http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRvzl0zOsO8&feature=player_embedded
GET TO THE POINT SANDRA! This week tell me here, what did you think of these two recent moments from a public speaking perspective? I am NOT asking your opinion of the people OR even their specific behavior and words, I am asking you to comment on the rhetorical situation: The way the speaker handled it and how a good speaker might be prepared for such a thing...is it effective to address the heckler or just ignore them and move on? What do you notice in on-line clips of either speech as far as reactions to these interuptions? How do they make the audience feel? Are there social rules and expectations surrounding these types of unscripted, awkward moments? Can you think of another recent example? Finally, what would you do if you were interupted by either Kanye or S Carolina's Senator Wilson in our classroom at CRC during your big moment???
27 comments:
This is Tiffani Scott...
I don't know if that was the right youtube but if it was this is what i feel.
Having someone interrupt you is not only rude but a complete distraction. It is hard enough not to be nervous and lose your attention in your own thoughts but having someone stop what your doing is very annoying.
It does happen to most speakers though because people have a hard time being quiet as it is. Now for those who distract on purpose-that is another story. Balsy. I would think that ignoring the person and moving on might be the best senario unless the person must be addressed and will not stop until you have addressed them. How awkward would it be if you just kept going and they just kept interrupting!
I believe in both situations with the President and Taylor Swift it took them both by surprise. I believe that some individuals have gone too far with the freedom of speech amendment. The major difference in the way both handled the interruptions was clear Taylor did not proceed with her speech because of total shock plus this was her first awards and did not anticipate an outburst as such from anyone. The president has been in more debates and speeches to have handled himself accordingly pausing in discuss but continuing the message.
Both handled themselves effectively as speakers by not addressing the heckler.
The reaction from the audience is in awe but awaiting the speakers next move. The hecklers seem to make the audience more in tuned to the speaker or in total discuss that the hecklers would do such a thing.
One most recent example is when I came into class while a group was doing there speech and they continued as if I had not entered the class during their speech.
If you are interrupted you have a small window to make a decision, you may get distorted from the interruption, ignore it, address it, make a joke out of it like the comedians do when the crowd yell stuff out or throw in the towel and quit.
Knowing my character I would try to incorporate the interruption somehow into my speech making it funny, depending on the tone of my speech if it is totally formal most likely ignore it and move forward.
@ Tiffani wow you beat me at posting. LOL.
@ Sandra I wish Beyonce would give me a cow on my Famville.
This is crazy how this ties right in with our lessons these were attempts at public speeches but they were interrupted.
I also like the fact that sometimes public speakers have speeches that was rehearsed and something bad happens like Taylor Swifts situation or the speaker finds out that some facts have changed and they are left with impromptu, and ad-libbing. I love this class.
This one is crazy but it fits. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjTkPpUrYTk&feature=related
In my opinion, in both of the situations in President Obama's and Taylor Swift's speeches, Senator and Kayne West have gone too far for their freedom of speech amendment. The Senator's behavior was maybe way too emotional, because she might have been disappointed of the program that President Obama promised to the people. About the interruption of Kayne West, his behavior was really out of control and outrageous due to his drunkenness.
I think President Obama, and especially Taylor Swift have shown to everyone that how famous people of public should behave and choose their words. I have to give many many credits to Taylor Swift, because she did not overreact for what Kayne did to her. All Taylor responded was surprises and calmness.
In my opinion, it is more effective to ignore the heckler and move on with the speech. Because being interrupted will have bad affects on the speech.
Most of the time, the audience will pay much more attention to the speech when it is interrupted by hecklers. And the audience normally wait for the reactions or responses of the one who is doing the speech.
I do think there are social rules and expectations for these awkward moments if people have manners to solve these situations. To me, I see many people with good manners that help them to behave in many situations. An example is when my English professor gave out the rules when someone is doing speech. She told us that when you are late for class and someone is doing the speech, you should wait until that person finishes his or her speech.
If I was interrupted by Kayne or Senator William during my big moments, I would not ignore them at all. However, I would respond to them in a nice way and behavior. After that, to make the audience quite get rid of the moment that they just saw, I would try to appoint another point and make it funny.
--->>> Trang Duong
I agree you guys--it is hard to recover eloquently--di you all watch Pres O on Letterman last night?
