Q. The other night I attended an enjoyable lecture on the Mitford sisters at the British Institute in Florence, the former townhouse of Harold and William Acton, who were lifelong friends of the sisters. The library where the lecture was delivered was packed to the rafters. My enjoyment was spoiled, however, by the ordinary, conversation-level chatter which was taking place between two ladies in front of me, one on each side of the aisle — and they were not even talking about the Mitfords! I am shortly to give a lecture myself, on a similar theme, and would find myself quite undermined were such an intercourse to start up while I was talking. Mary, how do you suggest I tackle such interruptions if they happen to me on my own lecture tour?
M.W., Wiltshire
A. Arrange for a helper to introduce you to your audiences and to announce, while waving a mobile microphone, that you will be delighted to take questions at the end of your talk.
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