Jerry Weissman has made a career of coaching nearly 500 execs on their IPO roadshows, the most critical presentations of their lives. Now, he's written an indispensable guide to answering the toughest questions you'll ever face.  Using compelling examples from Presidential debates to stock analyst meetings, Weissman teaches how to respond with perfect assurance. Discover how to avoid the defensive, evasive, or  contentious answers that have destroyed political careers and ruin credibility. Learn to control your entire exchange with a hostile questioner: the question, answer, interactions with questioner and audience, timing, and above all, yourself. Whether an executive, politician, fundraiser, interviewee, teacher, student -- or even a family member at Thanksgiving dinner -- you're judged on how you handle these moments. Get this book: handle them brilliantly.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 41 Ratings

If you've ever flubbed a question from the audience... - 2009-03-04
Reviewer Rating:
..and who hasn't, this book is for you.

I've been speaking in public for 40 years now, and I've found that one of the biggest areas where speakers flub the ball is in Q&A.

It's not because they're giving bad answers, but really that an intuitive approach to answering questions that 'seems right' really fails to connect with the audience after what may be a very good speech.

As the author relates (and he has coached thousands of people on how to do this through small group coaching), frequent flubs include appearing not to care enough to listen, not understanding the true meaning of the question, loosing control of the floor to a questioner who goes on and on, and letting down your guard during the Q&A after giving a great speech.

In chapter after chapter, he takes you through real life examples of each flub (not his term), examples of people who have learned how to get past the flub to really bond with the audience, and a step by step approach on how to do just that.

What I love about the author's approach is that it is grounded in real life examples, and his suggestions are always very specific and actionable.

If you're looking for a motivational book about giving great presentations, this isn't it. If you're someone who thinks they can raise the level of their own game in answering questions, this is the best possible book for you to buy.

This book covers a lot on what the author presents on the third day of his 3 day program. I'd recommend strongly reading presenting to Win and The Power Presenter in that order before beginning this book, although they can be read out of order.

All are highly recommended.

Highly Recommended - 2009-09-09
Reviewer Rating:
Public speaking is considered one of the most threatening situations you can face in your job. Answering follow-up questions can be even more terrifying. Author Jerry Weissman, an experienced presentation coach, has written a short book to teach presenters specifically how to field tough, even hostile, questions without losing control. Using actual transcripts from presidential debates and press conferences, Weissman dissects the professionals' answers to show how their responses succeeded or failed. This interesting technique provides Weissman with the material to introduce his straightforward response technique. With some practice, even the most timid presenter should gain some confidence. So without waiting for you to ask any tough questions, we find this little book helpful for CEOs, executives and managers who face tough questions from analysts, regulators, investors, competitors or the press. You'll discover it's not so much the answer you give that really matters, but how you give it.

A must read for anyone who speaks for a living - 2008-10-07
Reviewer Rating:
I picked this up as an easy summer read and could not put it down. Then I bought copies for all my staff that manage the relationships with our National accounts.

Item Never Received - 2008-08-22
Reviewer Rating:
I'm sure the book is wonderful. In fact, I ordered to use for a class I was teaching on presentation skills. Unfortunately, I have never received the order and the seller has not responded to any of my emails requesting information about the shipment. According to the order, it was to be delivered sometime during the week of August 10 at the latest. The seller was Karins04, so beware.

Fascinating Communication Strategy - 2008-06-28
Reviewer Rating:
The strategy discussed in this book can be helpful in many situations, including those requiring answers to tough questions. The book relies on examples taken from political debates and then loosely ties the lessons to business settings. There is no political slant for the examples (A bad example from George H. Bush and good example from George W. Bush). I would have preferred business examples rather than political ones; however, I realize the non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality may create roadblocks. The examples make the lessons perfectly clear. This is an insightful and well-written book.

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