Question time Question time is a very important part of your presentation. How you handle questions may well determine how successful your entire presentation is. However, question time should not be feared, but should be seen as an opportunity to clarify issues, get audience feedback and make additional positive impact.
Most people are even more terrified of asking a stupid question in public than they are of speaking.
If someone has summoned up enough courage, and has enough interest in your work to ask a question, however irrelevant it may seem to you, respect their intent. Give a brief answer but not another mini- presentation. Prior to your presentation, try to have colleagues brainstorm potential questions which your audience might be expected to raise. Tough questions are a source of fear to most speakers, but need not be the problem they seem. Unclear questions .