As a presenter/speaker, there's nothing more nerve-wracking than finishing a talk and waiting for the Q&A session to begin. You've just shared your ideas, insights, and expertise with the audience, and now you're about to face their questions. You're prepared for the usual inquiries and challenges that come with any presentation, but what happens when a rival lab enters the room and starts asking hard questions?
First of all, it's essential to remember that this is not personal. The rival lab is likely asking tough questions because they are trying to advance their own research and push the field forward. It's important to approach their questions with a growth mindset and a willingness to engage in a healthy debate.
Take a deep breath and listen carefully to their questions. Make sure you understand what they're asking before you respond. It's okay to take a moment to think before answering - you don't have to have all the answers immediately.
Be honest about what you don't know. If you don't have the answer to a question, don't try to bluff your way through it. Instead, acknowledge that you don't have the information and offer to follow up with the person after the talk or in a future communication.
If the rival lab is challenging your findings or methodology, remain calm and professional. Explain your research process, provide evidence to support your conclusions, and offer to discuss the matter further. Remember that healthy scientific debates are an essential part of progress, and the goal is to advance knowledge in the field, not to prove who is right or wrong.
It's also essential to remember that the rest of the audience is there to learn from your expertise. Don't let the competitive lab dominate the Q&A session, but make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
Finally, don't take any criticism or challenging questions personally. Remember that science is a collaborative effort, and there's always room for improvement and refinement of ideas. Use the feedback from the competitive lab as an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your research.
In conclusion, facing tough questions from a rival lab can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it's important to approach the situation with an open mind and a willingness to engage in healthy debate. Remember to stay calm, be honest about what you don't know, and use the feedback to improve your research. By doing so, you'll not only improve your own work, but you'll also contribute to advancing the field as a whole.