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Presentation English

Handling Questions

How to respond to audience questions with confidence — whether you know the answer, need more time, or have to redirect the scope.

Dialogue Sample

A: Does this approach work for smaller teams?
P: That's a great point — let me address that directly. Yes, it works at smaller scale — you just skip the formal review stage. The core principle is the same.
A: And what about the six-week timeline? Is that realistic?
P: I'll come back to that in a moment — it connects to the next slide. But if I understand your question correctly, you're asking whether we can compress it further? I don't have the exact figures on hand, but based on similar projects, six to eight weeks is typical.
A: Can you also cover the legal implications?
P: That's outside the scope of today's presentation, but it's a genuinely important question — let me make sure I answer that fully in a follow-up.

Natural Phrases to Know

To acknowledge and answer

That's a great point — let me address that directly. Let me make sure I answer that fully. Good question — the short answer is...

To clarify or buy time

If I understand your question correctly... I'll come back to that in a moment. Let me just make sure I understood — are you asking about...?

To redirect or be honest

That's outside the scope of today's presentation, but... I don't have the exact figures on hand, but... I'll follow up on that after the session.

Your Turn — Fill in the Blanks

You are the Presenter. Use the phrases above to complete your lines.

A: How does the cost compare to the current system?
P:
A: Do you have a specific number?
P:
A: Can you also speak to the HR implications?
P: