What do you do if your audience's feedback throws you off track?

When I have an antagonistic audience member, I always answer the question, but I answer to the audience, and end looking at someone else. It's important not to end looking at that person as they will see this as if you returned their serve. If they then interrupt I smile and look back and try again, but at this stage the audience starts shifting to my side. I repeat the first step, if they continue I politely tell them that I'm happy to discuss over a coffee after and anyone can join. I then say, "how does that sound everyone?" and they usually cheer or applaud. I will say that if you are EXPECTING tough questions, address those issues early and on your terms. OH AND NB. Never end your talk after a tough question!

I have had questions and comments that I had not considered in the past while speaking. My recommendation for a question you aren't ready to answer is to say: "That's a really great question and I would like to give it some thought. Could we talk after the program?" or if you have time you could say, "That's a really great question" then turn to the audience and say, "What are your thoughts?" If it is a comment, simply say, "Thank you for your feedback. I will definitely give that some thought." If something then comes to mind, you can say what you are thinking. The key in all of this is that while you are a subject matter expert, you don't have to know everything. AND you can say that you need to think about it.

As you continue to enhance and develop your skills in public speaking, it's important to remember that feedback from your audience should not be something that distracts you. Just like a skilled comedian doesn't allow a heckler to disrupt their performance, you should also not let feedback deter you from your goals. Instead, view feedback as a tool that can help you stay focused and at the top of your game.

During a Q&A years ago, I heard a very knowledgable speaker answer a super tough question by saying "I'm not sure about that, connect with me afterward. I need to give it some thought." I couldn't believe a speaker would admit to not knowing something. Up until then I thought the best move was to always give an answer. But the truth was, instead of feeling like this person was unqualified in some way, I found myself more inclined to trust them! They didn't let the unexpected question fluster them, they didn't get defensive, they just "took it offline." I learned the term for this move years later. If you need time to think, don't have a good answer, or don't want to discuss certain topics in front of the group as a whole, give this a try.

Initially, it's essential to remain calm and not take the feedback personally. Try to approach the feedback objectively, understanding that it's an opportunity for improvement and acknowledge the feedback positively

Take some time to carefully evaluate the feedback you've received. Consider the source of the feedback, the context in which it was given, and the validity of the points raised. Separate the valid points from the subjective opinions or criticisms. Focus on the aspects of the feedback that align with your goals and objectives.

The feedback, whilst unexpected, may offer valuable insights. Maintain a non-defensive stance—both in tone and body language—by staying curious, asking clarifying questions if time allows, and demonstrating genuine interest. This approach respects your audience's viewpoints.

Not all feedback will be right. The person who gives feedback can have their own mistakes. So it's also important that you assess the feedback, so it will make you even more credible when responding the feedback itself. The simplest one is based on the topics. Does the feedback relate much to the topic? Or it is differ much from the topics? You can always note this, and then answer the feedback.

After acknowledging feedback, carefully evaluate its relevance and value. Recognize that feedback varies—some might be insightful and constructive, while others could be off-base or negative. Utilize your expertise and understanding of your audience to discern which feedback merits consideration. Ask yourself: Is the feedback factual or subjective? Does it align with your core message? Is it a common view or an outlier? And is it aimed at improvement or merely criticism? These questions will guide you in determining which feedback to act upon to enhance your work effectively.

If the audience feedback throws you "off track", consider that you are not on the track the audience needs. Yes of course don't let 1 outlier hijack the presentation. But if your goal is not aligned with your audience, you're the one giving the wrong presentation. Stop it, listen and pivot if possible.

If the feedback raises valid concerns or highlights areas for improvement, take proactive steps to address them. This might involve making changes to your work, refining your approach, or seeking additional input from others.

Handling the situation with professionalism and tact is vital in managing feedback during meetings. A strategy is to suggest a later discussion on their feedback. This approach helps to keep the meeting on its intended course, avoiding any unnecessary diversions or one-on-one dialogues that could distract others and consume valuable meeting time. By proposing to address the feedback at a more appropriate time, you demonstrate an openness to constructive discussion while maintaining the meeting's focus and respecting the collective time of all attendees.

Embrace feedback as a tool for growth by analyzing comments to identify patterns and areas needing adjustment. Tailor your presentation to address gaps, errors, and reinforce key messages, ensuring clarity and resonance with your audience. Engage them with questions, anecdotes, or humor to foster connection and maintain interest. Treat feedback as a learning opportunity, seeking constructive criticism to refine your public speaking skills continuously. Remember, feedback is vital for improvement; adapting to, modifying based on, emphasizing key points, engaging the audience, and learning from feedback can turn setbacks into stepping stones for success in public speaking.

Receiving feedback from one participant may mirror the views of others, highlighting areas for growth. Though feedback might initially feel uncomfortable, viewing it openly can facilitate improvements in your presentations. It's about leveraging feedback to refine your delivery, content, and engagement techniques—turning challenges into opportunities for development.

Feedback is such an important reality check in seeing how others interpret your work. It opens your eyes to new views that you didn't previously have. Remember that you can also choose what feedback to accept and implement. Not all feedback is valuable, but that also does not mean that you should disregard feedback that you don't like. Weigh whether or not it's useful to you and your work as well as if it would make a true positive difference.

Maintain Confidence: While it's essential to be open to feedback and willing to make improvements, it's also crucial to maintain confidence in your abilities and vision. Remember that feedback is just one perspective do not take it personally and start questioning your own ability or capability

Try to remember what you're there for. The feedback may have initially thrown you off track, but if it's related to what you're talking about, it can be incorporated and used, and that can help you regain your flow. If not, it's also a good check to get you back to your "home base" of purpose, what you were trying to achieve in the first place by speaking. Remember that feedback is coming from a specific place or need, it very well may be related to what you are saying and doing, and in some cases it may not. So keep your core mission in mind and it will help guide you on how you incorporate (or don't) the feedback.

Always remember to focus on the people who are there to learn from you and want to learn what you have to say. It can very easy to see someone distracted or not paying attention and focus on winning them back. After years of public speaking and watching other speakers, especially with Australian audiences my take is this. In every 100 people in an audience, 10% will think you suck because that's what they do to everybody with their negative attitude. 10% will think they can do it better than you (yet you have the mic and they don't) 5% won't like you because of gender/race/dress sense/age etc. And 75% are keen to learn from you. So remember the circles of influence and focus on what you can control and show the love to the 75%.

If you're anticipating a potentially critical audience, it's wise to address it head-on from the get-go. Mention upfront that you value diverse perspectives and recognize that not everyone may see things the same way. Emphasize your purpose for being there – to share insights and foster constructive dialogue. Welcome feedback and differing opinions, making it clear that you're open to hearing from all perspectives, even if they differ from your own. This sets the stage for a more inclusive and respectful exchange, minimizing the likelihood of being thrown off track by negativity.