You're facing a colleague who undermines your audience responses. How do you regain control in presentations?

1 Assess Intent

When faced with a colleague who is undermining your presentation, your first step is to assess their intent . It's possible they may not realize the effect of their actions, or they could be intentionally disruptive. Approach the situation with a mindset to understand, not accuse. If the undermining is unintentional, a gentle conversation explaining how their actions affect the audience's reception might be enough to change their behavior. However, if it's deliberate, you'll need to be more strategic in addressing the issue to maintain your composure and control over the presentation.

2 Stay Composed

Maintaining composure is crucial in the face of adversity. If you encounter undermining behavior during a presentation, take a deep breath and remain calm. Your audience will look to you for cues on how to react, so it's important to project confidence and not let your colleague's actions rattle you. By staying composed, you can address the situation directly with poise or choose to tactfully ignore the behavior and refocus the audience's attention on your message.

3 Reassert Control

To reassert control over your presentation, use clear and assertive communication . This doesn't mean being confrontational but rather reinforcing your key points and redirecting the audience's attention back to the content of your presentation. Use positive body language and eye contact to engage your audience and demonstrate your authority on the subject matter. If necessary, politely address your colleague's behavior and explain how it detracts from the value you're providing to the audience.

4 Engage Directly

Engaging directly with your audience can help counteract any negative influence from a colleague. Ask questions, solicit feedback , and encourage participation to create an interactive environment where the audience feels involved and valued. This engagement can help dilute any undermining attempts by refocusing attention on the audience's contribution and reinforcing their interest in your presentation.