What do you do if you regularly have to speak in front of someone who is a sourpuss? In every big organization there is always one person who has a perpetual frown on his or her face. This person likes to give lots of feedback—all of it negative! The sheer possibility of having to give a presentation in a room with this person is enough to suck the wind right out of you.
Here are several concepts and strategies to keep in mind:
- Since this person is always negative about everyone and everything, there is little damage of your reputation being damaged, because this person has “cried wolf” once too often. Everyone can’t be awful therefore you can’t automatically be awful.
- If this person is not in a position to harm or help you, then focus on ignoring this person and his or her comments. Remember, no one is universally loved as a speaker. Even Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan have some critics who sincerely believe that each President was a poor speaker.
- If the sourpuss is in a position of authority over you, then try to engage him or her at a different level. For example, you could email your speech text in advance to the complainer and ask for feedback. Then, incorporate the feedback into your speech and give the sourpuss credit. It’s going to be harder for the constant carper to complain about you now.
- Engage the sourpuss during your presentation. Ask him/her questions. Sometimes complainers just want airtime. If you give them an opportunity to speak without giving an opportunity to criticize you, that may be enough to remove the negativity.
Everyone encounters a sourpuss audience member from time to time. Don’t let it get you down.
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