How do you handle unexpected questions or interruptions during a speech?

Many times a speaker has a time limit where they need to complete their presentation. If that is the case, you can politely state that you'll be happy to answer after the presentation time permitting after the speech or on a side conversation. If the duration is flexible and the question is pertinent to your topic, go ahead and answer it weaving it into your speech.

When giving presentations, I set the ground rules early and encourage interruption. I want questions because of the iceberg principle: if one person has the courage to ask it, 9 others are probably wondering the same thing. The purpose of a presentations isn’t to give my talk, it’s to impart knowledge. What better way to do that than answer the question right away.

Rester calme c’est la base. Regarder franchement la personne qui vous a interrompu et ne pas l’ignorer. L’ignorer lui donnerait l’occasion de vous interrompre pour attirer une nouvelle fois votre attention et celle de votre public. On reste donc ma?tre de soi et de ses émotions. Je vous invite aussi à la regarder avec bienveillance et lui sourire. Vous lui indiquez par cette communication non verbale qu’elle a votre attention et que vous lui accordez de l’importance. Vous avez la possibilité de répondre de suite ou lui dire que vous répondrez plus tard. C’est vous qui avez le pouvoir.

I listen carefully and try to answer the question if it could be answered based on my expertise Or else confirm the audience to provide answer after consultation with an expert.Never attempt for 'beating around the bush'

A very smart person once taught me the concept of “seek first to understand”. Since then, this sentence accompany me while public speaking, managing people or just, you know- going through life. The power of truly listen and understanding what people are saying first goes a long way- for them and for you.

Interruptions can be ammunition to excel. Hear behind the behaviour. Does the person need status, certainty, to feel included or something else? Maybe it's a language challenge or brain difference. Give them what they need. If the question relates to what's coming, compliment the asker. E.g "What a sharp question. That part is coming up in a moment. Do you mind if I hold your question until then?" If it's a challenge to something from before, take it humbly and answer. If pressed further you can say something like, "It seems I may not have explained that sufficiently. Would you like me to go back over it before moving on?" If the majority, and key stakeholders, want you to move on, offer to speak privately at the break to the asker.

Sometimes you can miss what the disruptor is communicating if you lack active listening. Listening to someone talking, no matter how rude one is will show that you are respectful. Being respectful usually attracts other people's respect. A good speaker will listen carefully to the question or comment without losing the mind.

An interruption is always relevant! If it's on-topic, it's likely a question that others in your audience have. If it's off-topic, could even be an audience member showboating, then it's an opportunity for you to demonstrate professionalism and earn the respect of your audience. I witnessed an interruption turned into comedy gold by a speaker only this week. A loud screech from somehere outside the room cut across a key point she was making The speaker could have paused, ignored it and repeated her point. Instead, she paused and made an observation, 'I hope everything is OK. Was that a seagull? A small child? A delegate in distress?' When the laughter died down, she continued her speech. With the audience in the palm of her hand. ??

If it's a question, assess it quickly for direct relevance - I've had questions which required answers longer than the presentation - and either answer directly or remind the audience you'll have time for Q and A towards the end. Either way give thanks for the question. If the interruption is not relevant it can be used to inject humour - but not at the expense of the person who interrupted, as this can alienate your audience - or tell them you're happy to speak with them afterwards. No matter what, remember to breathe, smile, and radiate calm.

As the main keynote speaker, I once had another speaker slated for a small breakout session later stand up and start responding to an audience member’s question after I had answered it already ??♀?. So odd. And she was saying the same things I had said… Out of respect, I let her address the crowd for a bit as she was reinforcing my points, but when she showed no signs of stopping I said “Thank you for helping me drive my point home,” (the funniest thing is that the question was about protagonism and narcissism ??) “and you could continue the conversation with the audience member at the break if he would like to hear more.” Didn’t want to put her down or publicly embarrass her as she was new to speaking. She apologized afterwards.

No question is stupid but it may be irrelevant in the context. Assess the relevance and make sure that you politely respond and redirect to the point in discussion

If the question or interruption arises from a misunderstanding, you have a problem: you are the speaker because you are supposed to be the main expert in the subject. If you do not manage to explain the topic with clarity, may be you are not so good… or may be you are, but if the audience does not understand, what is your real value? If that happens: listen carefully, keep calmed, asume with elegance that may be you were not being as clear as supposed, and try it again firmly but with humility. Change the rhythm of the speech, change the order, change enough content for the audience to realize you are trying to solve the previous situation. And next time, practice with your team before exposing to an audience!

It is vital to remember that a question is more than likely coming from an authentic place. If the question is trying to drive deeper into the topic than you had planned, you can use it as an opportunity to connect with them after the speech/presentation is over. If the question will be addressed again in your presentation, then you can use that as an opportunity to answer it later.

