Ten Tips for Presenting to Different Cultures

Making a Speech to a Culturally Diverse Audience

Presenting to audiences from different cultures can be particularly daunting because there are often diverse characteristics and customs we need to take into account. However, fear of misunderstandings can cause speakers to hold back, which impacts their ability to influence audiences successfully.

Here are some simple tips that will boost your presentation skills and help you speak confidently when presenting to people from different cultures.

Ten Tips for Presenting to Different Cultures

• 1. Research the Audience
• 2. Meet the Audience Before the Speech
• 3. Use Some Local Language
• 4. Find Local Examples
• 5. Speak Slowly and Clearly 
• 6. Use Visual Aids
• 7. Use Humour Carefully
• 8. Get the Audience Involved
• 9. Watch the Length of the Presentation
• 10. Evaluate, Review and Continually Improve

1. Research the Audience 

Find out as much as you can about the country and organisation you are presenting to. Internet research, guidebooks, travel magazines and local media will provide valuable insights about different cultures that shape the creation and delivery of your presentation. Bear in mind that this is as much about what to avoid as what to include.

2. Meet the Audience Before the Speech

More than likely, you will not know your audience personally, and they will not know you. To establish a personal connection, try to meet as many as possible one-to-one before presenting to them as a group.  

At the start of the presentation, it can also help to engage in some light banter to warm them up. This can make them more receptive to your messages, but perhaps check with your local liaison first to see if this is a suitable approach. 

3. Use Some Local Language

Identify a few short phrases in the local language that can be used as an icebreaker at the start of the presentation, or to illustrate key points. For example, President John F Kennedy used the phrase “Ich bin ein Berliner” to great effect in Germany during one of his speeches. 

4. Find Local Examples 

If you are presenting new ideas or complex concepts to people from different cultures, it can help to convey them using local examples. This not only helps the audience to understand your messages, but also establishes a stronger connection with the audience. 

5. Speak Slowly and Clearly 

English may not be the first language for most of the audience, so speak slowly and clearly using Plain English. Not too slowly though, or you may come across as patronising. Check out our article on cross-cultural communication, which will also help you when presenting to audiences from different cultures.

6. Use Visual Aids

Photographs, illustrations, graphs and charts can cut through language barriers to ensure your verbal messages are clearly understood. If adding text to visual aids, bear in mind that some of the audience may speak better English than they can read or write. 

7. Use Humour Carefully 

Including humour is a recommended approach when presenting. However, bear in mind that sense of humour varies in different cultures. Stick to universal humour or something that you know is humorous locally, and avoid anything inappropriate or risqué. Your liaison may be able to help you find an appropriate balance. 

8. Get the Audience Involved

Most audiences tend to switch off after 20 minutes or so, which makes it the perfect time to introduce a quick physical activity or interaction to regain the audience’s attention. Never try this at the start of the presentation though as the audience hasn’t got to know you yet. 

9. Watch the Length of the Presentation

Take into account that you will be speaking slightly slower, spending a few minutes getting to know your audience at the start, and potentially involving them in an activity after 20 minutes or so. If necessary, cut out some of the extraneous content or your presentation may feel rushed. 

10. Evaluate, Review and Continually Improve 

Making presentations to culturally diverse audiences is a fascinating experience that will teach you a great deal about the art of presenting itself. Monitor audience reactions and identify what they are receptive to. This will help you eliminate things that don’t work and focus on those that build better relationships.  

Master the Art of Presenting with Style and Confidence!

Ten Tips for Presenting to Different Cultures