Everyone Benefits From Fresh Air. How do we say hello to an audience

I saw a LinkedIn question asking how to welcome a women’s group if “welcome Ladies” is outdated.

Instead of worrying about political correctness; think to yourself (or collaborate) what can I say/ do that best serves these people. What is it they really want. Forget what has been done. Do not waste energy judging whether because this is tradition should I do it that way. Instead, ask yourself does this work right now?

Hello ladies (insert any group here) can be replaced with something more effective:

• Example: Hi all, thank you for welcoming me in to your community.

• My name is X thank you all for showing up.

• Let’s get right into it

• Consider skipping the traditional pleasantries and give them what they want. Something that moves, inspires, wakes them up.

• Tell a story.

• Ask a question.

• Ask yourself what would you want to hear as an audience member that could help you in the same situation.

• Inclusion will always trump singular emphasis when dealing with any group.

• Make it about the We. Relate to your audience and level the playing field so they can relate to you. Connect first and inspire second. Share your humanness and vulnerability and they might just do the same.

If Inspiration means “breathing life into” then trying a new approach may make sense. Everyone benefits from fresh air.