For the Q&A session, it’s helpful to allocate time in advance. When questions arise, common ones can be addressed together to save time. For more in-depth questions, you can provide answers via LinkedIn or email, allowing for detailed responses without holding up the session. This way, everyone stays engaged, covers the basics, and the discussion remains focused and efficient.

1. Set Clear Expectations Before the session even begins, make sure to outline the rules. Set clear guidelines for the format of questions and answers, including the scope and duration of each. This helps participants understand that time is limited and will keep their questions more concise. 2. Use a Timer A timer is a simple but effective tool for staying on track. Allocate a specific amount of time for each question and response—perhaps 2-3 minutes. Using a visible timer keeps everyone aware that the session has a set pace. It’s especially useful in large meetings where multiple questions need to be addressed.

Here is where you need to be in charge of your Q&A sessions. Based on the time you have for the Q&A, you can use this simple formula. Imagine you estimated you had time for 3 questions. Start with "Who has the FIRST question?" The second is "Who has the NEXT question?" Conclude with "Who has the FINAL question?" which ensures the audience knows that you only have time for one more question. If you have time, you can repeat "Who has the NEXT question?" numerous times, as long as you always conclude with the FINAL question.

I see this a lot to with my clients I hold tech for. We have scripts for all calls but some of them run over each segment, leaving Q&A or shares with little time. One thing I’ve done from the tech holder side is to time each segment and talk before how much time we can go over before it impacts the Q&A part of the call and how many questions we want to take.

As a soft skills trainer, I'd suggest reframing Q&A sessions as collaborative dialogues. Set clear expectations upfront, use visual cues like timers, and employ the "parking lot" technique for off-topic questions. Embrace silence as a tool for reflection, and practice the art of gentle redirection to maintain focus.

It's actually quite simple. Stay in control. 🎤 1. First, make sure you can tell your story well. Be cautious with taking questions during your talk. Mention this beforehand. 🛑 2. After that, start the Q&A. If time runs out and there are still more questions, direct them to the networking event, your email, or another alternative. ⏳✉️ 3. And make sure to keep the last minute of your presentation to deliver a strong closing yourself, including a solid call to action. 🎯💪 Hope this works for you!