What to Do When an Audience Member Disagrees With You

Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by trying to trip you up on a fact or statistic during your presentation. A few will find something you say threatening to their secure view of the universe and want you to know that " You are dead wrong!!" When this happens it is important to remember that you won't be able to please everyone in your audience and you shouldn't try. I personally feel that if I don't say something that afflicts the comfortable I'm not really doing my job effectively.

Here is how you minimize the possibility of an verbal attack coming from a member of your audience who is hell bent to show you the error of your ways. And it works extremely well most of the time. Yes, there are people who only hear what they want to hear and are just waiting for a chance to make themselves look cleaver by making you look foolish.

Here is what I say before I begin...

" I'm here to share with you my thoughts and opinions on (_________________). If I say something that rings true for you file it away for further consideration. If you disagree with one of my ideas or opinions that's fine. Just dismiss it as the musing of a misguided soul. You might just want to take what rings true and disregard the rest. I am here to invite you to consider what I have to say. You must decide whether you will consume it whole or spit some of it out."

This usually works for me but once in awhile you get someone who is so attached to their perception of reality that there is no room for an opposing opinion. Any disagreement is viewed as a total violation of all they whole sacred. This is sad, but true.

I believe that the search for truth is cumulative. When my perception of truth is added to yours then we come closer to THE truth. No one has a monopoly on truth or wisdom or insight.

If someone challenges you while you're giving your talk and they begin to interfere with the flow of the presentation just say in a very calm voice, " I would love to give more time to your ideas but I only have an hour to give my speech. If you see me at coffee break I will introduce you to the meeting planners and perhaps you can talk to them about hiring you to present at next year's conference." This always solves the problem.

In conclusion I want to say that this situation arises very seldom, but it does arise. When it does I hope these ideas are as helpful to you as they are to me.

View a 5 minute video clip of Mike speaking on Humor and Workplace Stress http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?video

Mike Moore is an international speaker on Humor in the Workplace, Humor and Stress and Humor and Human Potential. His articles and cartoons have appeared in publications throughout the world.

http://www.motivationalplus.com

---

How to Become a More Persuasive Speaker: A Systems Approach

There is no surer way to get ahead in business... Read More

Get Speaking

On a recent Sunday evening, I watched a friend 'graduate'... Read More

12 Ways to be a Confident Public Speaker

Speak from your heart. If you believe in what you... Read More

How to Present Your Proposal at an Executive Meeting

What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More

Are You Talking the Talk?

"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More

Ten Tips on Speaking with Authority and Power

No matter how good you are as a presenter, there... Read More

Speak to Be Heard and Understood

Use your voice to your advantage. One of your main... Read More

Voice Coaching - Training Your Voice to Give Better Presentations

Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More

Make Your Talks Pay: Have People Stand In Line Eager Give You Their Business Card

If you've ever been on stage, doing a talk or... Read More

Public Speaking Tips

1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More

A Simple Guide to Writing (and Giving) a Speech

Nearly as dreaded as snakes and spiders, public speaking ranks... Read More

How to Prepare your Mind/Body to Give Great Speeches

Sure you have catecholamines ? all speakers do. (including Sir... Read More

Ten Steps to Fearless Public Speaking

There is plenty of dubious material which suggests you can... Read More

How Authors Can Get a Free Promotional Tour

I was a celebrity lecture agent in the college and... Read More

So Youre Going to Make a Speech

What Do I Talk About?Start by asking yourself three questions:1.... Read More

Time Management

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No... Read More

For Speaking Ease, Forgive Your Younger Self

I love the Disney movie The Kid with Bruce Willis.... Read More

Speech Making - Reasons Why People Dont Listen

Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More

How to Gracefully Leave After a Seminar or Speech When Someone is Hogging Your Time!

Meeting planners know the value of meticulous planning. They are... Read More

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More

Five Tired, Worn Out Speaking Cliches

The subject of public speaking is riddled with tired, worn... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

Is Information Delivery Instruction?

Do you work for one of those organisations whose "training"... Read More

Earn Your Cs as A Speaker

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More

How to Build Respect with Your Audience: Positive Thinking and Outhouse Eyes

Do you believe in natural laws? Laws like:? What goes... Read More

Public Speaking:10 Simple Steps to Confident Speaking

1.Preparation The most important step in public speaking is... Read More

How To Write Powerful Presentations, Speeches And Talks

Most of us get nervous about making a speech, whether... Read More

Making Transitions

Ever notice how smoothly some speakers or writers move you... Read More

Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many... Read More

Using Your Natural Style On Stage

We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More

Feedback

I believe that asking for and acting on objective feedback... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Cool Before Your Presentation

Stretch to relax. Rise on your toes and reach for... Read More