People want to be satisfied. That’s why “satisfaction guaranteed” is a catchy and enticing selling phrase. Whether it’s tires, ice cream, or a new and revolutionary hair replacement system–if the product satisfies, more often than not it will be a successful seller. This same rule applies to safety (or any other) presentations. If the audience is satisfied, the presentation is usually a success. (I say “usually,” because even if your 
audience leaves feeling satisfied, but you haven’t done anything that gets them to evolve or that reinforces a positive habit then you’ve merely entertained them, which is vital, but not enough to make the meeting a success.)
I have discovered that there are seven principal desires every audience has and which every presenter should know how to fulfill.
EVERY AUDIENCE WANTS TO
1)… enjoy the program. This means feeling comfortable and being able to see, hear and react to what’s going on.
2)… laugh. This desire is universal. Games and language may differ between cultures, but not laughter. Every normal person enjoys laughing.
3)… feel secure. When an audience feels secure, they are ready to appreciate what you can show them. When insecure, they will, with a strong uncomfortable desire, try to find security.
4)… be entertained. As the Greek philosopher Diogenes put it “Discourse on virtue, and they pass you by in droves, whistle and dance the shimmy and you’ve got an audience.” That doesn’t mean everything you do should be playful. During my “Find Your Focus” talk I include all kinds of entertaining tactics to keep the audience involved–many are humorous, but due to the subject, some are serious while others are sad.
5)… learn. Whether attending a six-day seminar or a two-minute talk, attendees will want to leave with something new inside their mind.
6)… feel special. When an audience member receives the attention he or she needs and desires, they’ll walk away giving you accolades.
7)… improve their life. You’ve got to let your audience know how and why what they are learning will benefit them. It can’t all be a show. Thankfully, most people want to know how to live better. That doesn’t mean they will follow through and make the change. In fact, even “Superstar” speakers like Tony Robbins, Lou Holtz, Zig Ziglar or Maya Angelou don’t move the majority of the people in their audiences to change their life. For us as Safety Leaders, that we what we’re offering will help our audience to avoid pain and suffering should be evident throughout our sessions. That’s why you’ve got to include plenty of “here’s why this is good for you, and here’s how you can stay safe and healthy,” content.
’till next time.
Richard
www.makesafetyfun.com
