So you've been longing for that break which will finally get you noticed and launch you onto that promotion pad which you have been yearning for. Suddenly, out of the blue you have a Eureka moment and the perfect idea springs into mind. You can't wait to share it with the powers that be and go out of your way to make your presentation as enthralling as possible...However, two or three of the big wigs have it in for you and you suddenly find yourself under attack from every direction with a thousand and one reasons why that 'Jewel in the Crown' will not work.

Often, these negative criticisms appear sugar-coated with bitter sentiments and can be recognised in one of four forms:

Mocking: Comments will come in the form of sarcasm aimed directly at you. Seeds of doubt will become firmly planted even in your own mind so as your idea is thrown to the dogs and you are torn to pieces.

Scare mongering: Watch as your idea is turned into a nightmare as those annoying two or three elevate the pitfalls which could arise.

Crossed Wires: Look out for those who decide to interrupt your discussion at every given opportunity to throw you off track and water down your proposal.

Long silences: Those long pauses which seem to keep cropping up whenever an idea has to be further discussed and never seems to happen.

These are some of the most common forms of attack used to stir up doubts so as every step of your plan is thwarted with "what ifs" and negative connotations. The aim is to portray your idea as being laden with hidden risks and something which is really not worth the time of day.

The problem you face is trying to defend yourself from these onslaughts. Once the mental barriers have been erected, it is often difficult to break them down even if you can back them up with facts or analytical/logical proof. Negativity is such a powerful force that even the most strong minded of people can be made doubtful by some well chosen words from a colleague or two...Here is where you are faced with a stampede of negativity which can spread like the flu virus. Watch as interested faces start to turn away as they aire on the side of caution and you watch your vision dissolve in front of you.

So let's take a more in depth look at the way each of these four attack modes can thwart your idea...

Mock ye not

These are verbal arrows which are aimed directly at you, comments are raised in such a way as to belittle you and make the whole idea look ridiculous. Your abilities and competence may be questioned as sly questions slur your character. These subtle digs are often disguised by a subtle choice of innocent sounding comments.

The attacker may appear to be actually laughing at your idea with his/her choice of words. This is one of the most trickiest forms of attack as the perpetrator has to tinsel wrap his words so as to disguise the razor sharp sarcasm within. If tactfully approached, the proposer will feel, intimidated and beaten down. He may even find it impossible to be taken seriously for any other ideas he may have in the future.

I'm sorry you've lost me

Those subtle deviations where a straightforward idea is marred by interrupters who dilute the idea by requesting irrelevant information or using any means to sabotage your chance of being able to sell the vision. When you are constantly trying to justify the "what about" scenarios, it is easy for side discussions to take place. This can make the idea look as though it has been merely thrown together rather than analysed in depth. It can also be difficult for others to completely grasp an idea if you have to constantly address other people's concerns. This can stir agitation and anger in some people and your idea is more likely to be rejected out of sheer exasperation or boredom.

We'll get back to you

This is one of the most effective forms of attack. The proposer is lead to believe that the idea is worth pursuing but constant delays or excuses stop it from coming into fruition. The proposer will start off by accepting a logical reason why the idea cannot go ahead but one excuse will lead into another. The aim is to stall plans from developing by concocting a crisis which needs to be addressed before plans can be put into place. This takes the ripeness away from your idea and enthusiasm starts to dwindle. By creating the illusion that the company has more pressing issues to deal with before your proposal can begin, your idea is put on the back burner never to see the time of day.

The kiss of death

There are many subtle ways to instil fear in someone. The art of being able to push the buttons of doubt in someone is a powerful force as we all have the "don't do it" voice inside of us. Often, it can take very little for a good idea to spiral into a pit of doom and gloom just by planting a few well chosen negative thoughts or words into someone's mind. When faced with such a scene, the mind will often revert back to other instances where things have taken a turn for the worse. With some people, it may be easy to play mind games and direct their thoughts accordingly.

And it gets worse...some clever 'so and so' is likely to use a combination of two or three of these tactics to achieve the desired results.

Now, let's fight back....

Defence strategy number one: Win over the attention of people by welcoming your attackers into the room to do their worse...Yes, it sounds bizarre but usher them in with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Allow them to 'bring it on'. This way, the main focus is on you and you are centre stage. No-one is distracted by phone calls or emails and the world is your oyster.

Okay, so now you have the undivided attention of everyone in the room, allow them to openly air their thoughts and opinions, including those who you know have it in for you. These are the ones who can stir the emotions and make the proposal interesting. Those power hungry moguls, the self-centred and the sceptics who add a bit of drama, catch the eye and draw the attention. When people are focussed on a situation, they are listening; they are intrigued and therefore more likely to understand the concept behind your idea and its advantages. Make it a point to address every hand that is raised and answer every single question, even the ones which seem to be ridiculing or negative.

Defence strategy number two: First, edit any lengthy introductory scripts and cut straight to the chase. Keep your answers short and to the point. This way everyone has a chance to state their views and be a part of the discussion so splice out any long drawn out examples, complicated data or lists of reasons why you can justify an answer. In essence, if you know your idea inside out, you can provide, short, sharp answers to fend off those verbal arrows. Lengthy facts and figures will make the mind wander and people will lose interest.

If you need to back up a statement, try using common sense examples rather than percentages and ratios. If you see eyes starting to glaze over or people doodling, they are losing interest. Keep your answers quick, concise, to the point and the mind is constantly alert. This approach helps to clear the fog and prevents those confusion statements from flying at you. By dealing with the confusion mongerers, you can continue to elevate your idea to its fullest. Just look at some of the great leaders in history...they have all taken complicated subjects and turned them into something that people from all walks of life can easily understand and appreciate.

Defence Strategy number three: Though it may be tempting, don't respond to condescending attackers in the same way. By pointing out to an attacker that only a fool would refuse to accept change, you could be attacking two or three other members who are also a bit reluctant to change. Treat all of your attackers with the same respect and courtesy as you would everyone else. Respect can win over even the most condescending of hearts. It really does work! This way, you can reveal the ones who are the mudslingers and stirrers and it is their character which will be under question, not yours. Treat them with respect and you will earn the emotional respect of everyone else in the room.

Defence strategy number four: Portray a sense of calm self-confidence when dealing with these bullies. Do not allow them to leach into too much of your time. It is not your intention to win over every single member of the team but instead, win over the majority. Therefore your eyes should be focused on those who are interested rather than those who are out to watch you crash and burn. This way you stop Dave from being confused and quash Joan's negativity with a few friendly, clear, concise sentences. Keep a lookout for anyone who may look remotely bored and draw them in.