Q & A is often the most valuable part of a presentation — it invites dialogue, provides feedback, and, when properly handled, allows you to conclude on an energetic and powerful note.
Consider these eight steps to conducting a successful Q & A.
Step #1: Announce Q & A
Step #2: Invite questions and comments from the entire audience
Step #3: Pause and allow time for participants to consider the question (count to 10 silently as you wait for the first question/comment.
Step #4: Recognize people by name or location (e.g., the gentleman in the 3rd row)
Step #5: If you don’t understand or if you are concerned that others don’t understand the question, ask for it to be clarified
Step#6: Answer the question as succinctly as possible
Step#7: Conclude the Q & A when you are ahead of the game
Step #8: Be prepared with strong closing remarks
Thank you for your comment Jane and I agree. Simply answer the question asked and move on. . .
I reckon number 6 is probably the most important to be aware of. If you over answer a question you run the risk of digging yourself in a hole and talking about things you hadn’t planned on. My advice is if you find yourself digging a hole stop digging!