If speaking in public is everyone’s secret fear, then getting heckled must come in second. Of course, it’s usually not a mob you have to deal with but one or two very difficult people.

It seems some people prefer attention, even negative attention, rather than feeling ignored. And look for opportunities to ‘clear the air’, ‘get to the heart of the matter’, and ‘clarify what you really meant’. Commonly, it’s all a ruse to start a squabble.

If at some point in your public speaking career you get heckled, what tactics can you use to diffuse the situation and turn it to your advantage? For example…

You’ve prepared well for a presentation, including extensive research, and you’re confident that you know what you’re talking about…

…but, you find one or more people choosing to vehemently disagree with your arguments!

Does this make you mad? Do you get visibly irritated or upset?

Most of us struggle to deal with these situations. It’s hard not to take these occasions personally – maybe even as an affront to our credibility.

But here’s the thing. If people disagree with you publically, the last thing you want to do is to lose your cool.

Why?

1. Don’t get personal

There is a great temptation to respond in kind if you believe someone has attacked your integrity.

We charge into battle without thinking. When you take the bait, you fall into their trap. A trap they’ve probably planned carefuly before attacking you.

The problem with adopting this tack is that it commonly results in personality conflicts – where those listening may be expected to take sides with individuals instead of arguments.

And no one wins in tit for tat contests. These are circumstances where battles may be won but wars lost!

Focus more on what is being discussed versus tackling the person or people who disagree with you head on.

2. Listen and narrow

Acknowledge that it appears there may not be full agreement on all the points you make and ask some clarifying questions to uncover what specific points are of concern and why.

Be aware, you will always appear more reasonable to an audience if you show a willingness to understand where they are coming from and listen to others.

If the points made from the floor seem valid or worthy of examination, say so and be prepared to take those issues away from the event or meeting for further consideration.

On the other hand, if those who disagree with you are merely sounding off or griping and can’t back up what they say – this will be abundantly obvious to both you and your audience.

3. Be Gracious

But don’t rub salt into the wounds of someone who has disagreed with you with vacuous arguments.

You are better off to acknowledge the strength of feelings shared and check that there are no other objections before you move forward. Chances are, you won’t be swayed further from your original propositions.

Why is that important (in any case)?

It is always in your interests and your audience’s interests to have open and honest dialogue.

Your audience must believe that you are fair and reasonable and that you have their interests at heart if you wish to persuade them of anything.

Assuming you need your audience to do something after a meeting or event, it is never a good idea to ignore or ride slipshod over objections raised from the floor – as to do so may serve to undermine both your credibility and your audience’s motivation to act in the ways you suggest subsequently.

How do you deal with conflict situations?

Resisting traps set by difficult people is not always easy.

How do you deal with interruptions, hecklers and trolls when making  presentations? How do you try to turn it to your advantage?