Presenting to an audience can be challenging enough, but when you are faced with difficult audience members who interrupt, critique, or distract you, it can be even more difficult to maintain your composure. The good news is that you can prepare in advance to hit any curveballs that might get thrown your way. Here we will look at some strategies and techniques for dealing with difficult people and situations during presentations.
Take Control
Remember that you are in charge of the presentation, so don’t be afraid to keep it that way. If someone tries to question you or take over the conversation, remember that you are the expert and you can manage the discussion any way you want. If a question or comment isn’t relevant to the group, you can redirect the comment by simply stating, “Thank you for sharing that and I would love to talk more with you after the presentation.” Remember that you are presenting to the entire audience, not just a few outspoken individuals.
Remain Calm and Composed
One of the most important things you can do when dealing with a difficult situation is to remain calm and composed. You want to stay focused on the presentation and not let the behavior of difficult individuals rattle you. Use a calm, firm, and respectful tone of voice and don’t take their comments personally or get defensive. By maintaining a calm demeanor, you display confidence and professionalism, which can help diffuse the situation.
Acknowledge and Redirect
You may encounter an individual who tries to derail or discredit your message. The key is to acknowledge and redirect these individuals. Politely acknowledge their comment or question and then redirect back to the main point of the presentation. For example, “Thank you for sharing your thoughts, but let’s circle back to the main issue.” You could also say something like, “That’s an interesting point and I would like to discuss it with you later in more detail.”
Respectfully Listen
Another strategy is to actively listen to their concerns or feedback. Show empathy and understanding toward their perspective, even if you do not agree. When you listen respectfully and acknowledge their feelings, you demonstrate respect and build a better rapport with your audience.
Set Boundaries
There are times when you need to be assertive and set clear boundaries when dealing with difficult people. Clearly communicate your expectations and boundaries and don’t hesitate to assert yourself if someone is being rude or disruptive. Setting boundaries reinforces that you are in charge and that you expect order and respect from your audience. This helps to create a more positive presentation environment for all guests.