Final answer:
When faced with a hostile member of the audience during a presentation, it is best to politely acknowledge their challenge and continue your presentation. Engaging in a constructive dialogue helps defuse the tension and maintain professionalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with a hostile member of the audience during a presentation, it is important to handle the situation professionally and calmly. The best course of action would be to politely acknowledge their challenge and continue your presentation. Confronting them or walking out of the presentation would escalate the situation while refusing to answer their questions could be seen as defensive or unprofessional.
By acknowledging the challenge respectfully, you demonstrate that you value different perspectives and are willing to engage in a constructive dialogue. This can help defuse the tension and keep the focus on the topic of your presentation. It also shows your audience that you are confident in your knowledge and can handle challenging situations with grace.
Remember to choose your words carefully, stay calm, and avoid any inflammatory or offensive language. Stay open-minded, listen to the other person's perspective, and ask open-ended questions to understand their concerns better. Restating what you heard them say can show that you were actively listening and trying to address their concerns. It is crucial to focus on resolving the conflict or answering their questions rather than arguing or blaming the other person.