Communication Assessment & Learning Lab
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Handling the Audience Question and Answer Session 

1. Tell the audience at the beginning of the speech when you will answer questions.  If necessary, ask them to write their questions down during the speech so they remember them
2. Listen carefully to each question and then paraphrase it to ensure that you understand it accurately before responding
3. Take a moment to pause and think before responding to make sure well rehearsed answers look spontaneous and intelligent
4. Look at the questioner when paraphrasing the question, and look at the entire audience when answering
5. Give original, possibly humorous or witty answers without being flippant or sarcastic
6. Avoid lengthy responses so you do not forget the question you are answering or lose the audience’s attention
7. Tell those who have multiple questions that do not directly relate to the group that you will answer them via email, letter, phone, or after the presentation
8. Be honest.  If you do not know the answer, offer to get the information or recommend pertinent sources to the questioner
9. Deal with hostile questioners appropriately:
   1. Listen attentively and respectfully.
   2. Paraphrase what they said and how they feel without being condescending.
   3. Ask questions to get to the real issues.
   4. Begin answers by saying “I know what your issues are, now let me respond” or “Let’s talk about this after the presentation.”
10. Use a powerful closing after the session by returning to the central theme, reverting to closing statements, or talking about future steps