Presentations: Managing the audience

In the blog last week, we evaluated some simple techniques aimed at enhancing the delivery of interactive presentations while also demonstrating sensitivity to audience needs. This week we will explore the challenge of managing the audience throughout the process, especially potentially disruptive members.

Managing potentially disruptive members of the audience

One of the most daunting requirements when delivering an effective presentation is the constant challenge to focus on both self and audience management. While most audience members generally attempt to be supportive and polite, there are nearly always some individuals that display disruptive behaviour in one form or another. In such cases it is essential not to overreact or show annoyance, as this will just increase the stress level of the presenter and interrupt the flow of the presentation. Indeed, it also runs the risk of triggering yet more negative attention seeking behaviour if it appears to work.

However, controlled intervention is often necessary in relation to either the pointless interrupter or the know-it-all critic. First, regarding the seemingly pointless interrupter, one tactic is to ask the person to explain the point a little further. As they tend to be people who just like the sound of their own voice and rarely think through comments or contributions, they will typically proceed to tie themselves in knots and even withdraw the point.

Regarding the critic, listen to the argument while maintaining positive eye contact and body language, and then leave a short period of silence at the conclusion to the comment. After this, throw the issue over to the audience asking for comments. Should the comments be generally positive, praise the critic, but stress the counterargument again. If you have prepared well, this should not be a problem. However, block any further discussion by referencing to the time limitations. Therefore, while most disruptive behaviour is best ignored, remaining calm, polite, and positive will gain respect from the audience.

Finally, to introduce a lighter note to this otherwise potentially challenging experience, my international students constructed a comical list of audience characters that they found somewhat annoying and threatening when delivering a presentation that are illustrated below.

List of potentially disruptive audience characters

• The silent unmoving mushroom or staring statue

• The noisy hungry eater

• The compulsive mobile phone addict

• The continuous chatterbox

• The attention-seeking circus clown

• The loud sighing clock-watcher

• The bored I’m not interested

• The perpetually tired sleeper

• The reliably late noisy entrant

• The permanently silly giggler

• The pointless interrupter

• The know-it-all critic

In the blog next week, we will move on to examining the important issue of managing nervousness during presentations.

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Question 1

Would audience management be easier if they were instructed to only ask questions at the end?

Question 2

Is the presenter responsible for controlling disruptive behaviour or the person in authority?

Question 3

What simple practical strategies can help reduce presentation nervousness?

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We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.