Hecklers and Other Annoying Creatures
Avoid the temptation to give in to hecklers. Fortunately most speakers don’t have to contend with hecklers like comedians do. Nevertheless, every once in a while you might come across a heckler and if you do, resist the temptation to respond. I have seen professional comedians make this mistake. They respond to the heckler and then the heckler takes hat as his cue to continue and be part of the act. You have now become a double act and are no longer in control. You have lost the audience.
With speakers it may not always be a heckler. Your obstacle might be someone who monopolizes your presentation with questions after question and no one else is getting a chance to ask one. Make sure that you control the floor and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to ask questions.