If one member attempts to shout down or overly criticise another, there are a number of strategies that may be employed.

• The speaker could ask for a courteous hearing. ‘It is only fair that you should listen to my argument, before you decide to disagree…’
• The speaker brings the audience onto their side by appealing to their sense of fairness. ‘Madam/Sir, you are preventing others from hearing the case…’ ‘That’s not fair, is it?’ – a rhetorical question.
• The speaker appeals to the Chairperson to take control. ‘I am in your hands, Ms/Mr. Smith. If you and the meeting wish me to continue to explain my case, I will gladly do so.

Additional Resources