Korean Q&A Skills: Answering Audience Questions After a Talk
Learn to handle audience questions in Korean after a presentation. Master phrases for acknowledging questions, giving opinions, and managing difficult situations politely.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
After giving a presentation, the Q&A session can be the most challenging part—especially in a foreign language. Unlike a prepared speech, you must understand unpredictable questions and respond spontaneously. This lesson teaches you essential Korean phrases to acknowledge questions, buy time, express opinions, and handle situations where you don't know the answer. You'll learn to use polite endings correctly and respond with confidence, even when you need a moment to think.
By the end, you can…
- acknowledge an audience question politely in Korean.
- express my opinion using appropriate Korean phrases.
- ask for clarification or more time when needed.
- politely decline to answer or defer a question.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
좋은 질문 감사합니다.
Thank you for the good question.
jo-eun jil-mun gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Use this to start your answer positively, showing appreciation for the questioner.
제 생각에는...
In my opinion...
je saeng-gak-e-neun...
A polite way to introduce your personal view. Often followed by a clause.
다시 한 번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Could you say that again, please?
da-si han beon mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Use when you didn't hear or understand the question. Very polite.
죄송하지만, 잘 모르겠습니다.
I'm sorry, but I don't know.
joe-song-ha-ji-man, jal mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da
A polite way to admit you don't know. You can add '확인 후 알려드리겠습니다' (I'll let you know after checking) to promise follow-up.
그 질문은 나중에 다시 다루겠습니다.
I'll address that question later.
geu jil-mun-eun na-jung-e da-si da-ru-get-seum-ni-da
Use when you want to postpone a question or there isn't enough time.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To answer questions politely, use the pattern '제 생각에는 [opinion] 것 같아요.' This softens your statement. For example, '제 생각에는 그 방법이 효과적일 것 같아요' (In my opinion, that method seems effective). You can also use '~라고 생각합니다' for a more formal tone: '그렇게 생각합니다' (I think so). When you need time, say '잠시만요...' (Just a moment...).
When to use it
Use these phrases during Q&A sessions after presentations, lectures, or meetings. If a question is unclear, ask '질문을 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?' (Could you repeat the question?). If you don't know, say '죄송하지만, 그 부분은 잘 모르겠습니다. 확인 후 알려드리겠습니다' (Sorry, I don't know that part. I'll let you know after checking). This maintains professionalism and honesty.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
좋은 질문 감사합니다. 제 생각에는 그 방법이 효과적일 것 같아요.
Thank you for the good question. In my opinion, that method seems effective.jo-eun jil-mun gam-sa-ham-ni-da. je saeng-gak-e-neun geu bang-beop-i hyo-gwa-jeok-il geot gat-a-yo.그럼, 구체적인 예를 들어 주시겠어요?
Then, could you give a specific example?geu-reom, gu-che-jeok-in ye-reul deul-eo ju-si-get-eo-yo?네, 예를 들어... 아, 죄송하지만 잠시만 기다려 주시겠어요?
Yes, for example... Oh, sorry, but could you wait a moment?ne, ye-reul deul-eo... a, joe-song-ha-ji-man jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-get-eo-yo?물론이죠. 천천히 하세요.
Of course. Take your time.mul-ron-i-jyo. cheon-cheon-hi ha-se-yo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean Q&A settings, showing humility and respect is important. Use polite endings (습니다/ㅂ니다 or 어요/아요) with superiors or in formal contexts. When you don't know an answer, it's acceptable to admit it politely and offer to follow up. Avoid blunt refusals; instead, use softeners like '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry, but) or '아쉽지만' (unfortunately). Also, Koreans often appreciate when you acknowledge the question's value before answering.
One thing to watch for
Using casual speech (반말) with an audience member you don't know well, e.g., '좋은 질문이야. 내 생각에는...'
Try this instead: Use polite speech (존댓말) unless you are close to the person. Say '좋은 질문 감사합니다. 제 생각에는...' instead. This shows respect and professionalism.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask an audience member to repeat their question?
Show a sample answer
다시 한 번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
This phrase is polite and clear. You could also say '질문을 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?' Both are appropriate.
2What phrase can you use to express your opinion in a softened way?
Show a sample answer
제 생각에는... 것 같아요.
This pattern softens your statement. For example, '제 생각에는 그게 좋을 것 같아요.' Alternatives include '~라고 생각합니다' for a more formal tone.
3If you don't know the answer, what should you say?
Show a sample answer
죄송하지만, 잘 모르겠습니다. 확인 후 알려드리겠습니다.
This admits lack of knowledge politely and promises follow-up. You could also say '그 부분은 제가 확인이 필요할 것 같습니다.'
In Korean Q&A, politeness and clarity are key. Acknowledge questions, express opinions with softeners, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification or admit you don't know. Practice these phrases to respond confidently.
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