Questions and interruptions during a presentation can feel unsettling, especially if you’re already nervous about public speaking. Some people worry they’ll be thrown off track or asked something they can’t answer. That worry can lead to self-doubt and a loss of momentum. The good news is that with a bit of preparation and some simple techniques, you can stay calm, in control, and keep your audience engaged; even when the unexpected happens.
Prepare for questions before you begin
One of the best ways to handle questions and interruptions is to plan for them from the start. Decide whether you want to take questions during the presentation or leave time at the end. Then let your audience know what to expect. A simple sentence at the beginning like … “I’ll take questions at the end” or “Feel free to ask as we go” sets the tone and helps you manage the flow of your presentation.
As you prepare your content, think about where questions are most likely to come up. Are there any technical points or controversial ideas that might prompt someone to speak up? Think about how you intend to respond to these questions (particularly the difficult ones … don’t hope that they won’t come up).
Interruptions can happen at any time. When they do, pause for a moment to show you’ve noticed. This gives you a second to assess the situation and decide how to respond (and to breathe). Stay calm and confident. If the question is relevant, answer it briefly and return to your point. If it’s off-topic or too detailed, say something like, “That’s a great question, let’s chat about it after the session.”
Keeping your tone friendly and your body language open helps you stay in control without appearing defensive.
This is easier to do if you have thought about what questions might come up. Work out what the sceptics, naysayers and detailed focussed in the room might ask and when. Think about how you will answer their concerns. Once you know what you’ll say, build in short pauses after these sections so you can check in with the room or clarify anything that seems unclear. If your audience have unanswered questions running through their head then they won’t be hearing what you say next.
How to answer questions without losing your thread
When someone asks a question, repeat it before answering. This gives you time to think and ensures everyone in the room hears it. Keep your answers short and to the point. This helps you avoid going off on a tangent and makes it easier to return to your material.
If you don’t know the answer, say so. A simple, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out and get back to you,” is far better than guessing or rambling. People respect honesty, especially when it’s delivered with confidence.
When you’re the one who needs to interrupt
Sometimes the questions or comments can veer away from where you plan to go and you’ll need to steer things back on track. If someone is going off-topic or asking too many questions, it’s fine to say, “Let’s come back to that in a moment,” or “I’d like to finish this section first.” Being polite and clear helps you manage the flow without shutting anyone down.
Interruptions and questions are part of presenting and can be off putting. However, with preparation and practice, you can handle them with confidence. Stay calm, be clear, and keep your focus on the message you want to deliver. The more you practise the more natural you’ll feel … and the more confident you’ll be every time you stand up to speak.
