How can public speakers avoid conflicts with clients?

In doing public speaking for many years, I have bene confronted many times over the time and I found that if I am wise and thinking clearly and passionately about the thing I am speaking about, I find that I am able to use the confrontation as a jump off point to take the conversation I am having with the audience to a new level. We should not avoid confrontation, as sometimes that could be an indicator of our words being ineffectual. But if we are saying something passionately and with good knowledge as it's base, we will raise people's hearts, and expectations by bringing what is needed and giving answers, or at least causing the confronter to re-think about what they are arguing about.

You must be straight up front regarding your intentions backed up with facts, and constantly gaining agreement so there is no confusion as to what you are stating

Clear communication is the only way to let your client know your limits and your values. It’s important to be aligned, so you don’t compromise your integrity.

To effectively avoid conflicts with clients as a public speaker, it's essential to combine clear communication, authenticity, and a written contract. Start by clearly communicating your topics and style, setting transparent expectations. Your authenticity in delivery builds trust and resonance with the audience. A written contract is crucial; it formalizes agreements, outlines expectations, and provides a reference point for both parties. Be adaptable, incorporating client feedback while staying true to your core message. In case of disagreements, handle them with professionalism, finding solutions that respect your values and meet client needs.

Speaking is not only about you and what have you done. But is about the audience and why should they attend your speech? If we cannot communicate clearly about the things we are talking about, how can we consider the audience will have interest at us? Don't forget to repeat some key points for your audience to takeaway. The repetition will help them to remember your speech.

Harmony in Communication: Navigating Conflict-Free Dialogues As a Transformational Catalyst, my approach involves proactive communication, empathy, and the transformative power of Miracle Breath. By fostering understanding and addressing concerns openly, we not only sidestep conflicts but also co-create an atmosphere of trust and connection with our clients. Let's speak with intention and build lasting partnerships! #ConflictResolution #ClientCommunication #MiracleBreath

By doing assertive communication, any conflict can be avoided. There should be acceptance towards different opinions, perspective and thorough listening skill.

Public speaking is a means, not an end, to put forward a cogent argument for or against a position. Sometimes, that means criticism. The client has no reason to be upset. This is not a personal attack, but an observation. However, there is no reason to talk about client business in a public speech. Sometimes, clients take sides on issues, and differ with you. When it comes to this, you need to weigh whether speaking out is worth more than losing a client. If speaking out is a matter of principle, there is no client in the world worth selling your principles for. Your principles are not for sale. If you lose your principles, you may never get them back. There is always another client.

Maybe the situation NEEDS conflict. The client may need the wisdom you have that conflicts with their more limited scope than you, the expert has. So approach that conflict graciously and respectfully, and ideally privately if possible to minimize the embarrassment and defensiveness. (An idea Jesus taught. Not mine)

Your time is valuable, your knowledge is valuable, your experience also valuable. You have to mix those ingredients to your speech so that it bring benefits to your clients. It is fair to put your price and T&C so that the clients may decide to buy it or not.

MANAGE YOUR OWN EXPECTATIONS FIRST If you expect 100% audience will say yes and support your ideas,... If you expect you can fit with all diversity attributes shown by your audiences,... If you expect you can make everyone happy,... If you expect zero attack to your both ideas and or your personality,... If you expect... You may add the list that you really have to manage your own expectations to others before trying to manage other's expectations.

I believe in being genuine from the beginning - in all the relationships and communication. It's better if you speak up about something that might not be comfortable, than if you play you're fine. It will burst where you don't want it. Be genuine, true, and consistent with your values. Speak up about what you want and not. That's it. Be yourself.

Deliver more value than the client expects! Help set up tables, chairs or anything else that you see them struggling with. Ease their pain points by always being ready to lend a hand or give extra time. Speaking is always about giving!

Manage expectation is to manage a fair price. Delivering more than expected is complementary, not obligatory. But delivering less than expected is only about the payment you've received from the clients.

Handling feedback is one of the most important instruments that can either make or break your relationship with the client, improve your future dealings and build your systems stronger than ever. But, the perspective matters, how do you take the feedback, either you take it to be constructive or destructive, it will have its impact.

Feedback is such a great way to keep yourself sharp, yes we can be our own worst critics but I guarantee you that paying attention to positive and negative feedback will help you u sweat and your audience better and improve professionally.

If your clients don't give you feedback, the go ask for it. If they keep not giving you any after your request, you may assume they're okay and keep communicate with them. If the feedback is challenging, you may review for your speaking improvement. Some feedback may be noisy, then you may also be selective.

When it comes to handling feedback, it is important to become receptive and open towards critical responses. Instead of arguing, understand their point as well, and stay grounded.

Issue resolution is a way of responsibility. Avoiding to resolve could bring a time bomb to your professional life. Admitting mistakes of your own mistakes and don't take ownership to your client's mistakes.

Problem solving is about responsibility. Yet, don't aim to put yourself above the other person, as if 'you knew better'. Rather, propose the solution, share your perspective and ask about the other side for the opinion and their perspective. That's a respectful, equal relationship of two matured adults who are accepting responsibility.

Relationship is something that you build in a fraction of a second, and a secret of building a long term relationship is acceptance to a new perspective, thought process, and one should never forget that, "People come with experience, and that experience decides whether you are going to stay longer or not".

Never divulge specific information. Public speakers often tell stories and they want to demonstrate their experience. However providing too much information in the story can break confidentiality with the client.

Navigating client relationships effectively is key for public speakers. Clear communication from the outset is crucial. Establishing expectations, understanding the audience's needs, and being adaptable can prevent misunderstandings. Speakers should actively seek feedback, showing they value the client's perspective. This fosters trust and mitigates potential conflicts. Remember, successful speaking engagements are built on mutual respect and collaboration.

Mention facts and figures rather than opinion and judgement. Use assertive language. Example: This client is worthless• Replace: I couldn’t find value in this client. Give disclaimer. Avoid political and religious views. Avoid judemental remarks

IS NOT ABOUT CONFLICT, BUT RESOLVING To avoid conflict, don't go for public speaking. Go for entertainment. It will guarantee you for zero conflict. Public is consist of high variety of people in their think, feel, do, as well orientation . It is a reality of diversity. Of course unnecessary conflict because of poor communication design, preparation and delivery shall be mitigated. Expect conflict, and do something in advance to mitigate.

Understand the goals of the clients involved and where differences in opinion may exist. Stay away from strong decisive language if possible not to give uncooperative notions.

* Understand Client Expectations * Clear Contract and Agreement * Pre-Event Consultations * Regular Updates and Progress Reports * Clearly Define Scope of Work * Active Listening * Flexible Approach * Professional Demeanor * Set Realistic Timelines * Anticipate Potential Issues * Open Communication Channels * Post-Event Review * Conflict Resolution Protocol Last but not least * Continuous Learning: Continuously assess and learn from each client engagement. Identify patterns in feedback and adjust your approach as needed to enhance client satisfaction in future collaborations.

I wish that I could say things will always go right but that would not be true. However, always consider your reputation. Some circles run small and you want to be known as a professional. Be on time, respond in a timely manner with clarity, and saying thank you goes a long ways.