Author: Henry Loveless
When we speak English in front of people, in a presentation, a speech, a seminar or a class, it’s normal to feel nervous. Fortunately, we (usually) have time to prepare. Our English teacher helps us with the pronunciation, the slides, the pace, and we practise until we feel comfortable and confident.
But what if someone interrupts our presentation with a question? Our teacher won’t be there. We’ll be alone and the scared voice inside us now asks:
- Do I have the skills to answer?
- How will it sound?
- What if I don’t know the answer – Will it ruin my presentation?
- What will they think of me?
Well, Finnbrit is here to help. Read on and you’ll learn some great techniques that make answering questions in English less scary and make your presentation even more impressive.
Prepare
It’s not always possible, but being well-prepared makes a huge difference. You’ll feel more confident and ready for any surprises. Practice the presentation, go over the slides with a native-level English speaker and ask someone to check your pronunciation is clear. Once you feel comfortable with the presentation, questions will feel less intimidating.
Think positive
No time for imposter syndrome here! You are probably giving this presentation because you are good at what you do. Remember, you know something these people want to know. Your audience will be excited to learn from you. People have not taken time from their busy day just to be mean to you.
So, take a deep breath and repeat out loud some positive mantras.
- I am worthy of my achievements.
- I am as good as people say I am.
- I am knowledgeable about what I am saying and will continue to learn.
- I am prepared for any challenge that comes my way.
Remember, nerves are normal, but if you’re feeling too anxious, calm yourself with breathing techniques, positive visualisation or going for a brisk walk to get rid of some of the adrenalin.
Anticipate
Questions are scary because they are unpredictable, but do they have to be?
Before your presentation, think of all the possible questions that you may be asked and prepare your answers. Ask a friend or colleague (or English teacher) to help you. Get them to ask tricky questions and practise answering them.
– What do the numbers in the 3rd column mean?
– Good question. These numbers are the percentage of sales predicted if we follow this proposal.
Manage
Interruptions can break your flow, confuse you or make you forget what you were talking about. It can also make us seem unprofessional, and too many questions can get annoying for the other people.
So, take back control. Ask your audience to wait until the end before asking questions. Make this clear at the beginning and keep any interruptions brief.
– If it’s okay with everyone, we’ll have a questions and answers section at the end of the presentation.
– Thank you for the question. If it’s okay, I’ll answer that at the end of the presentation.
Pause
Speakers often think that pausing looks bad, like you can’t speak English well. But rushed answers look worse and probably don’t make much sense. A pause can be a great way to compose yourself; it looks like you are genuinely thinking about the question, and it helps calm the atmosphere too.
Take your time, take a breath and take back control.
– *A pause while breathing in* Thank you for your question.
– *A pause while breathing in* That’s a great question.
Engage with the question asker
Misunderstandings are frustrating. Make sure you understand the question.
This means listening and looking. What is the person really asking? Ask them to explain more. Then use the following to check you understand.
1) Repeat the question
This is a great trick. It helps clarify (see above) but also gives you time to compose yourself and think about the reply. Remember, many people won’t have heard the original question, especially if you are using microphones.
– Why are the 3rd quarter sales low? Good question.
2) Rephrase the question. This will help you and everyone else understand what is being discussed.
– Do you mean, why are the 3rd quarter sales low in comparison to quarters one and two?
– Are you asking if the 3rd quarter sales are accurate?
This will be better for everyone. It means you have time to connect with the person, clarify, and the other person will get the information they need.
But what if you don’t know the answer?
We can’t know everything. But that doesn’t make us useless. If you don’t know the answer, there are a couple of tricks you can use.
1) Show the working out
This gives us a chance to take control again. Work through some possible answers to show your knowledge, but don’t commit to anything.
– Ah, that’s a good question. Because normally the legislation would prohibit anything like that, so therefore…
– If that were the case, I imagine that this would happen.
2) Deflect
A great chance to engage with the rest of the group.
– Good question! I’m not sure what the capital of Zimbabwe is. Does anyone know?
3) Don’t guess
Guessing will lose you all your authority. Be honest, tell them you don’t know, but you can find out. After all, you are probably the best person to do so.
– Another good question. I haven’t ever worked with that, but can I look into it and get back to you?
In conclusion, you’re going to do great! Try to be prepared, take your time, be honest and do the best you can.
Useful language for presentations
As a handy reference, here are a selection of expressions that are useful when managing a Q&A.
Inviting questions
Are there any questions?
We just have time for a few questions.
And now I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Clarifying questions
I’m afraid I didn’t (quite) catch that.
I’m sorry, could you repeat your question, please?
Does that answer your question?
Rephrasing questions
So, if I understood you correctly, you would like to know whether…
So, in other words you would like to know whether…
If I could just rephrase your question. You’d like to know …
Avoiding giving an answer
If you don’t mind, could we discuss that later?
I’m afraid that’s not really what we’re discussing today.
Well, I’d prefer not to discuss that today.
Admitting you don’t know
Sorry, I don’t know that off the top of my head.
I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to your question, but I’ll try to find out for you.
Sorry, that’s not my field. But I’m sure Peter Peters from Sales could answer your question.
Postponing questions
If you don’t mind, I’ll deal with/come back to this point later in my presentation.
Can we get back to this point a bit later?
I’d prefer to answer your question during my presentation.
Perhaps we could go over this after the presentation.
About the Author
Henry Loveless is a copywriter, teacher and examiner based in Helsinki, Finland. He has been part of the Finnbrit team since 2015. He has worked for many notable clients including Otava, The Finnish Defence Forces and Lindström. He is currently writing the second in a series of textbooks for English learners, Come Along. The first was published in 2025. He is an active runner, orienteer and the organiser of the Finnbrit Gardners’ Meet.