If you don’t want to look freaked out by a question, don’t BE freaked out by the question. Almost no one has the capacity to manage their impulses so well that they can control their own micro-expressions!
If you want to get better at managing tough questions from regulators, employees, reporters, analysts, etc., there are two things you can do. First, identify those questions. If your tough Q&A is more than three months old, revisit it. Second, practice answering those questions until you’re so used to them that you’re bored. This does take a lot of time. Do it anyway.
When I ask tough questions in media training, it serves two purposes for spokespersons. It helps them practice and workshop answers, which is vital. But it also helps them realize how much adrenaline floods through their system when they are surprised or angered by a question. And that, in turn, motivates them to practice more.
When you are used to surprises you can manage your impulses and deliver solid answers.
Not sure how to crush your next presentation? Navigate tough questions? Need some pragmatic, actionable communications advice? Consider Office Hours with Lisa, a great way to get bite-sized, personalized coaching. And there are tons of resources in poseycorp’s newsletter – subscribe here. Get some skills! Because it’s the great communicators who create the change they want to see in the world!
