Interaction with the audience

In general, it is best to offer your audience plenty of opportunity to respond or ask questions. Non-verbal reactions can also provide valuable feedback; if people are craning forwards or looking quizzical, you may not be speaking clearly enough. If they look bored, you should liven things up a bit. If they are all 'on the edge of their seats' in rapt attention, you know you have hit the right note!

Tips:

• Decide beforehand whether you are willing to take questions during the presentation itself or whether there is to be a question-and-answer session afterwards. Inform the audience accordingly during your introduction.
• Prepare your answers to the most likely questions.
• Ensure that you actually understand a question before you attempt to answer it. If in doubt, ask for clarification. Having answered the question, check that you have done so to the questioner's satisfaction.