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How To Handle Interruptions During Public Speaking

Nearly every public speaker has had to handle interruptions. How they're handled can make the difference between a minor annoyance and a major disaster. It's important not to lose the whole audience because of one person or a small group who choose not to listen.

For those who think quickly on their feet, a skill useful to every public speaker, wit can go a long way toward defusing any heckling. A good line can ease tension and put the focus back where it belongs, on the speaker and the event.

Dr. Robert Sutton, a Professor of Management at Stanford University, tells the story of a lunch at a public restaurant soured by an insulting jerk. The atmosphere was typically fun-filled but his caustic comments ruined everyone's enjoyment. Someone asked the jerk for his name, explaining that he was a perfect specimen for a book the man was writing on rude jerks. The heckler remained silent the rest of the lunch.

Still, you want to be careful to avoid nastiness whenever possible. It's very easy for it to be turned around and make the speaker look like a bully. You don't want to appear smug, since that will raise the tension in the room, not lower it. It adds further distraction and it will take longer to get the speech back on track.

But some people seeking attention simply won't give up until they dominate the event. You might try ignoring the person for a while. Or, you might suggest that they talk to the organizers about getting their own speaking engagement. In the end, if all else fails, you have the right to have disruptive people removed from the event.

The circumstances will help guide you. But keep the focus on the speech, not the interruption, as much as possible.

Remember, too, that not all interruptions are bad. Some speakers enjoy spontaneous questions. In a more public meeting-style forum it's appropriate for people to express an opinion out loud, even when one person is the major focus. But crowds can quickly get out of hand. An event can become counter-productive when multiple people are speaking. Listening, for everyone, becomes impossible.

Two more things are important when dealing with interruptions: keeping your cool and remembering your speech.

Holding your temper when faced with (possibly repeated) interruptions helps keep the audience on your side. You don't sink to the level of the heckler. You remain dignified and he looks like the jerk. He loses. You win.

But it is also important because remaining calm will help you remember your speech and delivery. Every good public speaker will practice a speech, at least to the point where glancing at any written aids is minimal. Getting riled throws you off. It causes you to forget your speech and focus on the interruption. That's exactly what you don't want.

Most audience members will be cooperative. Most will naturally resent anyone who interrupts the speech. After all, they came to hear you, not some random audience member. Use that good will and be careful not to lose it. Keep the focus on you and the speech.