Here's how you can confidently manage challenging questions during a presentation.

Always consider what the naysayers will be thinking and bake that into your messaging. You can either acknowledge what they think might be pain points to give validity to your approach or you can challenge their thinking as the roadblock to much needed change. Either way, you should be prepared and be aware and ready to cover the difficult questions. Handling them well will make your points land even better so welcome them!

When managing challenging questions during a presentation, stay calm and composed. Listen carefully to the question, and if necessary, take a moment to think before responding. Keep your answers concise and to the point, and if you don’t know the answer, be honest and offer to follow up later. Reframe difficult questions to highlight your key messages and maintain a positive and respectful tone. By staying confident and prepared, you can effectively handle challenging questions and maintain control of your presentation.

All too often as SMEs, we already know the question and are thinking of the response. STOP, LISTEN, REPEAT back their point to acknowledge you heard them and then break it down so that you understand every aspect. Respect them and the fact that they may not be swayed. Do that and eventually they may be open to your perspective.

Listening is a very important part of a conversation especially in a presentation, it is a fundamental part of human communication and interpersonal interactions. It allows us to truly understand others, build empathy, and have more meaningful and productive dialogues. Effective listening is crucial for learning, problem-solving, and maintaining healthy relationships. Thus, mindful listening in a presentation makes one smart enough to respond sensitively to questions thrown at them.

Can’t overstate the importance of remaining calm. If you’re excited about sharing the idea, you’re bound to over deliver especially if you’re asked a question that breaks your flow. Pause, think and respond thoughtfully. That redirect may be what you really needed. They may be asking what many in the audience are thinking and switching to their perspective might just be a gift to you.

Honesty is the best policy. Some phrases I use are: - Let me take that back and confirm for you. I don't want to give you incorrect information. - That's a great question! I'll need to do some more research and discuss with my colleagues before circling back with you. - I believe the answer is X, but let me confirm that for you before the end of the week.

Saying you will have to get back to someone on a point or that you don’t know is good. It shows you’re honest and trustworthy. Pick up from there and show them what you do know and how much it matters to you and you can’t go wrong.

Every question, no matter how pointed, should be seen as an opportunity in an open and engaged discussion. You have the stage, take it from there and lead it to a positive outcome. The audience will be with you if you lead with a positive approach.

The first principle is to assume positive intent. If it's clear that someone is asking a question as a "gotcha" moment (which I have also seen happen in both large and small settings on occasion), the best thing you can do is treat the question as if it is coming from a place of curiosity and answer in a positive or at least neutral tone. When things are on the verge of becoming charged, the best thing you can do is NOT take the bait. Whoever stays the calmest, wins.