How to Deal with a Negative Audience in Professional Speaking



At one time or another, you will have to deal with a negative audience member or group. How do should you handle that kind of situation and still keep a professional appearance? The first goal to keep in mind is that you have a message to communicate and that is your job! Your goal is to bring information to the rest of the group whether or not they want to receive your message. The mindset you should have is that you are well able to communicate that message and you're going to do it in a professional way. Here are some tips to keep you on track as you deal with a negative audience.

1. Know your stuff. Knowledge is power and so is preparation. Do you know your subject matter well enough to answer impromptu questions? If not, you should. Review the material and ask yourself potential questions that might come up. Look for inconsistencies in information within your presentation and then remove them. Prepare answers to potential questions.

2. Don't react to negative comments or questions. You are the professional and you are the "guru" of information concerning the topic you're speaking on. Reacting negatively destroys any positive images that your audience has of you. Believe it or not, your audience is not thinking "Oh poor speaker being heckled by audience member Joe!" Don't give in to emotion because that's not part of your equation. Stick to the topic at hand and take the stance that you are the information "guru" regarding the subject matter!

3. Always answer all questions. Avoiding difficult questions also questions you're validity as a subject matter expert. One of your goals as a speaker is to gain the support of your audience. You want them jumping on the bandwagon idea that you're pitching to them. In the process, you'll want to eliminate anything that will cause you to lose your credibility.

4. Maintain your control. Responding to your negative audience with the same negative emotion will cause you to lose control of your topic. Focus on the topic at hand. Train your mind to deliver the message you were hired to deliver instead of letting emotional antics get in the way. A developed speaker is one who has control over his/her emotions.

5. Be prepared for the next potential negative encounter. Having one negative speaking experience certainly prepares you for the next. Instead of focusing on the negative situation, take a step back and begin to learn from what happened. Perform a self-evaluation. What did you learn?

6. Engage your negative audience member or group. A negative audience or member is one who is disconnected with your presentation. It should be your goal to connect with as many people as possible and to make your subject come alive in their minds that what you present is possible.

Train yourself to react professionally. In doing so, you'll be establishing yourself as a leader and as a subject matter expert. Don't let negative questioning override what you have to communicate - look at it as being just a learning experience. When you do that, you'll be well on your way to becoming a top-notch professional speaker!




Comments

I read with great interest.Your article looks nice,thank you for sharing with us!

herve leger dresses - By herve leger dresses - Homepage
13th October 2011 - 10:23pm

Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really realize what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked
The north face clearance - By The north face clearance - Homepage
13th October 2011 - 10:24pm

Very nice site,In future i ready to hear more from you.i like your post.so In future i ready to hear more from you
Belstaff Motorcycle Jackets - By Belstaff Motorcycle Jackets - Homepage
13th October 2011 - 10:25pm

Its very good practical article!thanks.
supra trainers - By supra trainers - Homepage
19th January 2012 - 9:18am

Thanks for your sharing, write it so well.
supra skytop - By supra skytop - Homepage
19th January 2012 - 9:19am

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Translate Page Into English Translate Page Into Spanish Translate Page Into French Translate Page Into German Translate Page Into Portuguese Translate Page Into Korean Translate Page Into Japanese Translate Page Into Italian

Menu


Some Articles

6 Questions That Professional Speakers Answer
Using Humor In Your Professional Speaking Gig
What Does The First Year Of Professional Speaking Look Like?
Using Props In Your Professional Speaking Presentation
Professional Speakers Polish Their Message
Where To Find Professional Speaking Jobs
How To Market Yourself As A Professional Speaker
Organizing Your Professional Speaking Presentation
Ten Sources Of Income In Professional Speaking
Practice Makes Perfect!
The Real Message That Professional Speakers Send
Successful Transitions For Your Presentation
Do You Have The Ability To Draw People As A Professional Speaker?
Handling Questions And Answers In Your Professional Speaking Career
How To Deal With A Negative Audience In Professional Speaking
How Free Professional Speaking Gigs Help You
Achieving Success In Professional Speaking
What Makes A Great Professional Speaker?
How To Tell A Story In Your Professional Speaking Presentation
A Professional Speaker Sets The Tone For The Message
Create Your Professional Speaking Portfolio






Some Articles


Where To Find Professional Speaking Jobs You've got your engine running and you're ready to get out there..


Using Props In Your Professional Speaking Presentation People learn and retain information in different ways. As..


Organizing Your Professional Speaking Presentation You may have just been asked to make a presentation by..


Handling Questions And Answers In Your Professional Speaking Career Handling questions in your presentation can be a scary time for..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Public speaking: Students given 4 minutes to talk their way to victory - The Express Tribune

    

The Express Tribune

Public speaking: Students given 4 minutes to talk their way to victory
The Express Tribune
Ali John, a student from the Anchorage School, said that it was a great platform for students because it taught them how to speak in public. Alizeh Faisal from the Convent of Jesus and Mary spoke about the ego becoming the sole divinity.




KATHLEEN PARKER: The cost of conscience - Fall River Herald News

    

Los Angeles Times

KATHLEEN PARKER: The cost of conscience
Fall River Herald News
Parker is a consulting faculty member at the Buckley School of Public Speaking, and is a regular guest on television shows like The O'Reilly Factor and The Chris Matthews Show. Parker describes herself politically as "slightly to the right of center.
Komen does about-face on cuts to Planned ParenthoodThe Seattle Times
Komen reverses move to cut Planned Parenthood fundingReuters

all 1,153 news articles »