Prepare for the Unexpected: Just Like Barack Obama

Whether it is a cell phone ringing, a rowdy crowd member or a presidential seal falling from a podium; mistakes happen! Nevertheless, how you handle a public speaking mishap can make or break how you are received by the audience.

Recently President Barack Obama was addressing an audience at Fortune Magazine’s “Most Powerful Women” conference and unexpectedly lost his presidential seal from his podium (above). President Obama kept his composure and even turned the mishap into a positive by cracking a joke.

Next time you have to give a public speech have a generic joke in mind in case something goes awry. My favorite one-liner is, “Well, I didn’t read that in my horoscope this morning”. Your ability to stay composed will keep the audience on your side!