It was a session for new employees. The manager who was giving the orientation had been with the organization for years. He centered his entire talk around the subject of job security, benefits, and retirement.
That appealed to part of his audience,but turned off another portion. Why? Because the latter was more attuned to challenge and opportunity than to security. The more he stressed the secure, almost boring, nature of the workplace, the more he lost them.
He'd fallen prey to a common mistake of speakers: assuming the audience shares his interests when their constant question is "What's in it for me?"
By failing to consider their diverse backgrounds and goals, he destroyed the effectiveness of his presentation.
He did, however, achieve one aim. Years later, the employees who had been alienated would still remember his words.
1 comment:
Engage, Engage, Engage your audience and build an 'Open' checklist from previous sessions.
Always ask your audience, especially in this case if there is anything that they wish to discuss.
Remember your list is 'Open' and can always be added to so that all requirements are covered.
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