Whether you're giving a prepared talk or speaking impromptu, the question-and-answer session that follows is always an unscripted event for the presenter. You can make it work to your advantage by utilizing the following techniques:

• Ask for Questions: Let the audience know when you are taking questions. They look to you, the speaker, for permission to ask. Include this information in the opening of your talk.
  
  
• Acknowledge the Questioner: When a question is asked, make eye contact with that audience member until he/she is finished with the question.
  
  
• Listen for the Issue: Questions can often be long and rambling; you must listen carefully to identify the true issue at the heart of the question.
  
  
• Rephrase/Repeat the Question: Breaking eye contact with the questioner, repeat the question to the audience at large. Rephrase the question to make it more concise and on-topic. This technique also gives you a few seconds to prepare your answer.
  
  
• Answer the Question: Answer the question to both the questioner and the audience at large. Answer every question given, even if it is off-topic. If you don't know the answer, be honest and say so, but direct the questioner to another source for the information. End your answer by bridging back to your topic.