Learn six tips and strategies to adapt to different cultures and contexts and inspire your listeners across the world as a motivational speaker.

During my recent trip to Papua New Guinea at the end of 2022, I reflected on motivating a global audience to eradicate gender-based violence against women. Here are two key considerations: 1. Embrace cultural sensitivity: Acknowledge that different cultures have distinct perspectives on gender-based violence. Tailor your approach to respect and address the specific cultural contexts and challenges faced by different communities. 2. Utilize inclusive language: Use language that is inclusive and relatable to a broad audience. By embracing cultural sensitivity and employing inclusive language, we can effectively motivate a global audience to promote respect, equality, and the eradication of gender-based violence, fostering a safer world.

How can you motivate a global audience?

Motivational speaking is a powerful way to inspire, influence and persuade people to achieve their goals, overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams. But how can you motivate a global audience, especially when you have to adapt to different cultures, contexts and communication styles? In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to help you connect, engage and motivate your listeners across the world.

1 Know your audience

The first step to motivate a global audience is to know who they are, what they need, what they value and what they expect from you. You can do some research, ask questions, use surveys or polls, or consult with local experts to understand the cultural, social, economic and political factors that shape your audience's worldview, preferences and behavior. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, tone, language, examples, stories and humor to their interests, needs and sensitivities.

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Vivian Acquah

Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) ✪ LinkedIn Top Voice ✪ Fractional Chief Diversity Officer ✪ Neurodiversity ✪ ESDP Certified Ethnic Business Owner, Speaker, Facilitator & Trainer ESG CSR CSRD DEI
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As a motivational speaker, I use authenticity and inspiration in my storytelling approach, connecting with diverse audiences on a personal level.

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2 Respect the norms

The second step to motivate a global audience is to respect the norms and etiquette of the culture and context you are speaking in. You can show respect by learning some basic greetings, expressions and gestures in the local language, dressing appropriately, avoiding offensive or controversial topics, following the protocol and hierarchy, and acknowledging the diversity and uniqueness of your audience. Respecting the norms will help you build rapport, trust and credibility with your audience.

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Nick Ashley Cook

Coach. Connector. Communicator.
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I believe there is value in learning and respecting local norms and values in a speech to a mixed-culture/international audience as a way to help gain common ground with the audience. However, I also believe and have experienced that using self-deprecating humor towards a few of my (the speaker's own) cultural norms and traditions is an even more effective strategy. I have both witnessed and engaged this strategy as way to bridge any gaps that may exist between speaker and audience and help foster an environment where inspiration can flow freely between audience and speaker.

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3 Use universal themes

The third step to motivate a global audience is to use universal themes and messages that resonate with everyone, regardless of their background, culture or situation. You can use themes such as success, happiness, purpose, courage, resilience, growth, change, vision, passion, action and impact. You can also use messages that appeal to common human emotions, needs and aspirations, such as love, joy, hope, fear, pain, challenge, opportunity, desire and achievement. Using universal themes and messages will help you create an emotional connection, a shared vision and a sense of belonging with your audience.

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Martin Stark

Order My Book - Courage: The Right Hook 🥊The Courage Champion🥊 Author 🥊 Keynote Speaker 🥊🏳️🌈
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Making people laugh through sharing funny anecdotes about everyday experiences aligned to a simple message, e.g., courage brings universality. Incorporating humour makes it more relatable and deepens the connection with the audience.

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4 Be authentic

The fourth step to motivate a global audience is to be authentic and genuine in your delivery and interaction. You can be authentic by sharing your personal stories, experiences and insights, expressing your emotions and opinions, showing your vulnerability and humility, and inviting feedback and questions from your audience. You can also be genuine by being honest, respectful, enthusiastic and confident in your presentation, and by showing your passion, commitment and gratitude for your topic and your audience. Being authentic and genuine will help you establish rapport, credibility and influence with your audience.

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5 Be adaptable

The fifth step to motivate a global audience is to be adaptable and flexible in your approach and style. You can be adaptable by adjusting your pace, volume, pitch and gestures according to the audience's response, feedback and energy level. You can also be flexible by modifying your content, structure and format according to the audience's needs, expectations and preferences. You can also use different tools, techniques and methods to engage your audience, such as questions, polls, quizzes, exercises, games, videos, images and stories. Being adaptable and flexible will help you keep your audience's attention, interest and participation.

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6 Be memorable

The sixth step to motivate a global audience is to be memorable and impactful in your conclusion and call to action. You can be memorable by summarizing your main points, highlighting your key takeaways, reinforcing your core message and theme, and using a powerful quote, statistic, story or metaphor to end your speech. You can also be impactful by giving your audience a clear, specific and compelling call to action, such as a challenge, a goal, a task, a request or an invitation. You can also provide some resources, tips, tools or support to help your audience take action. Being memorable and impactful will help you leave a lasting impression, inspire action and create change in your audience.

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Vivian Acquah

Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) ✪ LinkedIn Top Voice ✪ Fractional Chief Diversity Officer ✪ Neurodiversity ✪ ESDP Certified Ethnic Business Owner, Speaker, Facilitator & Trainer ESG CSR CSRD DEI
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To keep people engaged, I use interactive tools like quizzes, games, and polls that reinforce key messages. I've successfully motivated people from various backgrounds, sharing powerful narratives of overcoming adversity and embracing change. The fusion of storytelling and interactive tools empowers people to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness, transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of shared purpose.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Anna D. Banks, MAS, CEO Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc.

Executive Coach, Human Behavior Consultant (DISC) and Trainer at Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc.
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During my recent trip to Papua New Guinea at the end of 2022, I reflected on motivating a global audience to eradicate gender-based violence against women. Here are two key considerations: 1. Embrace cultural sensitivity: Acknowledge that different cultures have distinct perspectives on gender-based violence. Tailor your approach to respect and address the specific cultural contexts and challenges faced by different communities. 2. Utilize inclusive language: Use language that is inclusive and relatable to a broad audience. By embracing cultural sensitivity and employing inclusive language, we can effectively motivate a global audience to promote respect, equality, and the eradication of gender-based violence, fostering a safer world.

Like

How can you motivate a global audience?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your audience

2 Respect the norms

3 Use universal themes

4 Be authentic

5 Be adaptable

6 Be memorable

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Speaking

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How can you motivate a global audience?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your audience

2 Respect the norms

3 Use universal themes

4 Be authentic

5 Be adaptable

6 Be memorable

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Speaking

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