We're used to including a Q & A item at the end of our lesson outlines. It just seems like the polite thing to do. Too often, though, we ask "Anyone have any questions?" followed by silence. Maybe we're out of time and everyone wants to move on, but what if there are participants who have questions, but don't feel comfortable speaking up or don't want to hold up the group.
Instead of asking if anyone has a question, how about asking it in a different way? Try "What questions do you have?" instead. Then wait. Thirty seconds may seem like an eternity, but you want to give your audience a moment to think. It's worth the wait. A Q & A session can actually be one of your teaching strategies. It's a great time to find out if students understood and remembered your lesson material. Don't be afraid to throw out your own question to break the ice. Ask "What was the most important thing you learned?" or "How will what we talked about affect the way you do your job?" or "Did we cover what you wanted to learn?" Use the responses to correct misunderstandings and reinforce key points.
If you don't have much extra time for Q & A, ask students to record questions throughout the class on index cards or post them on sticky notes on a "Parking Lot" area on an easel pad, whiteboard or wall. You can then gather them up and start your wrap up. You'll still learn a lot about student perceptions and comprehension, plus it will be an opportunity to meet student needs and interests by adding information important to them.
One last thought. Be sure participants know how to reach you if they have a new question or prefer to talk to you privately. Let the learning continue!