You gave a presentation and it went well. You delivered the same presentation to a different audience and it fell flat. Why? Because all audiences are not alike and gender plays a role. Would you rather give a presentation to a male or female audience? Is there a difference? Who is the easiest audience?
It turns out that women are more receptive as an audience. They’ll laugh louder, longer and more easily than men. The men will check out how their male peers respond and will take their cue from them before laughing heartily.
Another issue is that men will take the lead from their boss. So if you’re speaking to a company of in-house executives, encourage the boss to participate and laugh so the team will follow suit. Otherwise, your funny material may bomb.
If you’re a woman speaking to a male audience, stay away from anything touchy feely. When speaking to male audiences, emphasize sports, business and facts.
Female audiences will more readily respond to emotion and fun and will be more willing to interact and participate in discussions. A mixed audience of 50% women will change the dynamic and make it all right for everybody to laugh and loosen up. Women will smile and nod more during a presentation which can be a confidence boost for the speaker.
If you’re a male speaker presenting to a female audience don’t lecture or come off as THE authority. The best approach is self disclosure. Tell stories that demonstrate your humanity and use self deprecating humor. A female audience will respond more positively to a speaker they can get to know on a personal level than to a one upsmanship style.
Finally, if you’re selling anything after your talk, opt to speak to a female audience. Women love to buy and you’ll rack up more sales.
While there are exceptions to every rule, male and female audiences differ as a group. Adjust your style to transcend gender and you’ll give a knockout presentation every time.