By now I hope that you view me as your personal communication strategist. I have a few questions for you.
- Have you experienced an audience member who pushed back your ideas during a training or speaking engagement?
- How did you handle it?
- Do you want to learn a secret from this communication strategist on how I handled a disgruntled audience member?
Welcome to video 10 in the series Secrets from a Communication Strategist to Engage Your Audience.
The Communication Strategist Dilemma
I was coaching a group of men and women who work with the public including the homeless population. Paul, an audience member blurted out his thoughts in a loud and sarcastic voice. “Joyce, you seem like a nice person BUT this will not work when we speak with people who live on the street.”
The Communication Strategist Solution
I took a deep breath and said, “Paul, you’re right. This strategy won’t work with the homeless. It will work when you have communication issues with your colleagues.”
Paul took a step back (this is a good sign) and said, “You are right Joyce. Thanks for coaching us on how to make the conversation safe at work.
Today’s Lesson
Agree with the disgruntled person when someone pushes you back. Your next step is to counter with a strong statement about how your strategy will work in another setting. Of course, there will be times when agreeing with a disgruntled person is not appropriate and it won’t work.
Stay Connected with Me
Add a comment to my blog on how you deal with negative audience members. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂 You are always welcome to send me a private email HERE with concerns that you are experiencing at work.
Read How I can be Your Private Communication Strategist
Do you want more information on this powerful communication technique called verbal aikido? There are 3 options.
- Please look at my online coaching program Communication Skills at Work HERE. The coaching course is perfect for those of you who want to work with me as your online communication coach. We work together through email as you read the self-study manual to advance your career and improve your relationships.
2. Another option is to purchase your own copy of the Communication Skills at Work Self Study Manual HERE.
The self study manual was designed for those of you who want to read about the techniques on your own.3. You can also contact me to discuss how we can work together on the phone with me as your own communication
strategist. We have several options to fit your schedule and budget. Please contact me at my cell 248.310.6998 or
800.713.1926 to explore how career coaching could be a great action step for your career development.
Here are the Videos in the Series Secrets from a Trainer How to Engage Your Audience
Video 1
arrive early
Video 2
sit with your audience
Video 3
how to use humor
Video 4
using props
Video 5
danger: don’t be boring
Video 6
movement exercises
video 8
why I talk about conflict
Video 9
why I became a career coach
Until next time,
Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Career Coach and Communication Strategist
Have a great week.
Remember, YOU Get What YOU Tolerate!
P.S. Find your voice with Joyce!