If that ever happened to me, I think my first reaction would be angry and surprised. My reflex would probably be an outburst of cursing. Lol. But I wouldn’t do that! =D No, but seriously I’d be pretty embarrassed that someone had just made a rude comment out loud, in a quiet crowd of thousands or hundreds of people. I mean being interrupted when it’s your time to shine or even being interrupted in a serious speech is just off top RUDE!
I have to say though both Obama & Taylor handled it pretty well. I believe it is effective to address the situation in a firm and respectable manner, bc if they don’t what if that person keeps doing it. For example, no one confronted Kanye about his outburst when he said “Bush does not care about black people!” when Hurricane Katrina hit. People spoke about it, but I haven’t heard anyone addressing the situation. And look, he did again to Taylor Swift. Therefore, I believe things of this matter should be addressed, and THEN move on. When people see these situations happen, the audiences’ mouth drop with shock and embarrassment, and they begin to feel awkward. If I was interrupted by Kanye or Senator Wilson, I would address the matter in a firm, respectable way bc I don’t like when people get out of line. When it’s their time to shine, I’ll let them shine. =D
what happened to Chris's picture????
Katie Says...
I think Taylor recovered very well from Kanyes rude interuption. I couldnt imagine how Id feel if I was her, winning her first VMA, which rarely happens for country singers, and for that to happen. Soo rude. If I was in the situation, I probally would have done just about the same thing. I dont think one should say anything to the heckler, unfortunately he took the mic, so she was unable to really say anything after or during. That person needs to a ignored because their just looking for attention obviously.
OMG so many questions! But I love the topic I totally relate to it because as you might remember in my group project we started with the whole paper passing interruption, which makes a whole presentation look distracting and boring, if I would have been serious and yelled at them it would make me look un-professional and child like (Kanye-like if you must)
From a public speaking perspective I must say that I was in shock! I actually saw the Taylor/ Kanye incident live during the VMAs. Taylor didn’t know what to say and the MTV producers didn’t either they where rolling clips then going back to her. It was awkward, I felt extremely embarrassed and pissed on her part. I think the whole Obama/ Wilson interuption was extremely un-called for and unprofessional coming from a senator.
From how I was raised, it would be more appropriate to ignore them and move on. If you acknowledge what they are making a big fuss about if just show’s that you really care for their opinion.
I notice that their reactions are both different. President Obama turns, looks and moves on to continue his topic. Taylor is more in shock and disbelieve she is stunned.
Taylor seems to make the audience feel sorry for her and I understand she is still a teenage girl who was not expecting a thirty something year old man rampage through her acceptance speech.
I don’t know of any specific social rules that would make these awkward moments just pass on by its more like every awkward moment has its on social rule according to its audience and setting.
A recent example: my group interrupting my intro speech.
If I was interrupted by Kanye I would probably just act like it never happened and continue on since at the end he would look like a huge idiot. ;-)
-Maria Perez
Rachel Smith:
This is one topic that I get a little heated over. One of my biggest pet peeves are people that are rude. I dont think it's effective to ignore the heckler. If Taylor Swift pretended like she was never interrupted, that would throw me off as an audience member. I wouldn't expect her to speak directly to Kanye, but address the situation. Online reactions basically center around shock and anger. Although some audience members may agree with the interruptions it is understood that such behavior is unacceptable. These types of unscripted, awkward moments are taboo and should not happen. Should they occur, responsibility should be taken for the actions of the person interrupting. There is a time and place for people to voice their opinions, and that is not one of them. If I were interrupted by either Kanye or S Carolina's Senator Wilson i would ask for someone to remove them from the stage, then make a funny sarcastic comment about their rudeness. After that I would proceed with my speech and finish strong.
I haven't watch either video, so I don't know what really happend. I tried to look for those video on youtube and yahoo, but I couldn't find the right one (the videos I found was comment video, not the one about the actual event). Anyways, I think that if I was interupted by a heckler, I would try to listen to what he/she has to say, then do my best to politely cut them off if they could seem to stop talking, so I could get back to my speech. I imagined that I was there, witness both of the even, I, as an audience would feel rather upsetting and annoying toward the heckler because I think those people are rude and have no manner when they interupt someone elses' public speech.
