Your presentation doesn’t end once you’ve finished speaking. The question time is often the part of the talk which most influences the audience. After all, you’ve had time to practise the rest. This is the part where your ability to interact with the au-dience is evaluated. Since you can’t always predict what you’ll be asked, how can you prepare for it? Here are a few guidelines:

Always repeat each question for the audience. Before you answer, take a moment to reflect. By not rushing, you show respect for the questioner and you give yourself time to answer clearly the question asked. If you are unsure, restate the question or ask for clarification.

Above all, wait for the questioner to finish before you begin your answer! The only exception is when it becomes necessary to break in on a vague, rambling question; this is your show and you have only a limited time. It is essential, however, that you break in tactfully. Say something like “So, are you asking...?” This will focus the question and let you begin an answer. Remember that your ability to interact with an audience is being evaluated.

If a question is asked during the talk and it will clarify an ambiguity, answer it immediately. Postpone questions aimed at resolving specific problems until the end of the talk. This is im-portant if the answer will distract either you or the audience from the flow of your presentation. Avoid prolonged discussions with one person, extended answers, and especially arguments.

If you can’t answer a question, just say so. Don’t apologise. You may then offer to research an answer and get back to the questioner later. Suggest re-sources which would help the questioner. Ask for suggestions from the audience.