Comments on: How to handle a heckler

By: Ordeverstoorders | Bernard Blogt

Ordeverstoorders | Bernard Blogt — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:08:51 +0000

[...] Olivia Mitchell geeft tips over het omgaan met orde verstoringen tijdens een presentatie. [...]

By: Public Speaking Tips and Techniques [2010-03-06]

Public Speaking Tips and Techniques [2010-03-06] — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:08:04 +0000

[...] Mitchell also writes about how to handle [...]

By: Monica Ricci

Monica Ricci — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:46:46 +0000

Great stuff Olivia! I am also a speaker and I think that as speakers, we will all *eventually* encounter someone who heckles to some degree. Handling it well can be the difference between coming off stage feeling elated or deflated.

Even if your heckler isn’t nasty, it can still derail your presentation if you let it. I use the same techniques with those who attempt to dominate the presentation with multiple questions at inappropriate times, as if you’re doing a one-on-one consultation with them. (had this happen last night actually)

It’s the speaker who can use a unique combination of remaining respectful, calm, and smooooooth that wins the day!

Monica

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:26:04 +0000

Great post, on a topic that most presenters try to avoid thinking about! It is so important to ensure that anyone with any interruption or complaint believes that you have heard and understood them. Cutting someone off will only make the situation worse. And as a presentation should be all about the audience, showing other members that their opinions matter will only make them respect you more.

By: Conor Neill

Conor Neill — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:46:55 +0000

Excellent, practical post. I love the O.A.R. steps and the last resort. I remember a friend of my who went to do teacher training – I asked her once – “do they train you on how to handle misbehaviour in class?” She said that the guidance was to “avoid giving an ultimatum that you cannot execute”. e.g. “If you don’t stop then I will stop this class”. I love the “last resort”. It is the right way of showing that you are speaking for the audience, not just to look good for yourself.

By: Michael McCurry

Michael McCurry — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:08:48 +0000

Olivia,

This is my first time visiting your blog and I am impressed with your insight and writing ability.

Your comments and suggestions were absolutely right on, and thanks for voicing them. This (Hecklers) is a subject that came up in a Twitter Hashtag community called #Eventprofs this week.

The majority of the folks participating felt we should find a way to silence Hecklers, or alienate them from a conversation. I was one of those that disagreed, for the very reasons you cited in this article. I was actually getting ready to write a follow up blog post when I came across your article.

Thanks for providing this information and I am sure many people will use it. We would love it if you would join us on one of our Eventprofs chats. They occur on Tue night from 8-9pm cst and then again on Thursdays from 11am to 12noon cst.

@michaelmccurry

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:23:25 +0000

Thanks Mark – glad you find my suggestions helpful. Being able to manage your own emotions is key to effective speaking. Olivia

By: Mark Arnold

Mark Arnold — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:42:41 +0000

Olivia: Thanks for the post; you always provide positive suggestions on improving my speaking. You point about keeping your emotions in check (point #1) is certainly key. It helps to take a deep breath, make eye contact and address them directly. Many times just validating that you hear them is all it takes to get them on your side (hopefully)!.