That Scary Q&A Session

One of the most common questions I receive is about how to handle a Q&A session effectively. Many students find this part intimidating, and managing the Q&A is essential for success. Here are three key rules to remember, keeping in mind that judges are seeking clarity.

First, always answer the questions that are asked. Listen carefully to the question and ask for clarification if needed. If you're unsure about the answer, don't hesitate to ask the judges to repeat the question or give you a moment to think. It's perfectly acceptable to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts; just be mindful not to create an awkward silence.

The second rule is to never contradict your presentation. I advise my teams that if you contradict what you've previously presented, it’s as if you've lost the game. You might as well leave the room at that point, as you will have confused the judges.

The third rule is to avoid adding on to your teammates' answers. Doing so can indicate a lack of trust among team members, and it often adds little value. Moreover, it may prevent judges from getting through all their questions. If a judge doesn’t receive the answer they were expecting, they may rephrase the question, so don’t worry about that.

The goal is to answer as many questions as possible. If you can provide answers for a number of questions equal to the minutes allocated for the Q&A, you’re generally in good shape. To manage the Q&A effectively, be concise and avoid rambling. Let the judges ask for more details, and suggest using exhibit slides to aid your responses.

When you start the Q&A, position yourselves in a row. The team member answering a question should take half a step forward to signal to the rest of the team that they will respond. This approach encourages participation from all team members, enhances team cohesion, and can contribute to your overall likability.

Additionally, ensure that each judge has the opportunity to ask at least one question. If you don’t allow this, they might not be satisfied with your session, which could negatively impact their scores. Therefore, actively manage the Q&A to clarify your solution for the judges as effectively as possible.