Frequently Asked: Can I really plan for that?

Presentation Tips , Media Training , Business Communication

In our Executive Seminars and presentation workshops, we hear some questions rather frequently. Each month this year, we'll provide some answers to those public speaking FAQs.

Whether we're talking about an interview, Q&A during a presentation, or a panel discussion, someone will usually say: It's unscripted. Can I really plan for that?

Yes, you can. You may not be able to plan for every single possibility—but you can have a plan, one that helps you keep your key messages in the forefront and know how to handle tough questions or challenges that may pop up.

How do you plan?

1. Start with your purpose.

At The Buckley School, our instructors have always been fond of saying, "You don't give a TV interview to be a nice guy." Or at least you shouldn't.

There's a purpose behind what you're doing, whether it's to further a project you believe in, get a new client on board at a meeting, or help employees resolve a problem. Being clear about the "why" helps you determine how you want to communicate it. Maybe you want to pivot to the positives. Or maybe you want a discussion that looks for answers from your audience in addition to providing what you know.

If you don't know what your purpose is, figure that out.

2. Get clear about your main messages.

In a media interview, you can't say everything. Determine what's most valuable to convey. In a pitch or presentation, the same is true: What is essential for your audience to know?

Even if you're on a fact-finding mission, there will be points you want to convey to people in the room: We value your input or we have a plan or we want to find a happy resolution.

Knowing your main messages helps you keep the important points in the forefront, regardless of what questions might come up.

3. Consider your audience(s).

When we take questions, the answers are often intended for more than just the person who's asking.

A podcast host, for instance, may be the audience sitting right in front of you. But your real audience is the people who are listening or watching. In a meeting, you may need to address the person who challenges you—but may also have other decision makers in the room who are keenly listening.

When you plan for the unscripted, think about who you really need to reach with your answers. And consider what kinds of questions and challenges those people will have—even if they're not verbalized.

4. Brainstorm and practice.

Now that you've thought about items 1 through 3, brainstorm the questions and challenges you think you might get. You can do this on your own. You can get some colleagues involved to help. You can do research to see what other people in your situation have been asked.

Think of the hard questions and the easy ones. Then, practice your answers. Role play the situation, so you get the chance to respond and improve your answers.

You may be surprised by how a quick role play can help you feel much more prepared—even if you wind up getting some unexpected questions.

5. Evaluate and follow up.

After the pitch or interview or panel discussion, take a little time to reflect while it's fresh in your mind. What went well? What did you feel good about? What could have gone better? What answer might you have given if you had the chance to take that question a second time.

We know from years of working with companies to prepare for the unscripted that this process pays off in more ways than one:

You feel better prepared for the immediate assignment.
You develop skills that help you keep all conversations more on track.
You refine your response to questions you get all the time.
You're less rattled by the challenge you didn't anticipate, because you were prepared for so many others.
And thinking on your feet and responding—even to tough questions—becomes easier as you practice.

So the next time you're facing an unscripted communication, see how stepping through this process can help you feel better prepared to handle whatever comes up.