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The Joy of Dealing with Hecklers

By Lynn Grasberg

 

Q: What's a heckler?
A: Someone who gives you heck when you're speaking in front of a group.

There you are, giving what you thought was going to be a fairly easy presentation but someone in the audience is yelling. "That's stupid!" "What do you base that statement on?" I've heard better ideas from my cat!"

Do you:

1. Ignore it and pretend it isn't happening?
2. Say something nasty to shut the person up?
3. Say something nice to try to placate them?
4. Cry?
5. Run out of the room?

Of course, you could do any of the above, but you'd be abandoning yourself and the rest of the audience.

Instead, I recommend that you INCREASE your audience connection by accepting whatever is thrown at you as an offer and playing with it. I was reminded of this yesterday when I was speaking and singing to a group (the celebrants at my April Fool's Day birthday party), which included a lively one-year-old. At several points, she made some rambunctious noises, which I chose to respond to as appreciative comments. "Thank you!" I said, and "I agree!" to the amusement of my audience. I included her in the flow of the program, instead of treating her contribution as an obstruction.

I noticed it was easy for me to do this with her because it was very clear to me that she was not criticizing me, and was just expressing her natural energy.

I can also handle rambunctious adult hecklers when I respond to them like I did to the baby. Even if someone actually has an agenda of grabbing attention or being critical, I don't have to be a victim to their comments as long as I "yes-and" the situation -- i.e., accept the offer/opportunity they provide and build on it.

"I've heard better ideas from my cat."
"Really! Please give me her card after the program. I'd like to work with her."

So, what works when there's unexpected "noise" in your speaking environment?

1. Remember to breathe (so you can keep thinking).
2. Move your body (so you don't freeze up).
3. Maintain eye contact with your audience.
4. Trust yourself and stay flexible in your responses.
5. "Yes-and" the situation.

What's great about hecklers? They keep you from going on automatic. They test your ability to stay present. And you don't have to take them home with you!

 

Copyright © Lynn Grasberg 2008

 

This article is excerpted from Ta-DAH! Lynn Grasberg’s free monthly newsletter.

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Lynn Grasberg lights up the stage at conferences, conventions and retreats as a keynote speaker and musical comedienne. As a presentation skills coach, she helps individuals and organizations make powerful presentations, handle change with humor and resilience, and develop top-notch communication skills.  Contact her at 303.913.5226, LynnGrasberg.com. 

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