In the course of discussions during the presentation, you may encounter difficulty in communicating an idea or reaching an agreement, at Ignite Excellence we refer to these moments as ‘rough times.’ If tension does develop below are some strategies to deal with it.
- Don’t interrupt. Let people complete their question. If you don’t understand, ask them to restate the question.
- Do not get into an argument, get critical or blame anyone. Do not make the other person appear wrong or feel guilty for not understanding or agreeing with you.
- Stop talking, ask questions and listen. The other person may need to get a point across to you before he/she can receive and accept your idea.
- Repeat the question.
- Check, diplomatically, that you both share the same purpose.
- Don’t get defensive or take it personally.
- Indicate your willingness to communicate until an agreement can be reached.
- If the question is too general or vague, ask them to be specific.
- Re-present one idea at a time. Then check to be sure that each idea has been clearly understood before you proceed to the next idea.
- Don’t fuel the fire.
- Acknowledge every question.
- Never talk down.
- Let your friends do the fighting, meaning, often your audience will speak up on your behalf.
- Don’t feel the need to rush your answer.
- Think twice, speak once.
- Use an object or visual aid to demonstrate your idea.
- Consider taking a coffee break in a different room.During the break, drop the controversial subject and talk about the other things that you have in common and agree on.
- Suggest another meeting at a later date – to allow both parties to reflect on the matter in the interim.
- Keep your sense of humour.
Ignite Your Edgeness™
(An enhance version of you realized when pushing your edge.)
Whatever you natural tendency is when tension occurs: to defend yourself, become silent, to fidget, learn a new way of dealing with such situations. You may find that another approach with certain people will promote future productive communications. Besides your natural tendency will not work for everyone, and sometimes, for no one.
Suzanne F Stevens, CSP, Cultivates conscious contributions™ and influential communications. She International Speaker, Chief Edge Optimizer for Ignite Excellence Inc. Group, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Host & Co-producer. She is a recipient of the The International Women Alliance World of Difference Award in 2013. To find out more visit www.suzannefstevens.com.
Suzanne is one of 60 (CSP) Certified Speaking Professionals in Canada and is included in 10% internationally.
