Tough Issues - Tough Audiences

Talking about difficult topics takes courage, tact and humor

Peer educators regularly face challenging audiences

Students can be uncomfortable, defensive, or offensive

Students can also be receptive, responsive and grateful

Get your message across by meeting them where they are

What’s your objective?

Who’s your audience?

What are their needs?

What are their needs?

What are their needs?

What are their needs?

What are their needs?

What are their needs?

What are their needs?

What do you want them to do as a result of your presentation?

Meet them where they are

Some people are uncomfortable

Some people are defensive

Some people are offensive

Some people are just ignorant

Engage the audience

Use humor to defuse tense situations

Create a strong opening and closing

Tell stories and use examples

How can you incorporate these activities into your presentation?

Audiences can be unreceptive to your message

Get your message across by meeting them where they are

Your audience will appreciate your sensitivity to their needs

Tough issue – tough audience – tough speaker!

Lisa Braithwaite, M.A. www.coachlisab.com [email_address]