You're facing objections in a client Q&A session. How do you skillfully address and overcome them?

first of all do NOT take anything personal, second LISTEN and listen in detail. If the client is firing away and things get borderline offensive, ask them to explain what they meant when they said "____" (repeat what they said). A lot of times, them repeating it will be the realization of a potential out of line comment or mistake. If you keep cool calm and collective.. you are actually the one in control and will take over the interaction. At the end , if things go to worse... leave the ball in their court. "It is obvious that there is not a resolution or concrete positive path, what do you propose we do?" .

Do *not* use expressions such as 'I hear what you say' or 'I hear what you're saying'. Unfortunately this sort of approach was taught in numerous purported training sessions back when. It will likely lose you the client ... the last outcome you would want. Explore with them their concerns - by this I do not mean repeat their concerns back to them (that can alienate some)! Engaging in a constructive way, so as to discover the foundation for their scepticism or what generated the tough question may well help to shape your project or proposition far better. After all, if it's a 'tough' question this means you are having trouble answering it. This surely indicates that there is something of substance in what the client is raising.

Active listening is crucial in a public Q&A for several reasons: Building Trust: By actively listening, you demonstrate respect for the audience’s concerns, fostering a trusting environment. Clarifying Issues: Paraphrasing or summarizing questions ensures that you fully understand the concern, allowing for more accurate responses. Addressing Misunderstandings: Listening attentively allows you to identify and correct any misconceptions in real time. Empathy: Acknowledging the emotions behind concerns shows you value the audience’s perspectives, which can defuse tension. Focused Responses: By understanding the core issues, you can tailor your answers to directly address the audience’s needs making your response impactful and relevant.

Always remember to remain on the same side of the table as your client. It’s not a debate and it’s not a competition, it’s a collaborative effort to determine the best solution for your client. Validate your client’s concerns, explain how and why your solution meets those concerns, if there are alternatives give them and explain how they also meet objective and the advantages and disadvantages of those alternatives. If you’ve fully addressed all options and your client continues to object or suggests an incorrect course of action it time for the honest response e.g., Bob I understand your concerns and I’ve given appropriate options, with all due respect, the action you propose is wrong and we cannot assist if that is your decision.

Stay calm and listen as they might have a valid point or question. Be prepared that there will be questions you might not have an answer to, despite proper preparation. That′s OK. But don't try to answer something you don′t know or try to distract them with talking about something else. Instead tell them, that they made a valid point and despite you not having the answer now, you will do your research and get back to them. This way you will (re)claim your authority.

I have had meetings where emotions were running high. Sometimes, these were simply because each side felt committed to their own position. At times, I am sure it was my own passion around the topic. Take a moment to acknowledge those emotions and ask: "Tell me why that matters to you or how it impacts you." This may tell you everything you need to know to get the conversation back on track.

Objections can sometimes feel personal, but staying calm is essential. Maintaining composure helps you think clearly and fosters a professional environment. By staying calm, you reassure the client of your confidence in handling their concerns, which helps to ease any tension. Key Actions: - Take deep breaths and maintain a steady, composed tone. - Refrain from displaying frustration or defensiveness. - Concentrate on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the problem.

A few ideas to remember: 1. you're not trying to 'win' the conversation. 2. Their question or concern is likely fear driven. What is the real fear? 3. Approach it from a curiosity perspective.

The way I deal with it would be: 1) Listen to client first, as a third person. (We often put our perspective filters, based on our designation, though we are listening same words) 2) Write down things with pen and paper. (We can't mess up our mind) 3) Check for problems which can be actually solved. (Sometimes it's just subjective thing) 4) Talk clearly with client, Don't lose your patience. (Remember nothing personal, it's all professional) 5) Check for the client's response. (Some are just wasting your time. Deal with one who's genuinely interested) 6) Relax. (This is very normal) ?? Hope it's helpful, Saba Begum

I found the validation of feelings (empathy) very helpful in building trust through reflective listening techniques. This can empower me for finding the concerns root & choosing the best approch for handling it.

I ask consent of the client to share a different perspective. And explain from my perspective why what they are doing isn't working.

