presentation are based on the following. 1. Understanding 2. Literature 3. Self experience 4. Global speculations. Therefore answer your questions with examples based on these points above. Thank you

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