Giving a presentation can be nerve-wracking. You want to make sure you convey the information clearly and effectively and don’t bore your audience to death. But how can you be sure you have achieved your goal when it’s over? The best way is to get feedback from your audience and take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
26 questions to ask yourself after a presentation:
- Was the overall tone of the presentation appropriate for my audience?
- Did I use language that was understandable to everyone in the room?
- Was I able to effectively answer all questions asked?
- Did I mention something that wasn’t relevant or necessary?
- How well did I handle unexpected changes or technical difficulties?
- Did I come across as genuine and authentic?
- What was my intention for this presentation?
- What points did I want to emphasize?
- Did I accomplish what I set out to do?
- How well did I connect with my audience?
- Was I able to keep their attention throughout the presentation?
- Was I able to keep my nerves under control?
- Was my body language confident and open or closed off and tense?
- Was my voice loud and clear or soft and wavering?
- Did I make eye contact with individual members of the audience, or did I stare at the wall the whole time?
- Did I use filler words like “um” or “like”?
- Was the overall tone of my presentation positive or negative?
- How could I improve the flow of my presentation?
- What could I do differently next time to make an even bigger impact?
- How do I feel about my performance?
- What did I do well?
- What could I have done better?
- What examples or stories seemed to resonate most with them?
- Was my opening strong?
- Did I use gestures effectively?
- Did I remember to thank the organizers and/or the audience?
23 questions to ask your audience after a presentation:
- What was the most important thing you learned during the presentation?
- What are your thoughts on the topic of the presentation?
- Was there anything you found confusing or unclear in the presentation?
- What did you like most about the presentation?
- Is there anything you would change about the presentation?
- Would you recommend this presentation to a friend or colleague?
- Would you like to see more (or fewer) examples used in future presentations on this topic?
- Did I cover everything I said in my introduction?
- Are there other topics you would like to see covered in future presentations on this topic?
- Do you have any questions for me about the presentation or my research on this topic?
- What examples or stories were particularly helpful to you in understanding the material?
- Was there anything in my presentation that disagreed with something you already believe? If so, what was it?
- What other questions does this presentation raise for you?
- How would you summarize what I talked about in one or two sentences?
- What connections did you make between my presentation and your own life or work experiences?
- Was there anything in my presentation that made you think about a current event in a new way? If so, what was it?
- Did my presentation remind you of other books, articles, or presentations you’ve seen on this topic? If so, what were they?
- Are there any action items or next steps that came out of this talk for you? If so, what are they?
- What additional information would be helpful for me to provide on this topic?
- Which parts of my presentation do you think were most effective? Why do you think that was the case?
- What could I have done differently to make the presentation a more enjoyable or engaging experience for you?
- Do you have any suggestions for future topics or speakers we could invite to speak on this topic?
- How likely are you to recommend this presentation to a friend or colleague? Why or why not?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to ask questions after a presentation?
It’s important to ask questions after a presentation because it allows the presenter to assess how well the presentation was received, and it allows participants to clarify anything they may not have understood. Asking questions also shows that you’re interested and engaged in the presentation.
What preparations will you make to ensure a successful presentation?
Preparation can include rehearsing your speech, practicing your delivery, and making sure you have all your materials ready. You should also arrive at the presentation venue early so that you can make final preparations and not be rushed.
It’s also a good idea to stay calm and focused throughout the presentation. If you prepare well and stay calm, you’ll be sure to have a successful presentation.
Conclusion
Evaluating your performance after a presentation is key to improving your skills as a presenter. By asking yourself and your audience these questions, you will get honest feedback about what went well and what you should improve next time. The next time you give a presentation, think about these questions so you can deliver an even more effective presentation!
