Here's how you can prevent conflicts from escalating during a presentation.

If an audience member has an issue with you, the speaker or with another's point of view, try to resolve it and move to the next point. If the party refuses to move on, acknowledge the disagreement and that in the interest of everyone's time, you had to leave it aside but you would speak further with this person after the speech

Use open body language, active listening, controlled tone, deep breathing, acknowledge emotions, focus on solutions, take breaks if needed, and seek mediation if necessary. By staying composed and fostering a collaborative environment, you can effectively manage conflicts and navigate challenging situations professionally.

As a public speaker, staying calm and composed is key to prevent conflicts from escalating during a presentation. When faced with a stressful situation, maintain a steady tone and body language, demonstrating control and professionalism. Use active listening techniques to hear the concerns, acknowledging the perspectives without reacting in a defensive way immediately. Use techniques such as deep breathing and pausing before responding so that you can calm yourself. Keep your responses concise and respectful. By showing a calm demeanor and addressing issues with empathy and clarity, you can defuse tension and bring the conversation back onto a harmonious and productive path.

If a conflict arises among presenters, remind them that unique perspectives are important but respect for those conflicting opinions is the best way to understand and reach acceptance.

When conflicts arise, listen attentively to all parties involved. Understand their viewpoints, concerns, and underlying emotions. Active listening fosters empathy and helps you address issues effectively. For Example: If someone expresses frustration, respond with empathy: “I hear your frustration. Can you elaborate on what specifically concerns you?”

Just like in stand-up comedy, you may have a heckler at your presentation. Maybe you've already had some! If so, get a sense for when someone is likely to speak up. You may be able to plan your responses. If it's a rarity, be sure you really listen to that person. Even if you don't fully agree with them, you can "10% agree." That's when you agree with a little piece of their argument or emotionality toward a topic, and use what you've heard from them to move your presentation forward without giving them more of the spotlight.