Most of our clients report that the Question and Answer Period is as fearsome as giving the presentation itself. Even the kindest question can cause a presenter to scramble for the proper reply, often making him feel silly and self-conscious in the process. Not to mention those less than respectful questions that are the stuff of a speaker's nightmares. All in all, the question and answer session can seem like “open season” on the poor speaker, who may feel prone and vulnerable.

To repeat, that is how the question period can seem to be. But while the speaker may be alone, there is no need for him to feel defenseless. Managed well, this part of the presentation can conclude his time “in the spotlight” on a positive, even satisfying note. What follows are a few strategies to increase the odds of a good Question and Answer (Q & A) experience, while protecting the speaker from verbal attack.

Laying the Groundwork for Q & A

There is no need to wait until the questions start flying to deal with them. The speaker can take the first steps toward managing the question period in the talk itself.

Above all, the Main Question must be unmistakably clear. Come Q & A, a clear Main Question sets the parameters for the day's discussion.