Like them or not, millennials are set to take over the workplace in a few years. Here’s a quick presentation lesson to help you appeal to the so-called “ME, ME, ME” Generation.
Millennials are slowly taking over today’s workplace. In fact, it’s estimated that those born between the 1980’s and early 2000’s will constitute 75% of the global workforce in ten years. They are also becoming the most influential group in America.
As of the moment, there are around 80 million millennials and 76 million baby boomers. But every day, there are about 10,000 millennials who turn 21. As Nick Shore, MTV’s senior vice president pointed out, “This generation is reshaping today’s consumer and media markets.”
Considering these numbers, you’ll definitely have millennials watching some of your presentations. You’ll be able to succeed if you took into account their interests and values. While popular media like to represent millennials in a harsh light, commonly referring to them as entitled and narcissistic, there’s a lot more to learn about this growing generation. This quick presentation lesson aims to teach you how to appeal to America’s future decision makers.
Millennials look for transparency and authenticity
Millennials value authenticity and transparency from institutions. In fact, according to a study reported by TIME magazine, millennials chose transparency as one of the most important characteristics that a leader should have. The same pattern is resonant in their consumer choices. According to a study from The Boston Consulting Group, millennials follow the “I trust my friends more than ‘corporate mouthpieces'” mentality. They are hardly persuaded by traditional forms of advertising. Instead, they tend to seek out the opinions of their friends and read user reviews before making a purchase.
Presentation Lesson #1: In order to appeal to millennials, you have to keep your presentation completely authentic. In other words, don’t try to sell them promises you can’t keep. Be ready to back up your claims with data, demos, and testimonials. Show your millennial audience that you’re exactly what you say you are.
Millennials are purposeful and passionate
As found by MTV’s “No-Collar Workforce” study, millennials tend to look for work that gives them a sense of purpose. In fact, 95% say they are motivated to do better if they know where their work is going and half would rather be without a job than work in a field they hate. Nick Shore said this could easily be misread as being “picky” or feeling “entitled”. In truth, millennials are just wired to pursue their passions, after having been raised by parents as “Trophy Kids”.
Presentation Lesson #2: You should make the purpose of your presentation clear as soon as you begin. It’s crucial that your millennial audience sees the importance of your message. You should also express how passionate you are about whatever you’re presenting. Whether it’s a product or a project, show millennials that the subject of your presentation is something you truly care about.
Millennials value creativity and individuality
Another thing that millennials value is individuality. They would like to be free to express themselves creatively. Going back to MTV’s study, 93% say that they want to work at a job where they can be themselves, which includes being able to dress how they want. For millennials, there is always an opportunity to express their individuality and creativity.
Presentation Lesson #3: Separate your presentation from what they would usually see from others. Make use of visuals that go beyond the box. Make sure your PowerPoint design is more than just bullet points and stock photos. You should also put some effort into the content and structure of your presentation. Try to integrate stories, metaphors, analogies and references they can relate to.
Technology and connectivity are second nature
Millennials were born just as the face of technology was changing. Unlike baby boomers, their lives have been immediately entrenched into the world of computers, mobile phones, and the Internet. Social media is second nature to them. Millennials are used to being able to access knowledge and connect with others in just a few clicks.
Presentation Lesson #4: Try to keep your presentation focused and straight to the point. As we mentioned, millennials are used to being able to access information quickly. Dragging out your presentation will likely bore them. It might also cause them to take matters into their own hands, and research your topic themselves!
Likewise, your presentation should extend outside the auditorium or the boardroom. Make sure you don’t waste the opportunity to connect and follow-up with your millennial audience. Continue your conversation through e-mail, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
Conclusion
Millennials are a force to be reckoned with. They’re slowly taking over the workplace, as well as the consumer and media markets.
At some point, you’re bound to give a presentation with millennials in the audience. Make sure you don’t alienate their values and interests by keeping this presentation lesson in mind.
References
Schawbel, Dan. “Millennials vs. Baby Boomers: Who Would You Rather Hire?” TIME. Accessed August 11, 2014.
Shore, Nick. “Turning On The “No-Collar” Workforce.” Media Daily News. Accessed August 11, 2014.
Featured Image: Shawn Ahmed via Flickr
