How you handle questions from an audience can often be the deciding factor as to how your presentation is received. If you’re pitching for business, then it’s absolutely vital to handle questions well.

1. Preparation – When composing the presentation you will give, write down what the most likely questions you will be asked are and how you will answer them. If there is a question you will not want to answer at the present, figure out a response that will be satisfactory to the person asking the question.

2. Make it clear at the start – You may decide to take questions as you go or at the end of your presentation. Whatever you decide, make it clear at the start and don’t change your mind. I would suggest questions at the end in a short presentation; if you take questions as you go, then your timing will get knocked out. And always remember, an audience won’t forgive you for taking half an hour when you were only scheduled to speak for fifteen minutes.

3. Never finish with questions – Far better to ask for questions five or ten minutes before the end, deal with the questions and then summarize for a strong finish. Too many presentations finish on questions and the whole thing goes a bit flat – particularly if you don’t get any.

4. Listen – When asked a question, listen and look like your listening. It may be something you’ve heard a million times before. Treat the questioner with respect and don’t trivialize their point.

5. Thank the questioner – It’s only polite, it shows respect and it gives you a bit more time to consider your answer.

6. Restate the gist of the question – This is often beneficial for those who may have missed the question. When you answer they may not have any idea of what you are talking about. It is aggravating not to know what was asked and this also allows you time to consider the response. In addition, it is a good control maneuver.

7. Do not exclude the audience – When answering the question, look at everyone. The person asking may be near the front and it you look only at them, this appears to leave everyone else out of the conversation.

8. Keep it simple – Many speakers, when it comes to questions, have become more relaxed and the fact that someone is interested enough to ask them a question, leads them to go on too long with the answer – DON’T.

9. Don’t bluff or bluster – If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so and find out. Suggest to the questioner that you’ll ‘phone them or come and see them with the answer. It can even be a good way to make further contact after the presentation.

As is often the case, there may be no questions asked. If so, this creates a silence that can be embarrassing. They may be considering what you have just imparted and need a few minutes. They may also be nervous to ask and have to get up the courage. You can say “If you are asking yourself…?” If there are no questions, then finish the presentation with a closing.

Your professional demeanor is shown by being able handle the question and answer part of a presentation well

Looking to find the best tips on professional speaking, then visit www.publicspeakinghandbook.com to find the best advice on speaking in public for you.