Presenting to Senior Executives

with Tatiana Kolovou

Anticipating Tough Q&A

Preparing for questions is the best way to be cool under pressure when you are interrupted during your
presentation. Spend some time writing out the answers to these statements.

The biggest champion of my idea in the room is _____________________ and this is why ____________________.

The person who will resist the most might be _____________________ because of _____________________.
I can mitigate this by mentioning these three ideas/pieces of evidence/facts.

1.

2.

3.

Are there any examples of success or benchmarks that the audience may ask you to mention?
If so, what are they?

Is there a set way, a best practice, to approach your idea? How do you know?

Do you have additional pieces of evidence for your argument that you can add? What are they?

If the audience member asks you, “If we can only implement one part of this idea what would it be and why?”
What would you say?

If the audience member says, “I think this is a terrible idea. Convince me otherwise,” what will you say?

Presenting to Senior Executives with Tatiana Kolovou 1 of 2

Presenting to Senior Executives
with Tatiana Kolovou

What are the names of three champions, people in a higher level than you in the organization, who you have
mentioned your idea to and who think it has potential?

1.

2.

3.

Before you present your idea, share it with a trusted member of your organization and ask them to give you
at least three more questions that you can prepare for.

Presenting to Senior Executives with Tatiana Kolovou 2 of 2