WK4 DQ1 Applying Visual Design Principles- Post reply (1,2,3 )

WK4 DQ2 Dealing with the Difficult Four- Lisa B- ( 1 of 3 Post reply )

The goal of this discussion is to identify and examine four challenging audience types through the videos on the Real-Time Updates website.  One will explore challenges faced when presenting to demanding audiences.  In this exploration, the writer will recognize the easiest and most challenging of the tough audience types. 

According to Diane DiResta, there are four difficult audience types: the resister, the expert, the dominator, and the rambler (DiResta, 2011).  The resister enters a meeting with a bad attitude, unwilling to be a part of the meeting.  The expert is either one who is well-versed in the topic at hand or one who considers themselves to be knowledgeable.  The dominator wants to dominate the meeting by answering all the questions.  The rambler is the storyteller or the one who has much to say without any relevance to the meeting’s agenda.     

When evaluating the four difficult audience types, the writer finds the resister to be the most challenging person to face in a meeting.  Someone with a bad attitude interrupts the environment and spreads negativity.  DiResta suggests engaging the resister immediately, using problem versus solution flipcharts, or offering to go to management with their complaints (DiResta, 2011).   Appealing to the challenging audience member gives attention to their negative behavior placing them at the forefront of the meeting.  One feels it is more appropriate to have a separate meeting with the resisting audience member to examine their complaints.

The writer believes the easiest difficult audience member to present to would be the expert. An expert can be one of two types of people: a real expert on the subject or someone who thinks they know it all.  Either of these personalities can be challenging to face in a meeting.  According to DiResta, the expert is looking for recognition (DiResta, 2011).  By noticing their expertise from the beginning, the speaker invites their opinion early in the meeting.  This invitation gives them the recognition they need to feel important. 

To conclude, by using the DiResta’s suggestion of discovering what each audience member wants, the writer will be able to overcome a difficult audience member.  The author finds each of the four difficult audience types to have one thing in common: they all desire a type recognition.  The resister wants their complaints addressed, the expert wants their knowledge recognized, the dominator seeks to be a leader, and the rambler intends to be the center of attention.  The presenter can address each need of the audience members by engaging them into the meeting through questions or personal tasks. 

References

DiResta, D. (2011, March 2) Difficult Audiences: The Expert.  Business Communication 

Headline News.  Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/02/difficult-audiences-the-

expert/[3:00]

DiResta, D. (2011, March 1). Difficult Audiences: The Dominator. Business 

Communication Headline News.  Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/01/difficult-audiences-the-

dominator/ [3:05]

DiResta, D. (2011, February 28). Difficult Audiences: The Rambler. Business 

Communication Headline News. Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/02/28/difficult-audiences-the-

rambler/[2:26]

DiResta, D. (2011, March10) Difficult Audiences: The Resister.  Business 

Communication Headline News Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/10/difficult-audiences-the-

resister/[2:24]

WK4 DQ2 Dealing with the Difficult Four- Angela F- ( 2 of 3 Post reply )

The purpose of this assignment is to identify the four difficult types of audience members by watching the videos and learn how to handle the situation. The types of difficult audience members discussed are the resister, dominator, expert and rambler. The resister is the one who will be negative from the start and show no interest in what is being said. The expert knows everything and is either legitimetly knowledgable or thinks they know everything. The dominator will attempt to take over the group and craves recognition. Lastly the rambler will contribute excessively and prolong the conversation(DiResta, 2011.)

 When given a choice between the four, Angie feels the rambler would be the easiest to deal with. Angie comes in contact with people such as the rambler in management. The key to dealing with a rambler is to try not to engage in excessive conversation. Allow them to speak, but redirect the conversation once it becomes lengthy. A simple statement of needing to return to the task at hand is sufficient, however, do not make them feel cutoff.

 Angie feels the more difficult of the four to deal with is the dominator. The dominator wants to be in control of the situation and tries to take over. Angie does not deal well with people who try to take control during a conversation. Angie likes to control the conversation, while allowing input, but not being taken over.

 In conclusion, after reviewing the videos, Angie has a better understanding of how to handle challenging audience members. Going forward Angie will try to understand the needs of people and work with the different personalities, so they feel like they are an integral part of the conversation.

