FrageAntwortRunden

FrageAntwortRunden are a format used in meetings, conferences, lectures, and online events in which participants have the opportunity to ask questions to one or more speakers, and the speakers provide answers in a public setting. The term is German for "question-answer rounds," and is often used interchangeably with "Frage-Antwort-Sitzung" or "Q&A session."

A typical FrageAntwortRunde is moderated by a facilitator who manages the question queue, maintains order, and enforces time limits. Questions may be asked aloud, submitted in writing, or collected via digital chat and then read aloud by the moderator. Common rules include staying on topic, avoiding personal attacks, and giving priority to questions from underrepresented groups. In many settings, there is a defined timeframe, after which the session moves on to the next agenda item.

The format is widely used in corporate briefings, academic seminars, public town halls, and online webinars. It serves to clarify topics, reveal audience concerns, gather feedback, and improve transparency. It can also enhance audience engagement and provide a sense of participation.

Challenges include dominating participants, off-topic questions, ambiguity in responses, and language barriers. Best practices include clear ground rules, a prepared list of frequently asked questions, a structured queue, option for anonymous questions, documentation of responses, and post-event publication of a Q&A summary.