How do you maintain rapport and credibility when facing objections and resistance?

One unique tip to overcome resistance is to use the "Yes, and" technique. This involves acknowledging the other person's point of view by saying "yes" and then adding to it with an idea of your own by saying "and." For example, if someone is resisting your idea to start a new project, you might say "Yes, I understand that starting a new project can be intimidating, and I believe that if we break it down into smaller steps, we can make progress." This technique shows that you are listening to the other person's concerns and also offers a way to move forward together.

In some cases their are circumstances that are clearly out of my control, such as laws from the State or Federal laws. Not to mention i work at a public school that also plays a huge part on what we can and cannot do within the department of Education. I simply let individuals know I hear your concerns but in the field I work in there's just simply no way I can change these things. There are things that I don't like myself however I'm in a position that does not allow me to make the changes I would rather see.

When people resist your message, it can be frustrating. However, it's important to understand that resistance actually means engagement. If someone is actively resisting your message, they are at least paying attention and considering what you have to say. This is much better than indifference, which means that they aren't even bothering to engage with your message at all.

I try to have as much material on hand of the subject that I'm discussing, this way when these questions arrive I can show individuals what it is we are dealing with, new laws , new training procedures, etc. I do everything I can to to break things down in laymen terms

One challenge you can face when restating is that it can feel disingenuous if you don't actively take on board the objection. To show that you have actually listened you need to do it in such a way that the person feels seen and heard not just handled. In addition you need to be prepared to change your view if presented with evidence to the contrary. A good model for this is the "strongly opinions loosely held" approach. If you get information that causes you to change your original viewpoint don't be afraid to acknowledge that. It is hard to do in real time but gives an authenticity that is valued by an audience.

Documentation is always a must , from the State , Federal level and your institution.. this is an absolute must to have, and in some cases may be the only thing you have to go on. There's things we don't like doing things we don't understand but in reality sometimes it is what is.

My top tip is to be genuinely interested in the contributions of the audience. We know that people hold strongly to their opinions and, in fact, will double down even in the face of contradictory evidence. This is much harder to do if you are really interested in hearing from them. In many instances people just want someone to acknowledge what they are saying. Avoid raising your voice or interrupting, even if you feel what is being presented is clearly incorrect. You don't want to let falsehoods go unchallenged but if you approach it in a curious manner you are less likely to create an uncomfortable discussion. This will also give you credibility with the wider audience as they see you actually engaging with people rather than hectoring

Remember, you're the speaker (expert) here. While it's always good practice to be empathetic, understanding, and inclusive don't forget who you are. It's ok to say, "thank you for your input, if you'll be patient I'll get more in-depth and explanatory soon." Comand the room and sure of your knowledge here, the listeners will respect you more.