In communication, the sender of the message is responsible for making sure that the audience receives the intended message. It's easy to forget to consider this when one has crafted a speech, or presentation that they feel is creative and communicates the message they desire. They've used words they feel gets across the message accurately. The problem is, one set of words and one presentation may not work for every audience. This is why your message has to be targeted differently for each audience you want to reach and there are steps you can take to ensure that.
Create your rough draft --When crafting a presentation the best way to go about it is to create it first for yourself. In other words, preach to the choir -- that way you can just be focused on creating and not worried about getting it all perfect during this rough draft.
Refine your message -- Now work on crafting your message to perfection still using all the words, phrases and examples that you want to use. This is going to be the main template you use for all your future presentations. Ground yourself in what you want to deliver and make it as close to perfect as possible.
Adjust according to the audience -- Before you give this presentation consider the demographics of your audience and adjust your message to resonate with the majority of that audience. If you are not sure what works with a particular demographic, then you have your work cut out for you.
Do your due diligence – Do research about the group to find out what that the audience wants to hear that will make a difference for them. This is where it can get dicey. Sometimes what people want to hear is not what they need to hear to make a difference. Interview the organizer to find out what they need and why they have hired you. This is not to say you change your core message, but it is important to recognize that different audiences hear different words in unique ways.
By doing the work to craft your message and customize the delivery to meet the needs of your various audiences, you will go far in making sure people truly hear your message and receive value from what you have to say. If you can’t determine a way to do this, you need to ask for help or pass on the engagement. It is a reputation buster for you and a disservice to them to waste their time and money delivering the wrong message. By default, you're taking responsibility for your message being heard and it provides value for the audience.
Award winning author, Debra J. Slover's leadership expertise stems from 18 years directing a state youth services program, experience organizing 20 state and national conferences, and running her own consulting firm for over six years. Her website is http://www.leadershipgardenlegacy.com