How to handle the hecklers, Gordon!

So Gordon Brown was on the receiving end of the first heckle of the election campaign.

Or as his political strategists might put it, he was involved in early interactive face to face voter participation in the ongoing national debate.

If you missed the event, you can watch it here: http://bit.ly/cw1wGb

Now, having been on the end of more than a few "interruptions" myself, I have developed a cunning three-option plan for handling those who wish to move from "audience", to "participant".

The three options are:

1. Ignore them.
2. Involve them.
3. Insult them.

The Prime Minister took the first option - Ignore them.

For you or me, when we're presenting to a meeting or conference, that's the correct option. Most times, the 'heckle' was only heard by the heckler and those immediately around them, and if it was a real heckle, you risk getting drawn off course.

But please note, Gordon, that isn't the best option when:

1. You're the Prime Minister standing for re-election,
2. It's in front of the country's TV, radio and press, and
3. The heckle is an appropriate question (even if the voter in question did seem able to get surprisingly close to the PM, and was suspiciously well caught by the TV cameras).

Second option, and moving it up a level, is to Involve them. This, I feel, is what GB should have done. He should have expressed concern, promised to look into it and get back to him (and done so). Then the TV pictures would have been about the PM handling things well, with one of his aides being seen taking notes.

That's the best response for you and me too, if appropriate. Firstly, because if it was a genuine heckle - that is, a pointed, nasty interruption - you taking your time to pause, and engage with the other person will usually embarrass them into silence.

However, if their point is valid, or interesting - and especially funny - you'll get great kudos from bringing them into the discussion.

The final option is to Insult them. This is by far the best option if you are incredibly good at thinking on your feet, prepared for a response which might be funnier than yours, willing to take a punch on the snoot, and you're doing the midnight show at the Comedy Store.

If you're in any other situation, hold the insults.

Unless, of course, you're John Prescott, who I understand has his very own way of dealing with interruptions.