Here's how you can tackle difficult questions or interruptions during a presentation with assertiveness.

Stay Prepared: • Anticipate potential questions or areas of concern • Research and prepare clear, concise responses • Practice your presentation to anticipate interruptions • Have a clear understanding of your material and key points.

Stay Calm: • Take a deep breath and maintain your composure • Avoid getting defensive or emotional • Pause for a moment to collect your thoughts before responding • Maintain eye contact and a confident tone.

When someone asks a question after your presentation, don't take it personally; it's not an attack. Questions are crucial for reinforcing your message not just for the questioner, but for the entire audience. Use these opportunities to clarify and emphasize your points. If you don’t know the answer, explain what you know and promise to find a solution later. If possible, delegate the answer to a colleague. If interruptions become frequent, address this by mentioning that you will address all concerns at the end of the presentation.

I think of addressing difficult questions as navigating a ship; acknowledge the waves, steer clearly, and stay on course. "The art of communication is the language of leadership." – James Humes

When presenting, you are responsible for conveying the value of your message, and interruptions can make it challenging to stay on track. Be polite and respectful; refer to your agenda to handle interruptions, indicating that you will address the topic during the Q&A session if it's not on the agenda. If someone asks a second question, remind them of the time constraints and offer to address all questions at the end. Ensure that you use your presentation time without disruption and set a time limit for the Q&A session. To prepare, ask colleagues to intentionally interrupt you during mock presentations to practice handling interruptions effectively.

During a startup competition, I faced an investor who undermined my presentation, suggesting that my team and I lacked the experience to achieve our business goals. Despite having a semi-working prototype, his comments initially unsettled me. However, I maintained confidence and emphasized that our goals were realistic and achievable. I respectfully acknowledged his expertise, explained our progress with the prototype, and assured him that we would deliver the final product within the timeframe. While we didn’t secure a deal, the experience was valuable and I gained significant insights.