In a group setting, you can help make everyone feel included.
By Tony Knoderer
For any Kiwanis club, communication is crucial. Without a clear understanding, engagement and enthusiasm falter — whether the club is addressing the community or someone from the community is addressing the club.
Either way, you can make sure everyone feels included during a group presentation. These 10 tips can help account for a range of factors, from audiovisual needs to diverse cultural backgrounds:
- On slides, use font sizes 18-24 points or larger.
- Choose common, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial and Georgia.
- Keep text on slides to a minimum (six to eight lines per slide and no more than 30 words).
- Write in sentence fragments, using keywords and bulleted lists.
- Stay away from harsh colors and busy backgrounds.
- Stick with simple animations or don’t use them at all. Audience members with visual impairments or learning disabilities such as dyslexia could have trouble reading words that move.
- Use inclusive language that shows respect for all people and cultures.
- Avoid sexist language and gender-biased comments.
- Know your audience — avoid acronyms when possible, and make sure any anecdotes or humor are appropriate for everyone.
- If you’re using software, turn on auto captions, if available.
Of course, one way to avoid communication mishaps is to let at least one other member preview the presentation materials (such as a script and slide deck) and then provide feedback.
Similarly, ask a guest speaker to create those materials ahead of time for review. You might even consider having the speaker sign a basic agreement that outlines expectations.
We offer more guidance — including the tips above — in our downloadable information sheet, “How to Host Inclusive Presentations.” Download a copy and share it (or the webpage link) with fellow members!