Learn from Hillary: The Smackdown

Learn from Hillary:  The Smackdown

You’re speaking to a group of your fans.  Suddenly someone throws a curveball at you.  What do you do?

Hillary Clinton faced that challenge at one of her campaign rallies.  Of course, you want to get as many fans into the room as possible.  You want to eliminate skeptics, but you can’t always do that.

As you watch the short video, you’ll see what you might call a “smackdown.”  The idea is to quickly dismiss a tough question, referring the person elsewhere.  Yes, it’s simple.  It’s quick.  And it works.  Keep in mind, it works best when you’re among your fans.  Listen to the audience’s reaction to the smackdown.

Learn from Hillary:  The Smackdown Tips

• If you have many supporters in the audience, keep your response to a tough question very short.
• Tell the person you already answered the question.
• Refer them away from you to something you said or wrote.
• Move on quickly, in effect, dismissing them.
• Sit down, if necessary, signaling the discussion is over.
• Smile.  Show your confidence.
• Let the audience show their appreciation, elevating you and putting down the skeptic.

Why does this approach work well when you’re among your fans?

It serves no purpose to get into details if you don’t have to.  This is especially important when you’re under a criminal investigation, like Hillary Clinton is.  But even without the investigation, you’ll face a dilemma.  For example, Hillary Clinton emailed family about the Benghazi attack. but later asked Susan Rice to claim it was all about a video.  She was testifying under oath.  If she repeats that, she digs herself into a deeper hole.  That’s why the less you say, the better.

Before your next presentation, contact me so we can collaborate on a strategy to answer tough questions.  That’s whether you’re in a crisis mode or simply answering well-intentioned people:  bob@kaplitz.tv.