Public Speaking: How to Handle Audience Q&A

Your speech is polished and your delivery is perfect. The audience laughed in all the right places, and even shed a tear. You're ready to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, but wait . . . there's still the Q&A.

Audience members are speaking up, but no one can hear them. Someone asks a question that's completely off-topic and you get flustered trying to think of an answer. The event organizer calls time, the presentation is over, and suddenly you don't feel so great about it after all.

How can you use the question and answer period to your advantage, to further enhance your message and end your presentation with a wallop instead of a whimper? Read on for tips on keeping your message on the mark, even when the presentation has run its course.

Pointer 1: If you don't know the answer, say so

Many of us are embarrassed to admit we don't know something, especially when we are supposed to be the expert on stage. However, pretending to know the answer to a question is not the solution.

You can always assume that there are one or two people in the audience, maybe more, who have a good understanding of your topic. Those people might actually know the answer to the question that you're inventing a response for. Pretending to know the answer only damages your credibility and makes people wonder if anything you said was accurate.

Don't take the chance. First, anticipate questions that the audience will ask. Prepare in advance for the most obvious questions, but also be prepared for any challenges or confrontational questions.

If you still get a question to which you don't know the answer, just 'fess up. Say, "I'm not sure how to answer that. I'd like to look into it and get back to you later."

This is also a great way to invite audience input. If you don't know the answer, ask your audience! There are bound to be a couple of people who can answer, and allowing your audience members to share their knowledge benefits the whole group.

If there is no one in the room who can answer the question, ask for the person's business card so you can follow up with them as soon as possible. And don't forget to do so.

Pointer 2: Always repeat back questions