Here's how you can prevent conflicts in a public speaking context proactively.

Engage with your customer, the person hiring you beforehand. During that meeting, ask the hard questions and say the things you want to say like you want to say so that there is no ambiguity and see how it lands. Not to be shocking or rude, tell them beforehand you will be doing this to make SURE you do not overstep any boundaries or customs. Also, be very early for the event, mingle with attendees and get to know them. Make a point of learning about them and what might put them off. That said, you cannot make everyone happy, and as a speaker, you introduce new ideas, that might be negatively experienced anyway.

Understanding your audience is key to avoiding conflicts. Research their demographics, cultural backgrounds, and potential sensitivities beforehand. Tailor your content to be respectful and avoid controversial topics. By being empathetic and aware, you can create a message that resonates without triggering conflicts.

The beginning of your speech sets the stage for the entire presentation. Start with a respectful and open-minded tone to encourage your audience to reciprocate. Use inclusive language and express that differing opinions are valued. Establishing mutual respect from the outset reduces the likelihood of confrontational responses.

I moderate a specific leadership program for CEOs, and in the first two paragraphs, as I walk onto the stage, I ask them to switch their phones off for three hours. This is tough. How do I do it? I address them as an equal. I see myself as the same. If I asked the same question, talked to them as a drill sergeant, or put them on a pedestal, it would not work.

Organize your content clearly and logically to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict. Ensure your points are coherent and flow smoothly from one to the next, avoiding abrupt topic changes. A well-structured speech helps your audience follow your reasoning, making it easier for them to engage constructively with your message.

Listen to learn, not to judge or to respond. Give them space to talk and make them feel heard. They are sharing a perspective that you might not have considered.

Despite thorough preparation, unexpected conflicts may arise. Be ready to adapt your speech on the fly to address emerging concerns. If you sense growing tension, pause and address it directly by clarifying a point, providing additional context, or adjusting your content to better align with audience expectations. Flexibility is key to preventing conflicts from escalating.

Empathy is crucial for preventing and resolving conflicts. Recognize that each audience member has unique beliefs and experiences. Strive to connect emotionally and show that you care about their views. When people feel heard and understood, they are less likely to engage in conflict and more likely to listen openly to your message.

Don't ask people if you answered their question during a public speaking Q&A. Asking if you've answered someone's question is great in a board meeting, but not in front of an audience. It just opens the door to go down a rabbit hole with someone who might give you a hard time. Keep the Q&A fast-paced with short responses and make sure you have some common questions you're ready to put out there yourself and then answer if you don't get a lot from the crowd.