Don’t send them out to Fadeout Town

Have you ever “faded out” while watching a speaker on stage, or in a virtual environment? I do think that at some point we all have, due to a lack of interest or engagement, but have you ever felt like you were never given a chance to engage at all from the very get-go? On the flip side of that, have you watched a presentation or a speaker that was so compelling, that you simply couldn’t take your eyes off of it, or felt like you could just listen to them forever?

Why is it that one experience was so dry, and the other one, so transformative?

I mean, there’s always the possibility that a particular topic will not be something that gets you revved up, but for the purpose of this post, let’s assume that your audience has a genuine interest in the subject matter and the desire to learn it, but are denied that possibility due to a lack of consideration for inclusion. That’s when the audience becomes at a very high risk of taking the first exit ramp to Fadeout Town.

All of us relate to things differently and there are definitely subjects that are more intriguing to some than others. But there is also a lot to be said for speakers, trainers and professional communicators who go the extra mile to make sure they are offering the best experience to every single one of their audience members. One of the many signs of a great speaker is when one acknowledges diversity in the human experience, and makes no assumption about every person in the audience hearing, seeing, learning and processing information that is shared with them the same way.

What makes or breaks a presentation?

So, how or why is it that some presenters “lose” us along the way, while others keep us happily engaged throughout their entire session? One of the many possible reasons takes explains why audience members fade out relates to not paying attention to making sure that everyone feels welcome and included. Taking the time to strategize about the different aspects of the experience we create for our audience, and how to design our materials with a one-size-fits-one approach that keeps the needs of everyone in mind. Whether it’s using a microphone, even in a more intimate setting in case someone has a hearing issue, including descriptions of slides for the visually impaired, or creating more visuals to support content in the event of learning disabilities.

Offering diversity in how you present your material, and being mindful of the differences in which people consume information will go a long way in ensuring that all members of your audience receive the same chance to engage and enjoy your performance. When you fail to recognize the possibility that some of your spectators might be disabled, you fail yourself as a professional communicator, and you fail the attendees as you have already excluded some of them before you have even got started.

As an expert who monetizes the spoken word, your goal should be to touch the heart and soul of everyone, and have a transformative impact on the experience of your audience members.

As an inclusive communication expert, my goal is to make you aware of different ways you can put together information, so it has the strongest chance of reaching the widest demographic possible. In other words, my goal is to help you achieve yours.

Let’s be clear about the fact that being inclusive isn’t easy and will require extra efforts in putting together your materials, or revisiting some of your delivery mechanisms. But when you do, you will reap the benefits of feeling like you have done your very best to reach as many people as possible, in ways that make it easier for them to remain engaged and take in as much information as they can, in the time they spend with you.

If you think about people with disabilities, what might help them absorb your material and put their needs to the forefront when creating content, you will find in time that it becomes automatic and easier to serve your entire audience. In the end, all people are looking for is to feel like they matter and that you have made an attempt to address their needs and expectations.

And every time that you do, for them, you elevate yourself to the ranks of some of the greatest speakers of all time.