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Public Speaking - How to Handle Interruptions

By Edward Hope

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 03Jul2009 Word count: 483 Viewed: 414 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

In public speaking, distractions can arise in the form of interruptions. These interruptions have the potential to distract the audience and as a consequence cause the speaker to lose control of their audience. Interruptions can range from late arrivals to hecklers.

Some planning and preventative measures can decrease the likelihood of some disturbances such as a noisy ventilator or a flapping window. By arriving early and checking out the room these types of issues can usually be remedied before the meeting starts. Also, sometime the arrangement of the room can lend itself to distractions. For example, where people are to sit behind you on stage this can be a distraction to the audience. If possible, the seating arrangement should be re-arranged to prevent this competition.

However, careful preparation will not prevent some disturbances and distractions occurring. Ordinary ones such as late arrivals and sudden departures are best ignored. Problems with the microphone or the audio-visual need to be sorted as quickly as possible, and a prepared quip for the situation will help to keep control of the audience.

Other ongoing nuisances like a noisy air conditioner (not spotted by the pre-meeting checks) will normally be attended to by a member of the audience. However if no one makes a move, the speaker can interrupt their speech and make a move to quieten the disturbing noise. Normally, the gesture is enough, and a member of the audience close at hand will be quick to abate the annoying sound. Outside noise such as a siren or the roar of a plane should be ignored unless it is too loud and interferes with your talk. If this is the case take a pause until it has passed. Again a quip can be used to regain the audience's attention.

If the disturbance is created by a member of the audience, the organizer or someone seated close to them will usually deal with the nuisance. A personal appeal on your part may lead to unexpected consequences.

Hecklers are best ignored, difficult as this may sound. If you do not acknowledge them and they continue to be offensive, the audience will normally help you out. You are an invited guest and as such you will be protected by them. The age of chivalry is still not completely dead.

Engaging in light banter with a heckler will only serve to encourage the intruder. It is important to keep your temper and maintain your dignity and composure. Keep your mind on your speech. When you interact with interrupter you are unfairly ignoring the rest of the audience.

You must remember the majority of an audience are on your side and want you to succeed. It is important to continue to be professional at all times and you will keep your listeners onside throughout the interruption. In public speaking, as with show business, the attitude is "the show must go on."

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