Asking Questions

Most audience members will not ask questions, especially as the size of the audience increases. This is an unfortunate, lost opportunity and I encourage my students to try to think of a question for every talk they attend.

This was advice I received from my supervisor during my M.Sc. studies. The department seminars were held right after lunch in a small, windowless, dimly-lit room. All the professors and senior Ph.D. students would sit in the front rows. I was happy to sit in the back row and after a few minutes, having lost interest, would allow my mind to wander. I was surprised to discovered that my participation was actually expected! When I responded that there was someone who asked questions at every presentation he responded in an exasperated tone “no, not like them!”. We were referring to an over-eager fellow student who did indeed always ask questions, but they were the type of question which let everyone scratching their heads, including the presenter. The advice is sound, but we don’t want to risk asking questions just for the same of asking questions.

The Advantage of Asking Questions

Asking questions during a Q&A session is like giving a small presentation in itself. For that short time all eyes are on you and in a sense, you’re telling everyone that you’re a knowledgeable and attentive member of the group. It’s understandable why this can be a nerve-wrecking experience.

The good news is that the more often you ask questions, the easier it gets. If we see each question as a kind of mini-presentation, putting ourselves out there, it helps to comfort us when giving out own presentations.

Asking questions also gets you noticed! Don’t underestimate the value of being visible in your group. Do you want the senior professors in your department to know you as the mouse in the back of the room or the individual who’s going to ask some engaging and relevant question? Don’t be afraid to jump into the conversation and challenge more senior members if you feel that your point if valid. But remember, the Q&A session is a dialogue, not a chance to show-off or constantly draw attention to yourself. Everyone appreciates engaged students that make the discussion enjoyable.