The last PowerPoint slide has been displayed, the last line of your notes is finished, and the presentation is finally over, or is it? Not by a long shot! You have a great opportunity to keep the music playing and continue to make your case during that infamous time at the end of every presentation known as Q and A. A lot of presenters just go through the motions during the Q and A. Of course, they may be tired at this point, as the adrenalin begins to ebb. But also, they may feel a little bit out of control and vulnerable because they are off the script and people may ask questions that are hard to answer. But remember, you are still out front and people are still watching your body language and listening to your tone of voice.
If you can convince them that you sincerely believe in your message, even when you are off the script, you will seal the deal for a lot of people. Plus, it is a great opportunity to go over all of your main points one more time, as you respond to each question. Have you ever watched a politician take questions during a press conference? No matter what the question is about, he or she will always find a way to return to their core message. You can do the same thing. Here is how to make Q and A work for you.
First of all, let your audience know at the very beginning of your presentation that there will be time for questions at the end. Now you are committed to take questions and they will be less likely to.
