You might want to consider not leaving the question session to the very end. Perhaps have a strong closing statement that you can use once the Q&A session is finished. This will protect your ‘closing’ and allow you to finish on a high note. Here are some ideas worth remembering once you ask for questions:
When you ask for questions from the audience wait for a good seven seconds for a response (this is referred to as KYMS Rule: Keep. Your. Mouth. Silent.). Don’t talk, don’t break eye contact, keep the smile on the face… just wait those seven seconds. The first question should come somewhere between 5-7 seconds.
No Questions?
If no one asks a question after that time then ask the first (and only the first) question of yourself. I.e.; One question you may be considering is…;.Make sure that it is a likely question and not some obscure point. Also, if you do ask yourself the first question it is fairly important that you know the answer! Grief.
Indicate
When gesturing to a member of the audience for their question, don’t point at them. Use an open hand gesture and use the questioner’s name if you know it as this builds rapport. In smaller presentations, the name rather than the gesture is more appropriate.
Repeat
Repeat the question. Either verbatim (word for word), or incorporate the question with the answer. An example would be; Q. What’s the price of eggs in China?. A. The price of eggs in China is $0.48 per dozen.
No Answer?
If you don’t know the answer then say so and either defer it to another person who you know does have the answer or defer it to a later time, example; “I’m sorry, I don’t know the price of eggs in China but when I get back to the office I’ll find out and get back to you. Is that okay?” Obviously for credibility sake you need to follow up and supply the answer at the later date.
Whenever you practice your presentation in front of peers always have a mock question and answer session to keep you sharp. Never get into an argument with a member of the audience, you may win the point but you’ll lose far more. Finally, finish your Q&A session by tying back to your opening. Finish on a high note.