References

DiResta, D. (2011, March 2) Difficult Audiences: The Expert.  Business Communication 

Headline News.  Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/02/difficult-audiences-the-

expert/[3:00]

DiResta, D. (2011, March 1). Difficult Audiences: The Dominator. Business 

Communication Headline News.  Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/01/difficult-audiences-the-

dominator/ [3:05]

DiResta, D. (2011, February 28). Difficult Audiences: The Rambler. Business 

Communication Headline News. Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/02/28/difficult-audiences-the-

rambler/[2:26]

DiResta, D. (2011, March10) Difficult Audiences: The Resister.  Business 

Communication Headline News Retrieved from

http://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/10/difficult-audiences-the-

resister/[2:24]

WK4 DQ2 Dealing with the Difficult Four- Melissa W - ( 3 of 3 Post reply )

The purpose of this assignment is to educate oneself on four challenging audience types by watching videos from the Real-Time Updates Website authored by Diane DiResta (DiResta, 2011). The four audience types described in detail. Additionally, the writer of this essay will share ones view on the four types and discuss any tips from the videos one would employ during a presentation or meeting.

The challenging audience type described in the first video was the Resister (DiResta, 2011, March 10). Audience members of this kind are negative from the start and the body language of this individual displays annoyance and frustration (DiResta, 2011, March 10). The best way to manage a person of this type is to engage them immediately (DiResta, 2011, March 10). By encouraging their participation, they transition from part of the problem to part of the solution (DiResta, 2011, March 10).

Secondly, the challenging audience type discussed was the expert (DiResta, 2011, March 2). This category can be broken down into two sections: the real expert and the person who thinks they know it all, but they don’t (DiResta, 2011, March 2). Managing this type will require giving the participant what they need and crave, recognition (DiResta, 2011, March 2). It is important to not respond with defensive reactions rather, invite them to the table to consult (DiResta, 2011, March 2).

The third audience type reviewed was the Dominator (DiResta, 2011, March 1). This type can be very challenging as they want to control the conversation (DiResta, 2011, March 1). It is critical to evaluate why the contributor is acting out and if, as the speaker, you are making the situation worse by your engagement tactics (DiResta, 2011, March 1). Dealing with the Dominator will potentially entail an offline conversation to encourage allowing other members to contribute (DiResta, 2011, March 1).

The fourth and final audience type is the Rambler (DiResta, 2011, February 28). Storyteller is a word used to describe this kind of person; one who loves to talk (DiResta, 2011, February 28). As the speaker of the meeting, it is critical to control the flow and equilibrium of the conversation, otherwise, the audience will get upset and begin to tune the speaker out (DiResta, 2011, February 28). Successful tips to manage this type may include using phrases as “in the interest of time” and using a more directive approach by paraphrasing for the talker (DiResta, 2011, February 28).

As the author of this paper learned more about the four audience types, it exposed the audience type the writer would be the most comfortable dealing with. Of the four types, the easier one for this author would be the Rambler (DiResta, 2011, February 28). As a conversationalist, the author would be able to find creative ways to maintain the focus on the solution rather than get lost in the weeds. One successful tip used to provide structure and preserve control is the practice of dual flip charts (DiResta, 2011, March 10). On the flip side, the most challenging type would be the Dominator (DiResta, 2011, March 1).

In closing, effective speaking is a science. This science includes the confidence of how one looks and how confident one sounds (DiResta, 2011). The four challenging audience types are the Resister, the Expert, the Dominator, and the Rambler (DiResta, 2011). The author acknowledges the type one would feel the hardest, easiest, and tips for managing all audiences.

References

DiResta, D. (2011, February 28). Difficult Audiences: The Rambler. Retrieved from https://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/02/28/difficult-audiences-the-rambler/

DiResta, D. (2011, March 1). Difficult Audiences: The Dominator. Retrieved from https://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/01/difficult-audiences-the-dominator/

DiResta, D. (2011, March 2). Difficult Audiences: The Expert. Retrieved from https://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/02/difficult-audiences-the-expert/

DiResta, D. (2011, March 10). Difficult Audiences: The Resister. Retrieved from https://bchn.businesscommunicationnetwork.com/2011/03/10/difficult-audiences-the-resister/