"That's a great question! And one which a lot of our clients have when they start looking at our product. What they find is that _____ is much less of an issue than they first suspected. Can I get you a reference so that you can talk to someone that is using our product now?"

Very often, we jump at solving a problem immediately and offering a solution. However, I like to also bring the client on board of the solution finding. Ask them, how a good solution looks like for them, what their biggest pain points are and make them part of finding the best fit for them. There are always two sides in this process to make everyone happy.

To reinforce your points, it's important to reference recent research that supports your strategies. This helps clients understand the rationale behind your recommendations, especially when their current approach or insights may not align with their goals. By presenting evidence, you guide them towards more effective solutions while respecting their perspective.

It can be effective to try a bit of reasoning Jiu Jitsu here. Use the weight and momentum of their own argument to win the negotiation. Every public speaking act is a negotiation. "Here's why you should believe what I am saying, ...." "The reason you should do what I'm suggesting is ...." etc. When someone brings up an objection, and you believe they are wrong, then roll with it, acknowledge what they're saying, then incorporate it into your own argument. For example, if you say a certain person is going to win an election, and someone objects by saying that certain people won't vote for them so they're going to lose, you can acknowledge what they're saying, then move to ask what percentage of the electorate that certain group represents.

Once you've acknowledged the concern, back up your response with evidence. This could include data, case studies, testimonials, or examples that address the client's objections. Providing solid evidence not only strengthens your argument but also demonstrates transparency and credibility. Key Actions: - Present facts, statistics, or testimonials that directly relate to the concern. - Use visual aids if possible to reinforce your points (e.g., charts, graphs). - Be prepared with case studies or examples that show how you've handled similar situations successfully in the past.

I have always made sure before attending a meeting with a potential client to have all my data and information ready to present to the client to back up my plan for their success. This is critical so the client knows you are experienced and competent in your field.

I prioritize understanding their perspective so I can show that I genuinely hear them and present something relatable. It's essential for us to find common ground. The goal isn't for them to agree with me, but for both of us to understand each other's stance.

After presenting evidence, propose solutions that address the client's concerns. Tailor your suggestions to their specific needs and circumstances. Offering solutions shows that you are proactive and focused on resolving the issue, which can turn a negative situation into a positive one. Key Actions: - Clearly outline potential solutions and explain how they address the concerns. - Offer alternatives if possible, giving the client options to choose from. - Be flexible and open to collaboration in finding the best solution.

I let them know I appreciate their concerns and thank them for letting me know. I then take them through several possibilities to help solve their problem or resolve their concerns. Leaving the potential customer with a strategy to move forward is key to building trust and confidence that our team is right for the job.

Take some time to respond tp the query. You can order a drink and show them that you are working on it. Otherwise they might feel that you are suggesting some previously created solutions and it is not tailored to their needs. Also, if you have previously worked on the solution then explain to the client that you have successfully worked on this idea previously in a similar sitiation.

If nothing else works, finding a middle ground between your strategies and the client’s insights can lead to effective solutions. Alternatively, offering a tangible compromise can be helpful. For example, with the postpartum client who couldn't manage preparing extra meals due to her responsibilities, the solution could be portion-controlling her existing meals and incorporating quick, healthy snacks that provide enough energy. This way, she meets her nutritional needs without the added stress of meal prep.

I was struggling with tough objections in a client Q&A, until I tried this... The best part is that I've shared these tips before and they work for everyone! First, listen carefully—truly understanding the concern is half the battle. Respond with empathy, acknowledging their viewpoint before offering your solution. Here’s how to skillfully address and overcome objections: 1. ???????? ???????????????? Don’t rush your response; take a moment to gather your thoughts. 2. ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? Restate the concern to ensure you’re addressing the right issue. 3. ?????????? ?? ???????????????? Present your answer confidently, backed by facts or examples. By handling objections with grace, you build trust and credibility

If the client feels overwhelmed or emotionally unprepared, offer to pause the session or reschedule. This shows that you prioritize their comfort and well-being over rigidly adhering to the session's schedule.

Demonstrating reliability by following up with a client will strengthen your connection and build trust. You are likely to receive a referral from your client if you are dependable.