When someone questions your expertise in the middle of a talk, it’s best to stay calm and respectful. Take a deep breath and don't get flustered. Thank them for their question to show respect and to keep things positive. Then, answer honestly, sharing more details about your experience or knowledge on the topic. Incase you need to share data sources go ahead and share them. If you are asked something ambiguous to which you don’t know the answer, its ok to admit it, promising to discuss it after the speech. This shows confidence and honesty. By keeping the mood friendly and open, you can turn a challenge into a chance to build trust with the whole audience.

Being questioned mid-speech? It’s your chance to showcase grace under fire! ?? First, take a breath and stay calm—defensiveness only fuels tension. Acknowledge the question with a respectful tone, like ‘Great point, thank you for bringing that up!’ It shows confidence and professionalism. Then, respond clearly and concisely. If the topic needs deeper discussion, offer to connect afterward to keep the presentation on track. Remember, it’s okay to say, ‘I’ll look into that further.’ Transparency builds trust.

A person willing to interrupt you during your speech to challenge you is 90+% likely to be a High D personality (Outgoing Task-Oriented). Challenge them back! I was in a presentation where a high D challenged me about one of my points regarding Rapport building in the first five minutes. He flat out told me, "I didn't feel engaged". So I challenged him back. Me: "Let me ask you a question. Were you in the room ready to be engaged in those first five minutes, or were you on your phone before you walked in, not really paying attention?" Him: "You're right. I was on my phone with my daughter." Me: "So was that my inability or your lack of focus?" Him: "You're right." A reserved person would until afterward in a 121 conversation.