Handling interruptions during a presentation is a skill you can improve with practice. Besides pausing, addressing the cause, and getting back on track, you can try using humor to make the situation lighter. Asking the audience a question can also help shift focus back to the topic. Keep eye contact with your audience to stay connected. The key is to stay calm and adjust to the situation. Preparing for common interruptions in advance can help you stay confident and keep control.

Prepare well in advance by anticipating potential interruptions Evaluate the happenings while avoiding panic and identify the source of interruptions Encourage the audience to be involved in addressing the interruptions while using tactfulness to develop an FAQ segment Recollect your previous experiences and how you researched to overcome the interruptions Be flexible and open to discussion. Involve an element of humour while enhancing the audience to pick up on your mood If the interruption was due to an emergency, show empathy and provide the support needed Pick up a person close to the interruptor and ask them a question related to the topic of interruption Phone calls, texting, tweeting should be embraced as a common happening

When an interruption occurs, staying calm and composed is key to keeping the flow of the presentation. Acknowledge the disruption with a brief, positive remark—like, “Let’s pause for a moment”—then quickly assess if the interruption needs immediate attention. If it’s minor, refocus the audience with a quick recap of the last point before continuing. For larger interruptions, reassure the audience, address any immediate needs, and transition smoothly back by reconnecting with the key message. Handling interruptions gracefully shows adaptability and reinforces your command of the presentation.

In my experience the best way to ensure handling interruptions gracefully is to be super prepared. I had a client once tell me that when a fire alarm went off in the middle of her presentation she was mentally thanking me for insisting she practice till she had internalized her message. When they all filed back into the ballroom, she took a breath, smiled, said "As I was saying…" and picked right back up where she left off. She did need to shorten her Q & A time, but said lots of folks got in touch with her via email with questions, so she made even stronger connections that day.

Interruptions are going to happen. Prepare for the inevitable. The start of your presentation can help to alleviate some of them. Early in your presentation, let your listeners know there will be a Q & A near the end. This can reduce raised hands and verbal. Even encourage them to jot down questions. You may cover the material and answer their question later in the presentation. This reduces challenges and helps you keep the flow and present as you planned!