In order to help speakers cope and succeed in such
challenging settings, the following general guidelines for effective public
speaking are offered.
Dress appropriately to match the style and temperament of the audience (when in doubt, err on the side of more-formal dress).
Be well prepared and confident (without being arrogant) in your position to support your viewpoint.
Have a proper attitude (including empathy and rapport) for a better chance of acceptance.
Speak clearly and with compassion to increase understanding and acceptance.
Explain assumptions and limitations to facilitate interpretation.
Avoid confusing terms.
Be honest, frank and open to build trust.
Hold all questions until you deliver your message.
Listen to concerns so that needs will be met.
If you do not know the answer to a question, say so, but offer to find out and provide the answer.
Above all, approach every audience with integrity.
Hopefully, with help from the guidance above, the company
communicator can take charge of the meeting and provide acceptable,
understandable answers that bring solace to those potentially impacted by
facility operations.
However, to further increase opportunities for constructive
dialog and decrease chances for confrontations during ?high-energy?
meetings, the speaker should do the following.
At the outset of your presentation, ask for common courtesy while you deliver your message.
If an individual rudely disrupts your speech, move away from the lectern and casually toward the hostile individual. This will demonstrate your personal concern for any legitimate issues the individual may have while at the same time show your lack of intimidation.
If a sensitive concern arises that is too complex to handle in a public setting, offer to meet after the presentation to address the difficult issue privately.
The second item above was once demonstrated effectively by
the late Senator John Heinz (R-PA) (1938?1991). At the beginning of a
large town-meeting type address, as Senator Heinz started his opening remarks,
a male audience member, about 30 years old, rose and in a loud voice began
nonsensically berating the senator about some issue. Senator Heinz moved away
from the lectern and down the center aisle to the row where the irate
constituent was standing. This immediately brought the man's volume down
and he began speaking more reasonably. Therefore, the senator's actions
were effective in producing a more cordial conversation.
Reviewing and practicing these steps should help those with
challenging communication situations address hostile audiences with more
confidence and good results.
About The Author: Anthony J. (Tony) Sadar is a certified consulting meteorologist with 23 years of experience in the environmental, communication and science education fields. Tony is co-author of Environmental Risk Communication: Principles and Practices for Industry (CRC
