THE BACK STORY In a webinar - exchange quickly spiraled into hostility. What was meant to be a learning experience became a lesson in how not to respond to feedback.
CONFUSION FROM THE START
The session began with complex language that left everyone scratching their heads.
- Participants struggled to keep up - many wondering: “Did AI write this?”
- They politely offered feedback: “Could you make it clearer?”
FEEDBACK GONE SOUR
Instead of appreciating the input - the host snapped back: “This is my session. Don’t criticize me!” He refused to simplify the message - claiming it wasn’t necessary.
- When some participants shared a laugh about how confusing the talk was - he angrily declared, “Nobody laughs at me. My room, my rules!”
THINGS GET PERSONAL
It didn’t stop there. He turned on those who dared offer feedback - throwing insults like: “Who do you think you are?”
His comments weren’t just harsh. They were personal, disrespectful and publicly embarrassing.
- His reaction wasn’t constructive. It felt like cyberbullying.
RALLYING FOR SUPPORT
Desperate to regain control - he called out to the group: “Who’s with me? Raise your hand!”
Not surprisingly, only a few of the participants raised their hands.
- Senior team members intervened during a break - but the host refused to apologize.
- Instead, he doubled down, continuing to insult participants - and defend his original stance.
CYBER HOSTILITY
In a virtual setting - insults and dismissive comments leave a lasting impact. No one has the right to raise their voice to intimidate or overpower others.
- The reality? Cyberbullying is real.
- Defamation - spreading false information to harm someone's reputation - can happen, even in online learning sessions.
Hosts must be responsible and accountable. Harsh or harmful comments online can lead to serious legal consequences - like cybercrime, libel or slander.
- Be mindful of your words. Once they’re out there - they can do damage.
THE IRONIC TWIST
What made this even more uncomfortable was that the webinar was about: Empathy and Emotional Intelligence.
- Watching someone preach values like empathy while dismissing feedback and insulting others was deeply hypocritical.
- It’s hard to trust a host who doesn’t practice what he preaches.
BE WILLING TO LEARN
What can we learn from this?
Feedback: Opportunity, Not Criticism
Embrace feedback as a tool for growth.
- Getting defensive blocks progress.
- Embracing feedback creates connection and mutual respect.
Simple: InclusiveUsing plain and clear language doesn’t mean “dumbing it down.”
- It means making your message easier for everyone to understand.
Respect Wins
Bullying and intimidating those who offer feedback harms relationships.
- Even tough feedback should be met with respect.
Practice What You Preach
Leading a webinar on empathy and emotional intelligence? Show it in your reactions and responses.
- When you model the values you teach - people trust you.
The Bottom Line
This incident is a reminder: Feedback is a gift.
- When we respond with openness and respect - even in online settings - we create environments where people feel heard and valued.
- That’s the kind of host people respect.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Choose your words wisely - to promote online courtesy and progress.
Pause And Reflect.
- Take a moment before reacting.
See Feedback As Growth.
- Embrace it to improve.
Stay Respectful.
- Keep responses calm and professional.
Remember: If you want to be a host - but turn hostile to feedback - get ready to ditch your ego and apply basic courtesy.
YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@ShowAndTellWithMissV
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