Presenting confidently: Responding correctly to stupid sayings

Content

Troublemaker in the audience: does the performance provoke?
Parrying heckling: count on it!
Heckling and stupid saying # 1
Heckling and stupid saying # 2
Heckling and stupid saying # 3
Heckling and stupid saying # 4
Heckling and stupid saying # 5
Heckling and stupid saying # 6
Heckling and stupid saying # 7

Unfortunately, it's no exception in the job. Women in particular know the problem (also known as mansplaining in technical jargon): They give a lecture to colleagues or a presentation to customers or virtually on the screen. But unfortunately a notorious know-it-all is constantly chatting in between, interrupting you with inappropriate sayings or bombarding you with critical questions. Some rubbish even go below the belt or aim to discredit you. Now keep calm and react confidently? Not that easy at all. But not impossible either. We show how you can continue to present and parry stupid sayings ...

Troublemaker in the audience: does the performance provoke?

First of all, it's not up to you. You did everything right, (hopefully) prepared yourself well and also had something to say in terms of content. However, it could be that your appearance and body language indicate uncertainty. This irritates some envious or troublemakers to blood clash.

It's not fair and fine. No question. Especially not among colleagues. On the other hand, you can take it sporty: Those who quickly parry such (more or less) subtle attacks will gain respect from the others and will keep small-minded smartass and hypocritical stool-leg saws at a distance in the future.

Parrying heckling: count on it!

So what do you do if someone (or more) interrupts you again and again, asks rhetorical questions or even comments on your presentation style?

This can throw many inexperienced speakers off track. Especially when it comes unexpectedly. This is exactly where the first counter-trick lies: in general, expect something like this to happen. Play through a few unpleasant situations beforehand and think about what you could say about them. The interjection will not bother you so easily.

We take the opportunity to introduce you to typical stupid sayings that can come up - as well as suggestions on how to react to them. But - and we also say that: it often takes two to get such uninvited interjections. Means: Don't just look for the mistake in the audience, but use the opportunity as a lesson on what you can do better in the future. The rule of thumb is: Always stay calm, smile and continue to concentrate on the central theme of the presentation.

And now: How to confidently parry stupid comments about the presentation ...

Heckling and stupid saying # 1

Is meant: I do not share your opinion and now I have to prove my expertise.
Trigger: You are probably new to the company or are just beginning your career. You still cannot fall back on a wealth of experience or a great reputation. You want to make a good impression, prove your skills and know-how and are really knocking on the bush. Unfortunately, you are criticizing - directly or indirectly - the work of an old hand or the boss's latest "innovation". In order to hide your own insecurity, appear overconfident, almost arrogant. Sure, that provokes headwinds - especially since the presentation and arguments are perceived as inappropriate.
Correct response: Without meaning to, you have gambled away sympathies with your new ideas. It is now important to regain this. Smile everyone around you. Admit that you are just starting out in your career. If you have voiced bold theses, show that you are willing to compromise and understand. Perhaps you did not know all the backgrounds - but of course the discussion also shows that it is worth thinking about it again. Nothing else stimulates you.
Avoid errors: The more revolutionary your theses and ideas, the more moderate and diplomatic you should present them. After all, it does not serve the idea or the cause if you first annoy everyone who you actually want to get on board. But more importantly: Admit to yourself that you are still a beginner or that you are new and never overplay that with exaggerated coolness. The shot always backfires.

Heckling and stupid saying # 2

Is meant: They look like you're about to go to a party.
Trigger: Can be sexist - but it can also be an indication that you ran out of stock in your closet this morning. The result is either too sexy, too casual, or not appropriate for customers and clients. Either way: the result is embarrassing.
Correct response: Sure, the attention of everyone present is now even more focused on your outfit. Inevitably you look at everyone and nobody listens anymore. You are probably uncomfortable with this. Nevertheless, don't look at the ground in shame and avoid the looks of the others. The wrong tactic now would be to justify or even apologize (unless you really got out of hand). Look the complainer directly and confidently in the eye and say, for example: “Nice if my outfit arouses so much interest in you. Then I have your full attention now and we can start the presentation… ”With the first part you disarm the attack; with the second you direct the audience back to the lecture.
Avoid errors: Afterwards, of course, you can still self-critically ask yourself whether the clothes were wisely chosen. After all, you really shouldn't be distracted from the presentation. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Heckling and stupid saying # 3

