Are they listening?

As a keynote speaker, I see audiences that contain four type of individuals:

1. The Student – Eager to learn and listening to every word you say.
2. The Prisoner – Is someone who was sent by the boss and does not want to be there.
3. The Vacationer – Is happy to be anywhere but at work.
4. The Graduate – They already think they know everything you are talking about and will challenge you if you give them a chance.

This isn’t just true with audiences, it is true with meetings. Including your meetings with the technology community!

Even Seth Godin, on his blog, realized that “Most people, most of the time, steadfastly refuse to pay attention. The tragic mistake of demographics and media planning is that they overlook the single most important issue: is the person you’re talking to ready to listen?”

How do you do ge the geeks to listen?

The student will be eager. You will get all their attention all the time. The issue is with the other types. You need to start with a story.

The story needs to tie what the technologist (especially the graduate type) what they already know and understand to the gap in what they don’t know. The curiosity will keep them in the listening mode. You need to explain your needs in how they will enhance the business process. You need to describe where you are today and where you want to be. Entice them to figure out, technically, how they are going to get it there. Techies love to solve problems and work with new technology.

If the story does not entice the vacationer and prisioner…ask for another contact. It is your right.