I don't watch the news much, so I could not think of any other example for this. However, if I was interupted by Kanye of Senator Willson when I am in the process of delivering my speech, I will try to have a conversation with them, turn the arkward momemt into a comedy moment, somehow. Or I just gonna tell them to shut up, in Vietnamese LOL, Im just kidding, of course I will try to keep my cool and be polite to the heckler (So afterward, the audience will be mad at the heckler, and feel sorry for me ^_^ LOL)
Nhi Hoa
Being interupted during a well prepapred or even random speech can sometimes be overwhelming, normally you are in shock and are unable to continue, or sometimes you just play along and act like nothing happend. A good speaker, if interupted, should continue with their speech and act normal. No matter what, you need to finisih your speech in a good calm manor. In the kanye west interuption, Taylor did not continue, maybe it was because she didnt have enough time or she was in complete shock. If i were interrupted, i would try and continue and play it off but it realy depends on the situtation and the content of what they said to disturb it and the content of my own speech.
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss129/stylesclash516/kanye-west-interrupts-martin-luther.jpg
Hahahah!
Anyway (:
I think that interrupting someone during their speech is rude no matter who does it! If you have something that really needs to be said, you can wait until the person is finished speaking. As for Kanye, I think his comments were very unnecessary. I think that Taylor was just too shocked to say anything. It was pretty unexpected. If she hadn't been so shocked, I think it would have been best for her to just ignore his comments and move on with her speech. If I got interrupted, I would probably just keep going on with what i needed to say like nothing happened and totalllly try to lay it off. I don't know how well that would work but I think it would be better than looking confused.
I know who Kanye west is, or at least i thought i knew who he is. This controversy about kanye's rants really opened up on me how serious it is about how heckling can be especially for taylor and her moment of time to shine. it was funny, shocking, and outrageous. and if you were to asked me it was F'd up. If i was taylor i probably would of had that same dead look she had when she was up on stage. I usually keep up on my celibrity info and i heard she cried in the backstage. in conclusion this should be a really good example not to drink and heckle at the same time. Hennessy will for now taste different to me because i saw what it can do to someone who i used to think who was fresh. in return watch this video on youtube. ITS HILLARIOUS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0PwqvwyG54
btw this is CJ DOMONDON =P
This is Tara Scalese...
In watching both videos, i think that President Obama and Taylor swift handled the interruptions the best way they thought they could. I think it was wrong for what Kanye and the senator did, and i think the freedom of speech was abused during that point in time. Obama handled it very professionally even though he technically did address the senator and carried on like nothing happened. Taylor swift...i felt soooo bad for her....from the previous award shows i have seen, Kanye has a tendency to do off the wall things like that. That kind of behavior, to me, is not acceptable. The sad part is, when things like that happen, i've noticed the cameras always focus on the person that is doing the embarrassing and then switches to the person who is embarrassed. Which then gives the audience the real effect of what just really went down. Unfortunately i dont think you can ever get rid of a heckler. One way or another in some way shape or form it will happen.
Personally I think that interuptions are EXTREMELY rude (but this isn't about my opinion. Lol).
I think it depends on the situation whether or not you address the heckler or not. Some people can pull it off successfully and others can't. If they can't, then just ignore them.
I think that both Obama and Taylor Swift were caught off guard at the interuptions during their speach. Taylor showed her emotions becuase she probably didn't expect this to happen, she is still young, and it was emotional night (besides Kenya's outburst). Obama was more calm and collected and I think in his case he took it well. He was obviously caught off guard, but he was determined to finish his speech and didn't let such a petty thing get to him. Also, he has gone through quite a bit of interuptions to even get to where he's at, so he could be applying his prior knowledge/experience to this.
I think the audience of both groups were amazed at what had happened. The settings were obviously different-a VMA award ceremony and a conference room, but for the most part people didn't approve of the interuptions.
To be honest, I don't know if there are "social rules" and "expectations" for moments of interuption. I think for the most part though people don't expect it to happen becuase that is someone's moment and to not be rude, jackass-ish, and lower your social reputation, people don't usually interupt. For these awquard moments though, the audience needs to realize that these aren't always expected and to not judge the speaker. I think people forget this sometimes becuase of the society we have all occustomed too.
