Public speaking is a vital skill for internal communications, but it can also be a source of anxiety and exclusion for some of your audience members. How can you ensure that your presentations are engaging, respectful, and accessible for everyone? Here are some tips to help you create an inclusive public speaking strategy.
Before you plan your speech, do some research on who will be listening to you. What are their backgrounds, interests, needs, and expectations? How do they prefer to receive information? What are their potential barriers or challenges? By understanding your audience, you can tailor your content, tone, and delivery to suit them and avoid any assumptions, stereotypes, or biases that might alienate them.
I once made a risqué joke during a presentation to an audience that was fairly conservative. It went down like a lead balloon. The fact that I still find the joke funny today doesn't matter - I didn't do my research and so I lost their attention and possibly some of their respect. This made me realise that I tend to make jokes when I'm a bit nervous so now I prepare far better (and have some 'safe and relevant' jokes up my sleeve!)
Choose not to speak when speaker line-ups and panels lack diversity. Actions speak louder than words and we know that Internal Communication, like HR, (the people people) are simply not as inclusive and representative as they claim to be. Ask conference planners about their own inclusion strategy. Ask about accommodations for disability. What you need to be aware of here is your own reputation as a practitioner. Do your actions speak louder than your words and performative gestures. As soon as a panel or conference is announced on Linked, all you need to think about is the first impression when we look at the image of speakers. Note that many orgs and conferences are choosing not to display images for that exact reason.
Creating such a strategy involves several key elements. Understand your audience and tailor your language and examples to resonate with them. Encourage audience participation, ensuring that everyone feels their voice is valued. Be mindful of non-verbal communication, using gestures and body language that are inclusive and respectful. Additionally, create accessible materials and presentations, considering different learning styles and potential barriers. Continuously seek feedback to refine your approach and demonstrate a commitment to improvement and inclusivity. Its important to research about your audience and ensure that you know their cultural dos and don'ts
in my experience, First dive into understanding my audience's demographics and preferences through research. Make a conscious effort to adapt my language, steering clear of potential biases to ensure inclusivity. Diverse examples and perspectives become a key part of the content to resonate with a broader audience. Foster an interactive atmosphere, encouraging questions and participation from everyone present. Taking accessibility into account, I ensure visual aids consider factors like color contrast and font size. A respectful and open-minded tone is maintained, emphasizing the value of diverse opinions. To continuously improve, I regularly assess & adjust my strategy based on valuable feedback from my audience.
One thing I've found helpful is to RESEARCH. People like people like them (read that again). Powerful public speakers know this, and it's one of the rules governing the world of marketing, advertising, and content creation. Don't leave anything to chance. Understand not only what you want to say, but who you want to say it to. You don't want to talk about the innovations and benefits of VR headsets to a visually impaired audience. Do you? Exactly. So, never underestimate the importance of quality (extensive) research in public speaking preparation. It can spell the difference between a good day and a bad one.
The words you use can have a powerful impact on how your audience perceives you and your message. To create an inclusive public speaking strategy, you should avoid any language that is offensive, discriminatory, or exclusive. This includes slang, jargon, acronyms, idioms, and jokes that might not be understood or appreciated by everyone. Instead, use clear, simple, and respectful language that is inclusive of different perspectives, identities, and experiences. For example, use gender-neutral terms, acknowledge diverse viewpoints, and avoid generalizations or labels.
Instead of tossing out a joke you're unsure about, or even a 'flat' joke which tries too hard to appeal to everyone, why not ask your audience a thought-provoking question? This is also why going back to step 1 (e.g. not just knowing, but UNDERSTANDING your audience) is incredibly important. When you do your homework, you won't have to worry about 'winging it', as you'll be in control from the outset. The more you deliver in front of different types of audiences, the better you'll become at picking up on cues, by the way.
Particularly from an international perspective, language is a critical player in prioritizing inclusion. The same word or phrase may sometimes have different meanings across different countries. That’s why choosing your language carefully cannot be overemphasized. I’ve also found that learning a word or two that is familiar to your audience is usually an excellent ice-breaker. For example, the simple mention of “Buenos Dias” when introducing yourself to a Spanish-speaking audience could quickly become a sufficient ice-breaker without trying too hard to connect.
One of the best ways to connect with your audience and illustrate your points is to use examples that are relevant to them. However, you should also be careful not to use examples that are too narrow, biased, or stereotypical. To create an inclusive public speaking strategy, you should use diverse and varied examples that reflect the reality and diversity of your audience and the world. For example, use examples from different cultures, industries, sectors, and backgrounds. You can also use stories, anecdotes, or testimonials from people who have different experiences or perspectives from you.
A common refrain from me is the medium is the message! No point having a seminar or event on diversity and inclusion and it look pale, stale and male! On top of gender balance, think about reflecting different levels of tenure, ethnicity, different backgrounds, education etc. Equally important, don't use events and opportunities for public speaking in a performative way while not doing the actual work of building diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. Not only is this disingenuous but you're audience is perceptive and will pick up the inauthenticity.
Another important aspect of your public speaking strategy is the visual and audio elements that accompany your speech. These can enhance your message and engage your audience, but they can also create barriers or distractions for some of your audience members. To create an inclusive public speaking strategy, you should consider the accessibility and appropriateness of your visuals and audio. For example, use high-contrast colors, large fonts, and simple graphics that are easy to see and read. Avoid flashing lights, loud noises, or background music that might interfere with your speech or cause discomfort. Provide captions, transcripts, or alternative formats for any audio or video clips that you use.
No death by powerpoint thanks! I do like using background music and videos in my presentation and fortunately, I work with some fab designers who can bring presentations to life with the animations and transitions.
Finally, one of the most effective ways to create an inclusive public speaking strategy is to invite feedback and participation from your audience. This can help you build rapport, trust, and understanding with them, as well as learn from their insights and opinions. To create an inclusive public speaking strategy, you should encourage your audience to ask questions, share their thoughts, and contribute to the discussion. You can also use interactive tools, such as polls, surveys, quizzes, or games, to make your presentation more engaging and fun. However, you should also respect your audience's preferences and boundaries and avoid putting anyone on the spot or forcing them to participate.
What you use and how you do it depends on the session format. There is no point in persisting in asking for questions when you know your specific audience will prefer to approach you afterward with their questions and your time is better spent wrapping up the Q&A and letting them know you'll be standing over there if they have any further questions that spring to mind.
Practice pronunciation - especially of names. When preparing speeches or talking points, I spell out new names phonetically. Nothing kills a speech like saying someone’s name wrong.
Between steps 4 and 5 of this article, take some to run your whole public speaking strategy and material past some trusted and diverse friends, colleagues or connections. This will allow you to check and adapt the content, tone and desired outcomes before presenting it in a real life scenario.
In times of crisis or conflict, do have empathy but don’t try to speak on behalf of something that doesn’t directly relate or impact you personally. One of my biggest marketing mistakes turned into a life changing learning lesson as a result of my own poor communication and decision making. Listen. Engage. Ask questions. Be present. But mostly… listen.