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14.1 Repeat/Rephrase All Questions
If a microphone is not provided for the audience, or if someone is too lazy to walk
up to the microphone or too anxious to wait for a microphone to be provided, there
is a risk that a question asked to you will not be heard properly by the entire crowd.
In addition, it could be that a question is not properly worded or a bit confusing
(the audience does not prepare as well as the speakers do). Or it could be that a
single person will ask a few questions at once, and you have to focus on one at a time.
As such, I suggest that you consider repeating or rephrasing the question in your
own microphone, so that it will be heard by all. In addition, rephrasing the question
allows you to check with the person who asked it whether you have understood it
properly (body language typically provides sufficient confirmation).
Rephrasing might also allow you to give a slightly different spin to the question,
moving away from something you are not too comfortable with, towards an area of
greater confidence!
Repeating or rephrasing questions demonstrate a level of respect to the audience.
14 After the Talk