Keep calm and carry on


Speaking publicly is hard enough without also having to deal with interruptions from your audience.

Communicator of the Week Award goes to Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who retained their composure and delivering their lines in the face of what must have seemed to them like the heckle of all heckles.

We’ve all learnt a thing or two about Tourette’s Syndrome this past week. Best explanation was given to me by my own ever-wise sister-in-law who explained it as a condition that makes you say the single most inappropriate thing you could possibly say at that moment.

Ain’t nothing more inappropriate than having the N word shouted at you mid speech but Michael B. and Delroy demonstrated dignity and the very British art of ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’.

I thought for a moment about making the BBC and the BAFTA’s my MisCommunicators for failing to edit and safeguard properly, but I’d rather focus on the positive today.

When you are giving a speech or presentation, you should always assume questions or interruptions from your audience.

Those interjections may be genuine and helpful or they could be vitriolic and undermining.

People won’t remember what was said, but how you respond.

Keep your cool, take a breath, process, then continue, and you’ll usually find you can handle anything that’s thrown at you.

Kolarele

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