Regardless of the situation, things are guaranteed to happen, and not always according to plan. Irrespective of the presentation venue, four actions can help you convert an interruption into an opportunity.
- Always expect the unexpected!
- At the beginning of the program, “work” the audience to pre-frame them, to create a mindset. Through light remarks, humor, or other responses based on your read of the group, leads them to make commitments to be playful, curious, flexible, and energized.
- Create several positive anchors that you can use later. An anchor is something unique that you do or say that automatically puts the audience in a resourceful or emotional state. Examples include: A unique smile, specific place where you stand, the word “yes” in a strong voice.
- If something unexpected happens, first smile, and then quickly ask yourself “How can I turn this event into an opportunity to create humor or illustrate a point?”