Handling Questions in Group Presentations
Just as is the case with sales presentations to individuals, questions from buyers in a group are an important part of the buyer-seller interaction that leads to a purchase decision. Salespeople should recognize that questions fill information gaps, thus allowing buyers to make better decisions. In a group setting, questions can also add a dramatic element, making the presentation more interesting for those in attendance. To the extent possible, Salespeople should anticipate group questions, then decide whether to address the question before it arises, or wait and address the question should it arise during the presentation.
To effectively handle questions that arise during the presentation, salespeople should listen carefully and maintain eye contact with the person asking the question. Generally, it is a good idea to repeat or restate the question. Questions should be answered as succinctly and convincingly as possible.
By listening carefully to the question, salespeople should show proper respect to the person asking the question. At the same time, they are helping direct the attention of the group to the question. As the question is posed, it is important for the salesperson to maintain eye contact with the person asking the question. Again, this demonstrates respect for the person and for his or her right to ask question. This may require some practice, as salespeople may be tempted to glance at sales materials or perhaps their watch when the attention is shifted to the person asking the question. To do so could insult the questioner who may feel slighted by the lack of attention.
In many cases, it is a good idea to repeat or, in some cases, restate the question. This will ensure that everyone understands the question. It also signals a shift from the individual back to the group. Additionally, it allows the salesperson to state the key issue in the question succinctly. This is often important because not all questions are well-formulated and are sometimes accompanied by superfluous information. Consider this dialogue:
Buyer: “You know, I have been thinking about the feasibility of matching our Brand X computers with Brand Y printers. Not too long ago, matching multiple brands would have been a disaster. Are you telling me now that Brand X computers are totally compatible with Brand Y printers?”
Seller: “The question is: Are you computers compatible with our printer? Yes they are – with no special installation requirement.”
When restating questions, salespeople must be careful to accurately capture the essence of the buyer’s concern. Otherwise, they could be perceived as avoiding the question or trying to manipulate the buyer by putting words in his or her mouth. Therefore, when in doubt, it is a good practice when restating a question to seek buyer confirmation that the restated question is an accurate representation of the original question. For example, salespeople might say, “Ms. Jackson, as I understand the question, you are concerned about the effectiveness of our seasonal sales promotion programs. Is that correct?”
When answering questions, there are three guidelines. First, salespeople should not attempt to answer a question until they and the group members clearly understand the question. Second, salespeople should not attempt to answer questions they are not prepared to answer. It is far better to make a note and tell the group you will get back to them with the answer than to speculate or give a weak answer. Third, try to answer questions as directly as possible. Politicians are often accused of not answering the questions posed during press conferences, but rather steering the answer toward what they wish to talk about. Salespeople will quickly lose credibility if they take a long time to get to the point in their answer. To answer convincingly, start with a “yes” or “no,” then explain the exceptions to the general case. For example, say, “Yes, that is generally the case. There are some exceptions, including…” This is preferred to answering, “Well that depends…” then explaining all of the special circumstances only to conclude with “but, generally, yes, that is the case.”