Public Speaking Skills / Presentation Skills / Boston, MA / Massachusetts

Most commonly asked questions I receive..
 
 Answer to question #4
Each month you receive the answer to the next question. Click here for answers to previous questions.
  1. What do I do with my hands?
  2. How do I get rid of the nervousness?
  3. What if I can't answer a question?
  4. How are you supposed to handle hecklers?
  5. Do I need to use PowerPoint?
Here are the short answers to all above questions...
1 - Nothing
2 - Speak
3 - So what
4 - Shut them up fast
5 - If you have to ask, then the answer is a big huge NO
 
How to handle hecklers?  First of all, do not take it personally.  Most likely hecklers are people who treat almost everyone or at least every presenter the same way. Whatever they are saying or doing, really has nothing to do with you, but all to do with whatever is going on with them.  The most important thing you can do is to make him/her feel validated.  Keep the peace.  You have that power.  Here are some tips on how to do that:
  • Acknowledge their statement,question, complaint and/or emotion. 
  • Give them a reason to be more flexible and open to the concern at hand. 
  •  Ask the rest of the audience their opinion and then move on quickly.
  • Answer briefly then say "next question" or just go right into your next point.
  Here are examples of what you could say. Remember to speak with kindness and in a supportive manner, even if you feel like you are being attacked.
  • "That's an interesting point you bring up.  Come see me after the program and I will talk with you more about that.  But in order for you all to get what you need today we need to move on."
  • "You are entitled to believe that.  I'm sharing with you what I have found beneficial in my experience. Feel free to take what you want from it."
  • "I ask that you remain open minded during our time together and it is totally up to you if you want to believe it or not."
If things get really bad, remove him/her from your program. If you are a guest speaker, you can consult with your contact person to take care of it.    If you have had experience with this and use another technique, please share it on my facebook fan page...
Contact:
Jacki Rose
Top Performance
Jacki@JackiRose.com
(508) 381-1529
Milford, MA 01757-1379
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