5.8 Strategies for Handling Audience Questions
Katherine Dyck
As part of your presentation, you may be required to answer questions. Here are some tips to help you:
- Anticipate the kinds of questions you will be asked and prepare your responses. Will you be asked about your purpose? Scope? Limitations? Research methods? Results? Rationale for design choices?
- Consider your audience’s technical background. Remember the three levels of technicality from TCOM 102. It is likely that your audience is at a semi-technical level, so prepare answers that address the technical questions your audience may have.
- Do not lie or guess; your audience may know more about the topic than you do.
- Attempt to answer every question you are asked. If you can’t answer the question at all, tell the person you will get back to them (and remember to follow up).
If you need more information, review these resources:
https://thinkscience.co.jp/en/articles/how-to-handle-difficult-QandA-moments
References
Handling audience questions. (2026, June 23). Sheridan Library & Learning Services. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://sheridancollege.libguides.com/presentationskills/delivering-your-presentation/handling-audience-questions
Jones, C. (n.d.). How to handle difficult Q&A moments with confidence and professionalism. ThinkSCIENCE. Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://thinkscience.co.jp/en/articles/how-to-handle-difficult-QandA-moments
