Last night, I presented at the National Speakers Association WA Chapter. I spoke on the importance of knowing who is sitting in your audience – in particular the new Generation Y audience members. Generation Y audience has slightly different expectations of speakers and are slightly different audience members. They may tweet while you are speaking, use their phone to take notes and they’ve probably googled you before you arrived.
Here are three techniques when communicating to a younger audience:
1. Use technology to connect
The number one word in teaching research as it pertains to Generation Y is technology. This generation expects it and wants it in the learning environment. This goes far beyond fancy graphics on PowerPoint presentation. It means exploring the opportunities to go tech whenever and wherever possible, including using a variety of learning mediums like podcasts, blogs, RSS feeds, and online interaction in and out of the presentation room. For example, a professor in America encouraged his students to twitter about the lecture topic while he presented the lecture. He argues that the communication adds an extra layer of learning to the classroom.
2. Immerse them in the learning
We live in a world of Edu-tainment – internet, MTV, video games, 24-hour news, mobile phones, blogs, podcasts, reality TV. With such an array of multimedia stimulation it is no surprise that it has become increasingly difficult for educators to hold the attention of Generation Y audiences. Immersive learning is a great way to involve them in the learning. For example, one teacher in America would use the format of TV talk shows during her class to harness her Gen Y audience’s strengths. The team-oriented and dynamic atmosphere which played on the students’ personal experiences resulted in highly motivated and engaged participants.
3. Be inspiring
I know, easier said than done right? Generation Y audiences are looking for presenters that are inspired and passionate about their topic. That’s not hard, is it? They want presenters who will provoke and challenge them in their learning, who are honest with their progress and tell them the truth about their learning needs in a caring way. Above all, they are looking for presenters who are authentic – who walk their own talk. You will connect with them and their needs.
What percentage of your clients, colleagues or audiences are Generation Y? Isn’t it time to look at the way you communicate to this generation?