The only recent example that is coming to mind, is Carmen & her group's skit-the attention getter. I think that was just interuptions in general though. XP
Personally, I don't know what I would do. I think I would be caught off guard for sure at the interuption but I would proabbly make a comment. Knowing my luck though it wouldn't turn out to be in my favor. I just like to sometimes argue and be a total smart ass, so I would probably say something without fully thinking about it. In Taylor's situation, I probably would've said something along the lines of, "You're right Kanye, Beyonce did have the best music video. But I think I've come a long ways to be so young and recieve a VMA for best country video..." (Or something like that) If I were in Obama's position I probably would've said something like, "No, I tell the truth. No illegal immigrants will be included in this package/bill/thing" (I probably would've had a sarcastic/im gonna kick your ass tone) That's just me though. C:
~Kayla aka "Giggles"
I just realized that I had quite a few grammer and spelling errors when I was re-reading my post.
...So much for wanting to become an English teacher. Lol.
I think poor Taylor was just completely in shock that she didn’t even know how to react as she just went with the follow since he had taken the mic. He took advantage of her because she is young, shy and inexperienced, not like other celebrities that are more out spoken. In my opinion since no one was there to guide or support her she acted in the best possible way. That was one of those moments where she will learn so much from and grow as an artist. The only way that she could have prepared for something like that was if someone had coached her or possibly taken Sandra’s Comm. 301class or one like it.
It was more surprising to see how the President’s speech played out especially since it was in such a serious platform. The expressions on people’s faces were just outstandingly unbelievable. What nerve and mad thoughts must have been going through the South Carolina Representative’s head to actually go through with it? The good thing is that President Obama is a great speaker and was prepared in one of the best universities.
In regards to whether or not too address that heckler is a sticky situation because you run the risk of making things worse. If you address the heckler you could end up looking like a fool and this could damage your credibility, no one would believe you. The other case would be addressing the heckler and setting them in their place, in a very gracious manner, of course. This would create a statement that you are not a person to medal with. Now, if you just move on, yes you can finish you speech, but who’s to say that someone won’t pick on you again, then or later in your career. Since you didn’t stand up for you r self before? Another point is whether to address the heckler at that moment or later after the speech. It’s a matter of the diversity of each situation. Each presentation will be unique in its own way and therefore, has to be treated as such. -- Lilia
I agree with what everyone's said so far about Taylor Swift's being so shocked that she didn't know what to say. I think that nobody EVER expected anything like that to happen because all of the celebrities there know what it's like to win an award for the first time, and you'd never want to do anything to ruin it. (At least most people wouldn't.)
With the Senator, while it was extremely rude and should not be forgiven, for some reason I got the impression that it was just one of those moments when you're just making noise along with everybody else in the room, and then you go to say something along with them and just happen to say it after everyone else has become quiet. Has that ever happened to you? It sucks. :)
I think Taylor didn't handle the interruption very well, partly because of her inexperience but mostly because of her complete shock that anyone would do such a horribly rude thing on such a special day. Obama handled it extremely well by acknowledging the Senator but continuing along with his speech.
It is important to remember that interruptions in general are always going to happen. Like Chris said, you have to make an immediate decision - I think the best decision in almost any situation would be to smile and say something light-hearted to diffuse the tension. This will acknowledge the heckler, maybe make them embarrassed enough to keep quiet, relax the rest of the audience, and make you look like the better person.
If I were interrupted by either Kanye or the Senator, I'd probably be in shock for a few seconds, then try to laugh it off and keep going with my speech. (I'd try not to punch Kanye for making poor Taylor cry.)
I found this funny clip on YouTube regarding an interruption during a White House briefing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7slMSKQbiiI
Woah, so many questions lol.. okay first of all if anybody ever did that to me, I would be angry and surprised at the same time.I don't think I could handle the situation the right way as they did, I would probably just stop and stare at whoever interrupted my speech.I think its effective to just ignore it and move on because if you try to address the heckler, you'll end up losing your spot at your speech and probably forget what you are going to say. The audience definitely would feel awkward, its just a really rude thing to do. There are social rules for these kinds of awkward unscripted moments, like you have to be nice and not mean or rude.I cant really think of any other examples.
