How to Make the Most of Q&A Periods

Many speakers facilitate question-and-answer sessions at the conclusion of their presentation. Hosting a Q&A period allows the audience to clarify any misunderstandings, learn more about the topic, or find out how they can best take action. These sessions can be a great way to engage the audience, but they can sometimes be nerve-wracking for the presenter. After all, there is no way of knowing exactly what questions are going to be asked or how the audience will react to your presentation. It can also be awkward if you have an audience that prefers to stay silent. All of these scenarios can involve fear and anxiety for the speaker, so it’s important to prepare in advance so you can approach the Q&A period with confidence. Here are some helpful tips for turning your Q&A period into a huge success. 

Dedicate Enough Time to Your Q&A

Don’t just think of it as a way to take up those last few minutes. Rather, make it an intentional part of your presentation by dedicating more time to it. If possible, allow at least 20 minutes or more to answer the questions. This gives you enough time to thoroughly answer most, if not all of the audience’s questions. 

Have Prepared Questions

You may be worried about having an audience that doesn’t ask questions. This awkward silence can be a little nerve-wracking, and can be especially worrisome if you have allotted a generous amount of time for questions. A great way to handle this is by preparing a few questions ahead of time. This gives you a chance to kick off the session and break the ice. It also gives the audience a bit more time to think of questions. 

Tell Your Audience at the Beginning

At the start of your presentation, let the audience know that you will be running a Q&A later on. This helps your audience think about what they might like to ask as they are listening to the presentation. It also encourages them to hold all questions until the appropriate time. 

Use Technology To Encourage Participation

Not everyone is comfortable with raising their hand and asking questions in front of a large group. Empower your audience to participate by incorporating technology. There are a variety of tech tools that allow audience members to submit questions anonymously or share concerns in real time. Not only does this encourage participation, but it makes it easier for the speaker to keep up with all the questions so nothing gets forgotten. 

Make a List of Potential Questions and Answers

As you are preparing the presentation, consider what questions the audience might have about your topic. Try to see things from their point of view and think about what questions they might ask. Brainstorm any potential questions and prepare your answers ahead of time. This will give you more confidence in your ability to answer the questions. 

Prepare for Trouble Ahead of Time

When you receive a relevant question that you had expected, answering it is easy. But, what if you get a completely irrelevant answer, a hostile comment, or a question that you don’t know the answer to? These situations can feel a bit more challenging, but there are things you can do to prepare in advance for the unexpected. Always start by thanking the person for their questions. This is especially a great way to neutralize any hostility. Rephrase the question if needed to ensure you understand what is being asked. You should also prepare a few responses in advance for unusual questions or questions you can’t answer. Here are a few example:

• “That’s a great question and I’m so glad you asked that. I don’t have the answer but I will definitely find out and get back with you.â€Â 
• “Thank you for asking that. I will be happy to address it after the presentation.â€