As a cis-gender, middle-aged, white guy, this is something I've dealt with quite a lot. First, be open with the issue – I've often opened with a joke about the state of public speaking ("Among all these other white guys with degrees, I'm the diversity hire, as my degree is from a different university."). No point in trying to hide away what everyone can see. Second, acknowledge that your cases and examples can be interpreted in different ways. Make it clear that what you're talking about is your take on issues, and state that you'd love to hear more diverse interpretations. Third, do not grovel. You are there to present your take, and apologizing for that can be just as patronizing as not acknowledging where you're speaking from.

Be humble. Be transparent. Tell them how you value them ALL. Acknowledge their demographics, apologize for any upcoming mistakes you may make and establish your intention is to deliver something that will greatly benefit them by the end of your session. Then deliver. Any challenges you get about things you may say wrong and you apologize, thank them for teaching you something new and promise to do your best to learn from and implement this new knowledge next time. 99% of audiences will forgive anything after that. Then deliver...

Greetings! Establishing trust with a diverse audience starts with connection. Before speaking, take time to learn about your audience’s backgrounds and values. Greet them warmly, showing genuine interest in their presence. Begin your speech with relatable stories or shared experiences that resonate across cultures and perspectives. Be authentic in your message, and speak with clarity and empathy. Trust is built through openness, inclusivity, and showing that you value each person’s perspective.

Establishing trust with a diverse audience begins long before you take the stage. Start by researching your audience to understand their backgrounds, interests, and potential concerns. This knowledge allows you to tailor your message and demonstrate empathy, which fosters a connection. Maintaining transparency about your intentions and qualifications can further enhance credibility, ensuring that your audience feels valued and respected from the outset. Trust is built on authenticity, so be genuine in your approach.