Eric here I had watched the VMA's and I think Taylor Swift reacted really well for anyone. I know I wouldn't have just let it go. I missed the senator so I can't comment about that. As far as reactions goes there are some who just let it roll off their backs while people like me have a hard time letting it go if it continues.
reactions to interruptions depend on who you are and the situation- i, personally, would do my best to ignore them, assuming that they stop or otherwise the comment doesn't mater-
if it's the right sort of thing, then I'd play along (sometimes it can be fun, really =P)
personally, one of my favorites-
I was at a rob thomas concert, and a fight broke out in the front row. He stopped what he was doing, stared right at them, and said "somebody Get these fuckers out of here" And he stopped, and we all sat there quietly until they were out of the area-
In the case of mister senator. . . i dunno. if you're gonna shout out, have SOMEHTING TO SAY. "You lie!" abou what? why is he lying? Obama, take this chance to have a real discussion to prove you know what you're talking about!
anyway. My two cents, having not seen either of those instances. (i live in a box, really. . .)
I believe that it has been getting more popular for people to make outburst during speeches lately. Either from just speaking out during a speech or dropping from the roof and landing on someone. It seems to be a way to get people off guard and shocked. I believe that some people handle it way better then others but it still is completely rude. Its a loose/loose situation because if you stop and comment back to the heckler you may not end your conversation well. Or if you ignore them they make just keep making outbursts. Hecklers make the audience feel shocked for the most part, it makes them loose their attention on what the speech was about. I know that growing up I was always told not to interupt when people are talking because it is rude. But it seems that its the way most people get their words heard lately. I think that if this happened to me I would try my hardest to ignore the heckler because if they do not get the attention they were hoping for they would hopefully stop. I am not really a fighter so it would be hard for me to get a really good come back.
--Camille Scott
I think that being interrupted while giving a speech is very rude. If you have some disagreements or comments it's ideal to wait till the speaker is done and ask questions or express your concern. A good speaker might be prepared by making sure that they know the subject in detail. Also be open to comments and don't take it to heart, because sometimes it can bother you latter. I would say to move on with the speech since you don't want it to affect the rest of the speech. Sometimes a speaker has too much in mind that it takes time for them to realize what someone has said about the speech. It's important for audience to realize in what type of setting they are before making any comments. There are rules that if you have any comments or suggestions, that wait till the speaker is done and is open for questions or comments. I would be really mad and probably scared (since I am nervous when I give speeches)if someone interrupted me in the middle of my speech.
Sonal Chand.
Well I believe that Taylor Swift handled it in a very civil way. He took up her entire speech time, so its not like she had any chance to say anything anyways. She could have hit him with the award, which would have been way too funny. But she just stood there and took it, which I believe is the civil way to handle situations like that. Obama also handled it well. It didn't break his speech at all and he didn't turn it into a one-on0one talk with the senator. I believe its effective to just move on, unless you can quickly and maturely find a way to address them, without lowering yourself to a childish level of arguing. If you cant do that, just move on and forget what they said. Everyone has an opinion, so if they feel like addressing it at that time, let them and continue to your point. I notice a lot of times people do not know how to react to interruptions. They tend to get into arguments with the person who started it or just forget where they were. By doing this, you make the audience feel less important, cause you are no longer addressing them, but you also show them that you're not ready for it and that maybe you're not as good as a speaker that they may have perceived you to be. I don't believe there are rules for these outbursts, but there should be expectations. I think its good to always expect the worst, just to be ready in case things do go down hill. And it wasn't recent, but I recall George Bush getting a shoe thrown at him. Lol. That was classic.
And if either of them interrupted me, I'd hit them with a desk. Just kidding. I would probably interrupt them and tell them to please wait until after to express their opinion or to leave if they don't agree with what I am saying. And to not be 8 years old, cause it makes you look like a jackass.
-CJ Mendez
This is Monique DIez
wow, where to begin? If S carolina senator or Kanye were to interrupt me during a speech here at CRC during my big moment....I would throw something at them. just kidding...I'm pregnant and have harmones but im not that mean :) I would ignore the fact that they interrupted me and carry on with my speech! I wouldn't let anything get in the way of my big moment.
When watching the VMAs taylor should have ignored the fact that she was interrupted and carried on with her acceptance speech, and what is the world coming to..when you are the President of the United States, and your being interrupted, and called a liar in front of thousands of people. if i was the president i'd say i am not "a lie" ..defend myself and go on with whatever it is that I have to say!!
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