Public Speaking: Diverse Groups

If you are not familiar with your intended audience, you might ask in your

pre-program research, or questionnaire How diverse is your group?

What are some of the characteristics of the members from each of the countries
represented? The answers to these questions will help you plan your strategy
for connecting with a particular audience.

When I was doing my planning for a presentation in Washington, D.C., I
found out that 25 percent of the audience was Asian Indian. I knew very little
about the Indian culture and didn't have long to plan. What I did know was
that the Dunkin' Donuts store located near my home was owned and operated
by Indians. That was a good excuse to stop in, down a few eclairs, and do
some research. I told the proprietor what I was trying to accomplish and he
was glad to help. Out of all the information he gave me about humor in India,
I only used one line. That was all it took to connect. The line was, I want to
tell all my new Indian friends I'm sorry Johnny Lever couldn't make it.
Johnny Lever was one of the top comedians in India. They lit up and I went on
with the program.

If your local donut shop isn't run by the appropriate nationality for your next
presentation, don't worry. There are other sure-fire methods to get the
information you need. If you are presenting out of the country, get the opinion
of local people before you attempt to use humor. If you are presenting in the
U.S., seek out members of the nationality to whom you are presenting. If you
don't happen to know any, you can always call their embassy.

I've called our State Department, The World Bank and even Voice of America for
information. Just tell the receptionist you want to speak to someone from the
country of interest. Don't forget to tell them you want to converse in English.

Learn more about speaking to a diverse audience.