Any tips on speaking in front of a large group of rude individuals?

Answer 1

I have had to deal with rude idividuals in small groups so I hope my experinece helps you.

Do not try and outsmart or outwit them... it doesnt work. unless you are very quick witted and much smarter than all of them combined.
if the room erupts with a lot of chatter or rude comments just step away from the microphone (if useing one) or off centre from them. Wait until they quieten down. A large group of people can easily make more noise than you any day.

Speak in a clear and concise manner. Be sure of what you are going to say before you start and make sure you understand that main point of you being there.

Begin by telling them why you are bothering to speak to them at all. ie. I am here today to introduce a new policy on behaviour.

if the room erupts in a cacophony of banter and whatever simply wait.

If this is something you have to do and there is no way out be honest and state something like...

Yes. I'd rather be home studying/watching tv/ or whatever instead of standing here in front of you all... and I know you'd rather be...... whereever.... The fastedst way for us to get through this is for me to get to the point and you to quieten down just long enough for me to say what I have to say.

So without further adieu the point I would like to make is ......

Make it short simple and matter of fact...

Don't try and show how clever you are or anything like that... just get to the point and get off...

while speaking to a large group always scan your eyes across the room/hall/area and make eye contact with a few people along the way... if they feel individually that you are really seeing them... they will be more likely to listen
thank them listening to you.

Answer 2

Start by telling them how long you'll be. If they know you're not going to be speaking forever, they'll be more inclined to listen attentively. When they start being rude, raise your eyebrows, smile and step away from the microphone. Wait until it's silent and then say something like, "Gee, I thought that group of first-graders last week was a tough crowd! Hang in there guys, I'll only be five more minutes." Use humour, but let them know you're not impressed. If you have the option of not speaking to that group again, contact the person who asked you to speak and inform them that you won't come back again unless the audience behaves like adults.

Answer 3

There will always be the losers in the crowd.

When you present, make your presentation simple - break it down into parts - use visual as well as verbal cues (e.g. such as Power Point tools) - use humour when appropriate - if somebody interrupts, politely say there will be time at the end for questions and they will be welcome to address you then -- at the end, allow about 20 minutes for questions, limiting each speaker to about 1-2 minutes each and answer each as honestly as possible. If they are rude, do not react, just move on to the next one.

Answer 4

Start out with a smile and a greeting such as good afternoon ladies and gentleman, bear with me

Answer 5

Speak loudly and ignore interruptions.

Answer 6

I agree with wellofin but would like to add that your approach may be without any prejudice and genuine.

Answer 7

Don't do it.
Seriously, unless there is some very compelling reason, why are you taking this on?

Answer 8

stare at them and don't smile. put on the meanest face you can including wearing lots of black eyeliner & mascara, wear black.

Answer 9

get a gun out and fire in the air if that doesn work shoot someone that will surely get there attention... if your planning to arrest your self.....

Answer 10

I take it that this is a work requirement?