Is meant: You won't look smarter if you use technical jargon all the time.
Trigger: Either you are using too many (or worse: wrong) technical terms or you have lost the thread and your audience during the presentation. All that still comes out now is confused babbling or bullshit bingo galore. Nevertheless, you keep talking - and your head and your career.
Correct response: Stop for a moment, apologize and just smile away the faux pas: "Excuse me, I'm so deep into the subject, I sometimes don't even notice when I'm talking technical jargon." Take a deep breath or take a sip of water. Then collect yourself and start another attempt to express your thoughts in simple words.
Avoid errors: Practice your presentation as often as possible - that gives you security. Make sure to recreate the subsequent presentation as realistically as possible. Write down index cards with reminders to prevent a blackout. While practicing, make sure to speak in Standard German - out loud!

Heckling and stupid saying # 4

Is meant: They babble.
Trigger: You are giving a lecture on a complex topic. In trying to reproduce the facts as precisely as possible and to present all facets, you are going too far. You provide your audience with information and details that they don't even need.
Correct response: Accept the criticism and respond to it. Briefly reflect on the core of your statement and state it precisely. What the other person wants to hear from you in such situations is a mnemonic. For example, start with, “Thanks for letting me know. My point is ... "or" By that I mean ... "
avoid errors Next time, focus on the essentials. Complicated things are much harder to understand when you listen. Therefore, pay attention to understandable and simple words - but also visualize your messages. This is where Powerpoint, Keynote & Co. show their strengths. Only provide the listener and viewer with the images and information they need.The best thing is: only one picture and memo per slide.

Heckling and stupid saying # 5

Is meant: You destroy my comfort zone; way too revolutionary!
Trigger: Tired of going the same way over and over again. You are tired of projects being tackled the same way over and over again, and you are tired of offering customers the same actions over and over again. That's why you decided: it's time for something new. You have already prepared a couple of robust suggestions for this.
Correct response: The statement made by your counterpart signals skepticism, but also offense. Because you are probably trying to cut off a braid that the other person likes very much. Do not let this unsettle you or provoke you. Do not respond to the accusation and deliberately ignore it. Now you should really be factual and make your strongest arguments. If you can't think of any straight away, ask the counter-question: "Why do you think my suggestion won't work?"
Avoid errors: Prepare for objections. When it comes to changes, there will always be skeptics. You have to be prepared for that. People are reluctant to leave familiar paths because they are entering unsafe terrain. Try to proactively remove uncertainties in your suggestions. Anticipate beforehand what objections your audience might have and think about counter-arguments.

Heckling and stupid saying # 6

Is meant: The weird stuff doesn't make sense.
Trigger: You are very familiar with a topic. Too good maybe. Now you are giving a presentation and speaking over your audience. You move from stick to stick, tell something about this point, jump to the next, then something occurs to you again about a previous point and you add to it.
Correct response: Reconsider the goal of the talk. Ask yourself: why are these people sitting here? What are you interested in? How do I make their work easier? It is often enough if you answer the second question for yourself. Focus all of your statements on it. And now turn the lecture and monologue into a dialogue by asking interim and further questions in order to clarify your statements. If everyone can contribute, they are more satisfied with the result anyway.
Avoid errors: Structure your presentation. Consider the background of knowledge of your audience. When in doubt, they are much less deeply involved than you. So take them on board first. Explain important technical terms and causalities. And try to give the presentation - no matter how short - a classic dramaturgy: short introduction, analysis, conclusion.

Heckling and stupid saying # 7

Is meant: You've been talking too long.
Trigger: You yourself are enthusiastic about the topic and want to show everything you know. Error! Without realizing it, you are excessively exceeding your speaking time.
Correct response: Take the criticism. Briefly end the thought you were trying to elaborate. Then summarize the key messages of your presentation briefly and concisely, introduce the discussion and come to the end. All in a maximum of 5 minutes. If you had to leave out important points, offer to make these available in writing to all those present afterwards.
Avoid errors: Train your sense of time. Give the lecture at home, stop the time and see how long it takes you. Then set a certain time window and discipline yourself to adhere to it. If you have practiced this a few times, you will no longer have any problems staying in time during the presentation. Remember: You can talk about anything - just not for half an hour.