When preparing for a meeting or a presentation, it pays to think about the issues that the biggest cynic would have in his/her mind. Addressing the issues will mean that you are prepared for virtually any questions.  When presenting, I often find it useful to put the cynic’s issues out there. The cynic thinks “at least they understand my point of view” and the more positive members in the audience think “they are willing to be open and honest about their offerings/views”.