What are the best practices for handling negative comments on social media about your presentation skills?

Some people on social media are just looking for attention and controversy. They may post rude, abusive, or irrelevant comments about your presentation skills to provoke a reaction from you or others. These are the trolls, and the best way to deal with them is to ignore them. Do not engage with them, do not reply to them, and do not let them affect your mood. They are not worth your time or energy.

It can be liberating (and good for your career) to allow yourself to grow. Don't let your ego prevent you from considering suggestions from others - even if (maybe especially when) you feel like you've got something mastered. After all, it is possible you aren't perfect! I like to thank critics for stepping out to help me get better, and try to remember to share in my response that I take their suggestions seriously and that I want to take the time to give them due consideration.

Not all negative comments are from trolls. Some may come from genuine critics who have constructive feedback or questions about your presentation skills. These are the critics, and the best way to deal with them is to respond to them. Thank them for their input, acknowledge their points, and explain your perspective or reasoning. Be polite, respectful, and professional. You may not agree with them, but you can show them that you value their opinion and are open to learning

Thank the author of your life shock with grace and humility and then go away and do some thinking about it. Try not to be upset, but just accept the opportunity for growth with humility. The most important thing being what is right and good rather than attachment to personal opinion and ego. Then go for a swim/jog/yoga/ something somatic and physical (something positive that is nothing to do with what happened.) I think our best ideas come when we have distance and are thinking of other things.

Sometimes, negative comments may come from attendees who were disappointed or unhappy with your presentation. They may have expected something different, felt bored or confused, or encountered technical issues. These are the dissatisfied, and the best way to deal with them is to apologize to them. Express your regret, empathize with their feelings, and offer a solution or a compensation. For example, you can invite them to contact you for further clarification, share additional resources, or refund their fee. By apologizing, you can show them that you care about their satisfaction and are willing to improve.

Negative comments on social media can be hard to take, but they can also be an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of letting them discourage you, use them to improve your presentation skills. Identify the common themes, patterns, or issues that emerge from the comments. Analyze what went wrong, what went well, and what you can do better next time. Seek advice from experts, mentors, or peers. Practice your skills, refine your content, and update your methods. By learning from the feedback, you can enhance your performance and reputation.

Finally, negative comments on social media can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. They can make you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. That is why you need to protect yourself from the negativity and toxicity. Set boundaries on how much time and attention you give to social media. Filter, block, or report abusive or harmful comments. Seek support from your friends, family, or colleagues. Celebrate your achievements, strengths, and positive feedback. By protecting your well-being, you can maintain your motivation and confidence.

Really valuable points in the article about dealing with tough comments on social media about how we present. Just wanted to throw in my two cents and say, don't forget to give yourself a little credit too! Presenting isn't a walk in the park – it takes guts and a lot of prep. So, while it's good to listen to constructive feedback, make sure you're also patting yourself on the back. Remembering the effort you've put in and the courage it takes to stand up and speak is super important. It keeps your spirits up and helps you stay confident, even when the feedback stings a bit.