How to Deal with Confrontation?
In life we all have to deal with confrontation. In public speaking this is no different. How do you confront without getting angry, mad, rude or belligerent?
With practice!
Confrontation is defined as discord or a clash of opinions or ideas in the American Heritage College Dictionary (4th Edition).When you become a public speaker everyone may not agree with your ideas, take on a subject or your conclusions. You could face opposition, especially if you are in politics or are representing a controversial idea or position—like Pro Life.
How do you get your point across while maintaining your composure?
Focus
Focus on your objective. Try not to get pulled into an argument of opinions. Support your position with facts and credible data.
Do your research
Make sure that your position is well researched. In order to do this you need to be knowledgeable about the opposing position. Have a response to their main position points—look for flaws in their logic.
Stay calm
Though you may be passionate about your position—try to stay calm. Anger and frustration will not help you to convince people that your position is wise and sound—it will show your lack of maturity and self-control. Your opponent will know that he or she has just won the debate because you failed to state your position without resorting to childish anger.
Practice
The best way to deal with a confrontation is to practice how you will respond beforehand. If you’re planning to deal with a controversial issue you know that someone in the audience may not be in agreement with you. If your speaking format will include a question and answer segment you want to practice answering questions from a hostel audience.
Your parents or friends can assist you with this. You can give them sample questions (or reactions) that they can present to you—which are in line with what your opponents or the other side would say. This helps you to be prepared. Allow your practice team to also throw curve ball questions at you. This will help you respond to the unexpected question.
Your ability to answer these questions will tell you a few things about:
- how well you know your subject
- how prepared you are with your response
- how confident your are
- how well you answer impromptu questions
- do you need to practice more
Once you have developed the ability to respond confront without getting angry or flustered you can utilize in other areas in your like when talking to your parents, presenting your ideas to your friends, debating or in public speaking.
One Response to “How to Deal with Confrontation?”