It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Your pre-game preparation was phenomenal. You studied your subject matter for days. You practiced your delivery and mechanics until they were both pristine. You made sure the copies of your presentation were placed at each seat just right. You stood at the door and patiently held it open until all of your audience had arrived.
Everything was going according to plan. After exchanging pleasantries your presentation begins. Your introduction is so crisp and creative that it attracts the attention of all in earshot. Adrenaline surges through your system.
As you prepare to transition into your first point someone in the middle of the room says”I’m sorry that was really stupid”.
2 options are available to you:
- Lose your composure, momentum, and credibility while attempting to crush the vermin.
- Take control of your room and handle the situation.
Obviously, the better option is number 2.
If you plan on speaking in public you will eventually deal with a heckler. When the situation arises you need to know how to handle it and handle it quickly.
People will pester you or otherwise distract your audience for one of the following reasons:
- They are bored
- They are engaged in private conversations
- They think they know more than you
Boredom
It is a known fact that people often act out because they are bored. Some people can get in a time machine, travel back in time, and be bored at MLK’s “I Have a Dream Speech”. Don’t take it personal.
When you encounter someone suffering from boredom give them 2 options:
- Be quiet, stop being a distraction, and pay attention
- Exit the room
Unfortunately, there isn’t much wiggle room when you have a genuinely bored person amidst your audience. The poison that boredom brings into an environment will spread if it isn’t kept in check.
Private Conversations
See the section on boredom above.
Knowledge Deficit
The most painful, annoying, and persistent heckler is the person that knows more than you. If the person does have more knowledge (real deficit) than you it can be annoying. If the person doesn’t (perceived deficit), the whole ordeal turns into an exercise in self-restraint.
Both situations should be handled the same:
- Acknowledge your heckler/nuisance. If their points are valid then add them to your presentation on the fly.
- Establish yourself as the leader of the the discussion and keep things moving. It can be as easy as saying “I am the presenter please be mindful of my responsibilities”.
Again, you have to stomp out dissension before it explodes into a problem beyond your reach.
Conclusion
There you have it. A guide that shows you how to get an audience to be quiet and pay attention to the value you provide. You must stand firm, establish yourself, and control your situation when a heckler or distractions bring chaos into your environment.
Use this article to destroy distractions and hecklers before they have a chance to ruin your hard work.
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