How to Handle a Heckler
When preparing for public speaking, the risk of encountering a heckler is a very real one. While you can prepare your presentation to perfection, the fear of being ridiculed or put down by a member of the audience can be a persistent one. However, there are quite a few techniques you can employ in order to deal with a disruptive member of your audience.
Instructions
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1
Start by doing a thorough study of the audience before your presentation. This will give you an insight into their mentality, and the sort of topics they might be interested in. This way, you can make a light, subject-related quip in case a heckler speaks up. E.g. while giving a health-related presentation, you might say “it seems not everyone here today wants to learn about the benefits of dieting”. Practice various possible scenarios with your colleagues, and be prepared to adapt to any circumstances, by coming up with some stock replies in case of interruption.
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2
Try ignoring the heckler early on. If he/she makes a comment that is not noticed by anyone else in the audience, there is no need for you to acknowledge it, or even make eye contact with that particular person.
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3
If the heckler is persistent, it is excessively important to stay calm and keep your own emotional state under control. A natural response to a heckler would be a panicky one, with the speaker feeling he/she needs to respond immediately, or put down anyone who disagrees with her/him – however, you might end up regretting a hasty response, and insulting the heckler in front of a crowd will just turn the audience against you. Instead, make a bland, indifferent observation on his/her behaviour, such as “You’ve made a number of points”.
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4
Sometimes, what you may perceive as heckling might actually just be a person with an opinion different from yours. While it might not be appropriate to speak up and contradict you in the middle of your presentation, allow the heckler to have his/her say. Let them speak, once and for all – this minimises the risk of them speaking up again and again.
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If and when you respond to a heckler, make sure you are absolutely confident about what you are saying. While replying, address the entire audience, not just the heckler. You may occasionally glance at the troublesome person, but do not end your response by making eye contact with him/her – this will make it seem like you expect them to carry on, and agree or disagree with what you said.
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Be honest about the way his/her comments are affecting you. Most hecklers will not expect his, and it will throw him/her off guard. Tell them their interruptions are making it difficult for you to continue speaking, and politely but firmly insist that you will not be taking any further comments or questions from the audience until the end of the presentation.
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If there happens to be a break in the middle of the presentation, seek the heckler out, take them aside, and ask them to stop. This will help the heckler see you as more human, rather than as a speaker who needs to be targeted.
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However, if the heckler persists despite all your attempts to politely silence him/her, stop the presentation completely. Ask the management to intervene, or simply ask the audience if they would rather hear from you, or the heckler.
