How can you facilitate a Q&A session after your presentation?

There will always be a demanding question or two. Just compliment the thoughtful question and state, that you do not know that material, but you will pursue it. Offer the person to contact you later if they like. (They never do)

In my experience of public communication, Q&A is the best part of presentation: to help clarify and expand on the slides! The issue has always been time but if done right, it is such an excellent experience

The best way to "prepare" for a Q&A is by gaining a deep mastery of the topic you are going to be fielding questions on. You can think through potential questions, but if you thoroughly understand the subject you will be asked about, you be well-equipped to field any questions that come your way.

Consider inviting other experts who are attending to join you in a small panel Q&A or audience discussion during or after your presentation. It helps to engage the audience by inviting them into a conversation with other experts who can add different perspectives to your ideas and offer a depth of commentary on your thoughts. Inviting others to the panel discussion helps you to engage with fellow experts in your field. Also, audience members may be more comfortable in participating in the dialogue if they are shown that diversity and discussion is welcomed by you and the field.

Anticipating questions is always a good idea, and you can prime the pump yourself by leaving the door open for questions later by not explaining material to the nth degree. I try to relate answers to current events or topics of immediate interest so the audience can apply what we have discussed immediately. When possible, I answer questions "yes" or "no." To paraphrase my fellow Hannibal, Missouri native, Mark Twain--that 'astonishes some, and gratifies the rest.'

Many audience members are reluctant to ask questions because they're uncomfortable. Here's a tip to make them more likely to ask questions - greet attendees as they walk into the room where you'll be speaking, ask their name, and say, "May I ask you a favor? I'd love to have you ask a question when I get to the Q&A part. May I call on you by name when that comes up?" This works great for two reasons - 1.) You're prepping them to ask you a question and they feel important 2.) When you call on them by name, they feel important in front of other attendees too. Other people will think, "The speaker knows that person!"

It can be helpful to start even earlier, by asking attendees to submit questions in advance of the session. I don't put this practice in place when keynoting, but I implement it when leading certain types of webinars.

The Q&A part often becomes the highlight of my presentations. I love changing the vibe – dimming the lights, passing around a microphone. I'll challenge the audience: 'Make me earn your time. Ask that burning question, whether it's about what we discussed or just something you're curious about.' The best moments of my career have happened here. People share profound personal stories, creating a deep connection. When done right, it's a powerful experience

Asking people to stand in front of the Microphone can be intimidating for some audience members. It may be easier if you ask people to take notes and write down questions before the Q and A session. If you get questions from one of the audience, repeat it to make sure you have the question right and to let the rest of the audience know what they're asking. "That's a great question!" Or "thank you so much for asking that" will ease the tension with the rest of the audience.

This is all great advice. Listen intently and provide a valuable answer, even if that answer is "I don't know," as that preserves time for more questions while demonstrating to the audience that you are honest, authentic, and unafraid to be vulnerable.

1. Don't say "That's a great question". 2. If you need time to think about your answer, take the time and think. Nobody expects you to immediately blurt out an answer. And a few moments of silence, while they may feel awkward to you as the presenter, they don't feel this way to the audience. This also leaves room for the audience to consider how the question may fit their own context or understanding.

Tense questions get a yes or no or sorry can't answer that. Move onto the next question politely and quickly as possible. It's okay to let people yearn for more the next time you speak.

Eye contact is an absolute must. That last sentence should instead read, "You should also use body language and vocal variety to show your enthusiasm and interest in the Q&A and NEED TO use eye contact."

Some divergent techniques for increasing engagement: With a smaller group setting, call on individual audience members (ideally those you know, or have asked insightful questions already) to provoke discussion aligned with your purpose between audience members, and prepare quieter participants for the possibility they will be called on to encourage diverse input. In any size group, providing thought starters in advance of the event to a few in the audience allows them more time to consider & adjust questions through learnings from your presentation. This is particularly helpful in cultures or on topics where people may need time to think or be hesitant to speak up, and in rooms where some voices are inclined to dominate the conversation.

Many times the body language of the person will let you know if they understand you or not. Follow up questions with the person who asks the question is essential to learning. Explaining in a different way the second or third may be necessary.

I always make it clear to my audience and host that I need three minutes at the end of the Q&A session to wrap the presentation on a high note. I also indicate that I will answer questions we did not have time for via email.

I always like to share my contact information (email, social media, etc.) People will rarely ask more questions but you can gain some valuable connections for the future that may help you future business. The end message is very dependent on the subject and the audience. If everyone leaves smiling, you'll be asked to speak again.

Depending on the topic and the audience, there is a possibility that there might be some rogue questions that you might get asked. It is possible that something you said might have offended someone. Maybe they have a philosophy that doesn't align with what you presented. And they might come hard on you. Be prepared for such cases. Ensure you stay calm and maintain your poise. After they finish their question, don't challenge them. Acknowledge their point of view. Say "I understand how you feel" or "I understand where you're coming from". Address their question as objectively as you can, with an example or analogy if possible. End by saying, you're happy to continue the conversation later outside or on LinkedIn so that others get a chance.

Q&A is as fun for me as anything I do. Embrace it. The more enjoy doing it, the more your audience will enjoy engaging you in it.