How can you use body language and voice to convey confidence and credibility in a Q&A session?

One thing that I always find helpful when doing this exercise is to look at the answers I prepare and ask "So what?". This is a practical test you can do to ensure that the answer provided hits the mark, by adding clear value to your audience.

I agree on this,but adequate research based learning and practices would also come handy. Social skills are important, public speaking mastery is another aspect that would be an added advantage. Channels of communication and having knowledgeable/literate followers would determine the quality of feedbacks and constructive positive criticisms, which would expose unseen areas of inadequacy.

When delivering training, I always ensure that I include two or three questions that prompt the audience to actively engage and be tuned in to the topic I'm covering. This way, when you get to Q&A you'll have a warm audience, eager and comfortable to ask you questions.

📝 when taking questions, I normally try to write in short hand the question that is raised. The reason for that is: ▶️ I can paraphrase back easily - instead of remember all that is said, I have the keywords needed to answer the question ▶️ I can take time to prepare my answer ▶️ I have notes for later to come back to for future runs of the presentation For most presentations I also have a list of questions I can ask the audience both throughout and at the end of the presentation. This will help get discussion going.

A great technique here, if you are still finding your presentation style, is to film yourself doing it - do it in a private space, where you feel 100% comfortable. When you watch yourself, pay close attention to: 1. The tone of your voice and the speed of your speech. 2. Look at your physical posture: you don't want to look too relaxed in your posture, as this looks unprofessional, but similarly you don't want to be too uptight (leaning forward in your chair or standing too straight) as this will make you look nervous. 3. The common expressions you use to ensure they are what an expert should use and avoid overusing them as well.

The key to handling a difficult question is transparency: be honest about what facts you have and answer on that basis, taking your emotions out of it, so that you don't feel threatened by the question. If you need to point the person to a different expert, do it with grace, fully admitting that it's not your area of expertise, but that you know a great person who is. Remember that being resourceful is also a great skill to have!

I love to finish my presentations with a call to action so that the audience feels compelled to continue the journey they started by joining your presentation.