Here are a few speaking tips for handling the "big picture" of speaking challenges:
- Set up the rules in advance - before beginning the speech itself, tell people what you need them to do and how you expect them to behave (e.g., "Turn off your cellphones;" "Take calls in the hallway so you don't disturb the group," "We will have a 10 minute break at 11:00," etc.)
- Step aside from attacks - when someone in the audience is rude and or attacking, let them talk, and agree with some of their points. Or if things get too "heated" take a short break to give the person some "cool down" time or to talk with them about the points they brought up
- Step into the audience's world - if someone is not paying attention, look directly at them; if someone is disrupting things, step closer to them and so bring attention to their being disruptive (e.g., don't let a heckler "hide" in the audience but put the "spotlight" on them and their behavior)
Tim
