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Adam Tuffnell is a Motivational, Leadership and Keynote speaker from the UK. Throughout his 20-year sailing career, Adam has sailed in some of the most hostile environments on the planet, ranging from the freezing wilderness of the Southern Ocean to the debilitating humidity of the tropics. As a graduate in Psychology and Philosophy, Adam has unique insight into the practical applications of effective leadership and team development within the challenging environments of open water and the corporate office.
Adam’s piece of advice on how to handle Q&A sessions without stress
Do your preparation, know your subject. Appreciate how powerful the mind is, so you can channel your energy toward success. A great analogy is the survival story of the pilot who landed on the Hudson River in 2009. Captain Chesley Sullenberger, on top of being competent and knowing his subject, chose the right mindset at a very difficult moment.
Adam recommends the following practices for Q&A sessions:
- Have someone to moderate the Q&A if possible, as that will give you some extra time for reflection on your answers.
- Ask audience members to stand up to ask questions so their voices have better projection.
- Repeat the question back for everybody’s better understanding.
What to do with hecklers or in the event of tough questions
Breathe and relax. Remind yourself that the audience wants the speaker to succeed. Be open. If you can’t answer the question, say that you can continue the conversation at the end of the talk.
Skills beneficial to learn
Separate the hard skills (stand up comedy course, improv course) and the soft skills (any skill that helps you to increase your self-awareness, like yoga). Both are beneficial for any stressful situation, including Q&A sessions.
Related: How to Turn Fear of Speaking into Success
Favorite quotation
“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another without loss of enthusiasm.” —Winston Churchill
Recommended book
Shackleton’s Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer by Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell
Routine to Shine
Keep yourself physically, mentally and emotionally fit.
Links
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