Don’t Answer Your Own Questions Out Loud. Give Someone Else a Chance.

Do you want to imitate someone who never passes a mirror that doesn’t warrant a few gratifying moments of positive self adulation? Of course you don’t, now do you?

Why do I ask you this? Because I loath the disingenuousness that emanates from speakers who never consider how much they antagonize audiences by asking a question, that they themselves answer. Don’t you agree?

I know you do, as I do. Which leaves both of us wondering, how is it possible they (the question self-answerers) think this is helpful to them? Ah, well, my thesis is that tweedy condescension doesn’t always necessitate a wool sport coat with patches to achieve the effect, now does it? I know you’ll agree with me that it doesn’t.

Enough of the example. Answering your own questions is a communication nightmare. It tells the audience you are self indulgent and ineffective. That ruins your connections and your ability to positively influence who you are in front of.

My lesson to you is: if you ask a question, you can create an instant and solid connection with the audience, in a conference room or an auditorium, if you let someone else answer. Do it over and over again, and you’ll make a lot of connections.

Audience members may feign embarrassment at being asked to please state their answer even louder so that all might here, but I say they secretly enjoy the attention. The question answerer and everyone in the room will give you, the speaker tremendous credit for your willingness to share the stage and allowing others to be heard.

Make your audience a part of your presentation and they will listen to you.

Otherwise just make a statement.