Today, I was teaching a presentation skills training program. Participants were most interested in how to handle an audience member who is a “stage hog.”
This type of speaking situation often occurs internally with an organization – people that can be considered stage hogs are well-known for their annoying behavior, and are typically not people with power. They are the people who like to be heard, like to interrupt, and have a need to be noticed.
The best way to deal with stage hogs is to connect with them in advance (via phone/face-to-face/e-mail).
Let them know that you look forward to the upcoming presentation, and say, “You always have an interesting approach to things. I’ll be talking about XXXX. What are your thoughts?”
Let them respond and be attentive — after all, you are picking their brains and feeding their egos! Then, say, “You have been very helpful. During the presentation, I want to answer the questions myself — you understand that, don’t you?” Of course, they will say, “Yes.” Then, quickly add, “If, however, anyone asks about XXXX, can I call on you?” You have now narrowed their area for being noticed. At the actual presentation, you can say to the audience, “I will be taking questions (throughout the presentation, at the end, etc.). If anyone has a question about XXX, John will be answering them.”
Since people probably don’t want to hear from John, because he’s a stage hog, they most likely won’t ask any questions – or at least if they do, they know John will respond.
If you think about it, this is how politicians deal with the dissenters in their audiences. They do their real work behind the scenes.
Being preemptive with the stage hog is a good technique.
Next week, I’ll share more ideas about how to deal with difficult audience members.
Until then, feel free to share some of your best practices for coping with “stage hogs” during a presentation.