HANDLING OPEN

FORUMSBy

Jheryl Kaye B. Navalta

DEATH BY OPEN

FORUM

DEATH BY FIRING SQUAD DEATH BY

GUILLOTINE

DEATH BY A DOZEN

STAMPEDING ELEPHANTS

Did you…

As I said in my

speech earlier…

If you were

listening…

I know you said it earlier

but I just wanted to

know exactly if…

SURVIVAL TIPS AGAINST

GUILLOTINES, GUNS AND

GHASTLY OPEN FORUMS

1. Anticipate reactions and PREPARE your

answers.

“ Know forty times more than your

subject”

- Dale Carnegie

2. View objections as

challenges and stay positive.

Thank you

for that very

interesting

question…

For VIP’s like

you…

May we ask the lovely lady here…

3. Answer clearly and to

the point.

KeepIt

Sure andStraight

(Clarity and Directness)

4. Act as problem-solver or counselor.

PROBE• Inquire

further.“Sir, may we know why you think the price is too high?”

“If I got you right, you’re asking if…”

LISTEN• Listen

intently, sincerely and open-mindedly.

ACCENTUATE POSSITIVES

• Give stress or emphasis.

OFFER ALTERNATIVES

• Help, don’t hinder. Collaborate, don’t contradict. Light the candle, don’t curse the darkness.

5. Be tactful and cautious in conflict.• Humility and open mindedness.

1.)”Swallow your pride once in a while. It’s not fattening anyway.”2.)“Consider everyone innocent until proven otherwise.”

I understand how you feel however…

I agree with you, however

…

That’s very true,

sir, although…

I appreciate your bringing

that up, although…

That’s a valid point

ma’am but…SINCERI

TY

* Avoid loaded words.

* Avoid changing their words

6. Past the ball (involve others).

7. DEFECT or IGNORE irrelevant

comments or situations.

8. PRACTICE your open forum

dialogue aloud.

Reference:• “Speak with Butterflies” by Rodolfo

‘Dups’ de los Reyes