Final Year Project Presentation and Defence Best Practices

Chapter 6 · Practice 3 of 3

Let the owner answer, then add only if it helps

From Present as a team

Why it matters

During questions, the person who built the part being asked about should usually answer first, even if the question was addressed to the group. Panels often direct questions to a specific member to check individual understanding; do not jump in.

Team rules for questions:

  • If a question is for you, answer it yourself, even briefly.
  • Add to a teammate's answer only if it fills a real gap, and keep it short.
  • Never contradict a teammate in front of the panel. If they made a factual error, add the correction gently: "To add to that, the limit is 500, not 50."
  • If the team disagrees on a design point, say so honestly and explain both views.

A team that supports each other calmly comes across as one that worked well together.

Do

  • Let the member who built the part answer first
  • Add briefly only to fill a real gap

Avoid

  • Answering questions addressed to a teammate