I am not sure I understand the question. What does it mean to handle tough questions with "finesse"? If your group is asking tough questions, I would praise them for asking tough questions and rather than trying to finesse them, I would answer the questions genuinely and with authenticity. If some of the answers involved highly sensitive information, then say so and why that information cannot be shared right now, if that is the case.

As a respected figure within your team, it's natural for them to probe your leadership through questions. To manage this effectively, encourage them to raise queries at designated times in your talk. When faced with challenging questions, stay composed—this is simply your team's way of gauging your expertise. Remember, they rely on your assurance as their guide. Your presentation isn't just about sharing information; it's also an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership. And don't worry if you can't answer every question on the spot. Acknowledge their inquiry, and assure them that you will follow up with a detailed response.

Handling tough questions is an art. The key is to not let it frazzle you and to stay calm and breathe. Begin by taking a deep breath. Listen actively to the questions. You can take a brief pause to process the question. If unsure paraphrase the question for the person asking it. This not only shows respect for the person who has asked the question but also gives you a little more time to phrase a response. When you respond make sure your posture is open with shoulders back and that you are standing upright with your feet firmly on the ground. Answer in a calm, concise and confident manner to show you know your subject. Once you respond you can always say something like- "does this answer your question".

In the face of tough questions during a presentation, I focus on maintaining composure and actively listening to each query. Acknowledging the team’s concerns shows respect for their perspectives. I then provide clear, concise answers, addressing their points directly. If I don’t have an immediate answer, I commit to following up afterward. By staying calm, engaged, and transparent, I turn challenging questions into an opportunity to demonstrate confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills.