The best way to deal with questions? Prepare for them in advance. It’s usually not hard to anticipate the questions you’re most likely to receive. And if you can do that, you can also prepare general answers to them and be ready with them if the question arises. The greater your preparation, the more effective your answer is likely to be.

SOME GENERAL TIPS:

• Listen carefully to each question.
• Paraphrase the question, to make sure you’ve heard it right, and for the benefit of those who might not have heard it. Then, respond to the question as asked.
• Show respect and appreciation for each questioner, even if you think the question is off the mark.
• Keep your answer relatively short and to the point. (Sometimes a question will give you the chance to make an important point you omitted in your original presentation. In that case, make it briefly. But don’t go on too long; other questioners are waiting.)