Although many would say that if it comes from misunderstanding that means you were not clear... I totally disagree with that!!! There are so many filters in our ears that hinder our understanding of the topic often... if there is misunderstanding you want to clarify, provide different perspective or example... your goal is to make them learn from it...

I love when I get interrupted for clarity. If I spent so much energy and time in preparing, and am passionate about what I am saying, it is a gift to have the opportunity to reclarify something to everyone. I think it is also easy to leave some of the audience behind on topics you have given a lot of thought to, and their questions might provide the needed context to bring it home.

Providing clarity during your answer will help clarify some issues for you later in the conversation. However, a clear and concise answer will reassure the audience about your expertise, which will elevate you during your speech.

If an interruption is disruptive or inappropriate, politely but firmly redirect the conversation back to the presentation. You can say something like, "That's an interesting point, but let's discuss it further after the presentation."

The danger of taking questions or comments during the talk is that you may end up taking more time answering questions and never finish the speech in time. In my experience, when I have a small audience, say less than 40 people, I can allow them to ask questions as we go. But for audience above 40, I tell them in advance to ask questions or comment at the end.

I usually say, “great question” followed by: “that’s coming in a couple more slides” or “that would be another whole talk”, depending on which of those two responses is true. I don’t mind answering questions if they are relevant to the topic, but if someone is one step ahead of me, I prefer sticking to my outline, for clarity.

In order to control the timing, it happens I say "Given the time allocated for this talk, I propose to take time to answer your question / time on a dedicated one on one at the break afterwards".

In my opinion, preferences vary from person to person. Personally, I prefer addressing questions at the end because it helps maintain focus and prevents distractions during crucial moments of a presentation. However, I've come across people who enjoy and welcome more interactive exchanges throughout. Ultimately, it depends on your personal style and preference.

Whilst an interruption could break your flow, responding to one could be beneficial in informing your audience; reminding them that there are questions at the end or even to maintain control when there is a derogatory remark directed at you, the speaker. Respond respectfully, reminding about the questions, thanking for an informative remark But the last, you need to quickly challenge the derogatory remark and reminding the person that this is not the time to interrupt. Your audience will also thank you for this. They want yo listen to you!

I've always said that no one enjoys being lectured for hours. Allowing audience members to interject and use the information they share is always beneficial, but not everyone is equipped for it. Be prepared to use that information. Be prepared to be interrupted and make that person feel acknowledged, and if they do so respectfully, make them feel appreciated too. Once you learn how to handle these interruptions when speaking to youth you can handle adults with your eyes closed.

Know your subject inside and out with confidence, and you will be able to field most questions without losing a step. Confidence is the secret ingredient… And you gain that by practice and purpose. #GivingCandyToStrangers

If possible, listen and briefly engage. Promote constructive Interchange of ideas. If the interrupter’s position is aggressive never engage, or rapidly go back to your speech.

Engaging tactfully is a skill I’ve honed through my interactions with students, colleagues, and management. By valuing each person’s input and responding with respect, I foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, which enhances the overall experience.

Have fun with Q&A. Before your presentation, write down 5 questions you would hate to be asked and practice your answers. This helps allow you to stay calm and in control.

There are always unexpected situations and questions coming. The best way is to be honest about it. If you can answer it well, go ahead but don't hesitate to add that you will get back on it and possibly you need to give more thought to it. No one is prepared for every question that can be raised. One needs to see it as an opportunity, genuinely engage and see it as a means to grow together.

If a person deliberately tries to pull you down by interrupting, my response is always: Shower them with love. They want to be heard and seen. Compliment their courage to speak, thank them for their question and only answer if it’s relevant for the entire audience. Otherwise, take it offline. “ To respect everyone’s time, let’s discuss this specific matter one to one later. I’m curious to hearing your thoughts” Never defend yourself of go into a discussion! If you don’t feel comfortable with questions during your presentation, frame it at the beginning. “At the end of my presentation there will be time for discussion. Please save your questions and comments until then.” If someone still interrupts you, you can refer to that frame.

I often use humor to defuse tension, build rapport with the audience, and humanize myself. However, keeping the humor relevant, tasteful, and inclusive requires some skills and awareness.

I believe very much in active listening which also includes reading body language and can even extend to reading the room and understanding the mood. When interrupted, I always acknowledge the individual, thank them for their query, hear what they have to say and firmly yet respectfully respond with an answer in the moment or offer to take it off-line or signpost them to the answer, as appropriate. Depending on the context of the interruption I might inject some light humour, but only if appropriate.