According to Speaker Rich Hopkins there are several things you can do when something threatens to distract your audience from your speech:
- Control - take control of the situation and direct the audience on what to do next (e.g., if a fire alarm goes off)
- Shut down - if a distracter continues and doesn't stop say you will handle their question after the meeting (e.g., a heckler continues to bring up non-relevant points)
- Funny - make a joke about it, either on the spot or from a line you have already prepared, making sure to understand the audience well enough to know what it will find funny
Tim Wilson
Professional Speech Coach
Free speaking tips at: http://speakingquicktips.blogspot.com
