1. Manage expectations. Phrases like "we will have time for one or two questions in about 10 mins, make sure to store them up for then!" can really help. 2. State your expectations of the audience. "I want to make sure we can hear from as many of you as possible, so please try to be concise and ensure you've got a question mark in there" can help avoid long speeches! 3. Don't dismiss anyone or make them feel silly. Acknowledge their contribution. If it comes at an awkward time, field it for later. "That's a great question and I'll do my best to return to it in a moment" or if it's totally irrelevant - something like "Great to see this panel is generating so many thoughts, let's continue the conversation off stage after the session'

Acknowledge the person asking question. Responding depends on the question. If they’re asking, for example, what an acronym stands for, quickly answer (tip: don’t use acronyms). If it’s longer, let the audience member know you’re going to take a few questions at the end. The best way to avoid this is to state plan at beginning of speech, though, so audience knows how or if questions will be taken.

Managing Q&A sessions effectively requires clear communication and time management. Start by setting expectations at the beginning of your talk, letting the audience know when and how questions will be addressed. Allocate a specific time slot for questions and stick to it. Encourage concise questions and provide brief, focused answers. Use a moderator if possible to select relevant questions and keep the session on track. Politely defer complex queries for later discussion. In my experience, summarizing key points before answering helps maintain clarity and focus. Setting boundaries and staying organized allows you to handle Q&A sessions smoothly without running over time.