Audiences like Q&A because they get to see the real, unscripted you. When it goes right, it's because you're at ease and confident in your material.
When Q&A goes wrong it's usually because the speaker forgets the power structure in the room. Audiences see you as the power figure. Your name and title are in the program. You have the microphone. You get to speak first.
Let's say you get a sharp or even hostile question during the Q&A. By all means, do not counterattack. Because you are the power figure, the audience will see you as a bully.
I've seen a perfectly good outing spoiled by one hostile question followed by a blistering retaliation from the lectern. The way the audience saw it, a BB gun shot from the audience was answered by a howitzer barrage from the speaker.
Deal with the hostile question by being exquisitely cool. Acknowledge the questioner’s position -- and calmly explain why you don't agree with it. If the hostile questioner keeps hammering away, don't fall for the bait. And that's often what it is -- an attempt to make you look bad.
Remember that you're speaking to deliver your content, to convey your messages, to leave your impression. There's no way you can win over every person in the audience. Run your own race. If people don't agree with you, so be it.
For really competitive speakers, there's a temptation to go after the hostile questioner. You want to show them that you're right and they're wrong. Don't do it. When you attack someone in the audience, you enter the no-win zone.
As the speaker, you have the power. If you abuse it during Q&A, you lose it.
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