Don't poke the bear. We've all been in these situations, and as fight or flight response kicks in, speakers sometimes try to answer everyone, talk over people, and thus just add to the melee. Instead, take a moment. Go silent, and wait for the audience to do so. Then, in a calm and measured way, summarize what happened. Parse the questions, and deal with each in turn. If there's conflict, acknowledge it. If you can't solve it, say so. You are not omniscient, you're someone on stage trying to give your take on things. The key is not to get flustered, and the best way to quiet an audience is to first go quiet yourself.

When faced with a barrage of conflicting questions, I focus on regaining control by acknowledging the audience's diverse perspectives and then guiding the discussion. I might start by summarizing the main themes of the questions to highlight commonalities and provide clarity. Then, I’ll prioritize the questions based on relevance and urgency, addressing them one at a time while inviting further input. This structured approach not only calms the room but also fosters a sense of order, ensuring that everyone feels heard and that we stay on track.

To regain control of the room when facing a barrage of conflicting questions, stay composed and assertive. Politely acknowledge the questions and take charge by steering the discussion back to the key points of your presentation. You can organize the conversation by suggesting a structured approach, like addressing one question at a time or grouping similar concerns together. Remind the audience of the main objectives and offer to handle unresolved questions after the session. Maintaining a calm, respectful tone and clear direction will help you restore order and keep the conversation productive.

In a workshop-style class of 30+ very active Diploma Students. With assessment deadlines looming. Most in need of some kind of short one-on-one assistance. I simply had them write their names on the whiteboard. I'd work through the list marking them off as I progressed around the room.

Greetings! When facing conflicting questions, regain control by calmly steering the conversation. Acknowledge the questions and clarify that you'll address them one at a time, ensuring everyone’s concerns are heard. Politely prioritize the most relevant questions to the topic at hand, while offering to follow up on others later. Maintain composure and reinforce the central message, guiding the room back to focus. By managing the flow with respect and confidence, you create order and trust.