Submitting a Question

Productive Question Presentation: A Structured Process

Presenting questions effectively, especially to architects or management, requires a structured approach. This process ensures clarity, efficiency, and respect for everyone’s time. Here’s a breakdown, designed to be used with screen and audio recording:

Preparation (Before Recording)

  1. Clearly Define the Problem/Question:
    • What is the specific issue you’re facing?
    • What are the potential consequences if the issue is not addressed?
    • What information do you need to move forward?
  2. Gather Contextual Information:
    • Collect relevant code snippets, logs, error messages, and documentation.
    • Prepare diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate the problem.
    • Identify the scope of the issue and the systems affected.
  3. Research Potential Solutions:
    • Investigate existing documentation, online resources, and internal knowledge bases.
    • Brainstorm potential solutions and their pros and cons.
    • Document your findings and reasoning.
  4. Structure Your Presentation:
    • Create a clear and concise outline of your presentation.
    • Organize your information logically, starting with the problem and moving towards potential solutions.
    • Anticipate potential questions and prepare answers.
  5. Practice Your Presentation:
    • Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.
    • Time yourself to ensure you stay within the allotted time.
    • Practice with a colleague to get feedback on your clarity and effectiveness.

Recording the Presentation (Screen and Audio)

  1. Set Up Your Recording Environment:
    • Ensure a quiet and distraction-free environment.
    • Test your microphone and screen recording software.
    • Close unnecessary applications to minimize distractions.
  2. Introduce the Problem and Context:
    • Clearly state the problem or question you are addressing.
    • Provide relevant background information and context.
    • Use visuals (diagrams, code snippets) to illustrate the problem.
  3. Present Your Research and Findings:
    • Explain the steps you took to investigate the problem.
    • Present your potential solutions and their pros and cons.
    • Clearly articulate your reasoning and recommendations.
  4. State Your Specific Question(s):
    • Clearly and concisely state the specific question(s) you need answered.
    • Be specific about the type of information or decision you require.
  5. Keep it Concise and Focused:
    • Stick to your outline and avoid unnecessary tangents.
    • Use clear and concise language.
    • Stay within the allotted time.
  6. Maintain a Professional Tone:
    • Speak clearly and confidently.
    • Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor.
    • Avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by everyone.
  7. Screen Recording Best Practices:
    • Highlight key sections of code or diagrams with your mouse cursor.
    • Use zoom or highlighting tools to draw attention to important details.
    • Ensure that text and visuals are clearly visible.

Post-Recording (After Recording)

  1. Review the Recording:
    • Watch and listen to your recording to ensure clarity and accuracy.
    • Identify any areas that need improvement.
    • Edit to remove unneeded sections, and add annotations if needed.
  2. Provide Supporting Documentation:
    • Attach relevant documentation, code snippets, and diagrams to the recording.
    • Create a summary document that outlines the problem, your findings, and your question(s).
  3. Share the Recording and Documentation:
    • Share the recording and documentation with the appropriate individuals.
    • Provide a brief summary of the content in your email or message.
    • Indicate what specific feedback you are looking for.
  4. Follow Up:
    • Be prepared to answer follow-up questions.
    • Schedule a meeting if necessary to discuss the issue in more detail.
    • If no response is given in a reasonable time frame, send a polite follow up message.

Benefits of Using Screen and Audio Recording

  • Asynchronous Communication: Allows architects and managers to review the information at their convenience.
  • Clear and Concise Presentation: Ensures that all relevant information is presented clearly and accurately.
  • Visual Demonstration: Allows for effective demonstration of code, diagrams, and other visual aids.
  • Efficient Time Management: Reduces the need for lengthy meetings and back-and-forth communication.
  • Record of Communication: Provides a clear record of the question and the response.

By following this structured process, engineers can present their questions effectively and efficiently, fostering productive communication and collaboration.