Valuing Diversity and Inclusion From the Platform

Diversity addresses all of the ways in which we are different or similar, not just in the areas of ethnicity and gender. Often people think of diversity as it relates to people of color, gender, or people with limitations.

In my opinion, everyone is diverse, including people whose ancestry is from Europe. As potential conference attendees look at the lineup of speakers, many notice if all the speakers are white men. The absence of diversity speaks volumes. It says the organization did not look far to find the best mix of speakers.

By featuring a healthy mix of speakers at their meetings, organizers demonstrate an ability to recognize, understand, respect, and utilize the unique talents and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their packaging. This sends the message that diversity is valued and creates a learning environment in which everyone, regardless of differences, can achieve their highest potential. Some industry segments have done a better job of showing diversity among their speakers than others, in particular the real estate, sales, retail, education, human resources, automotive, and medical service industries.

We need to think of diversity in ways that are not only specific to traits such as gender and color. For the first time, four generations are working together in the same workplace, so age diversity is important. Regional diversity is another consideration. Perhaps there will be people at the meeting for whom English is a second language, or who may be impaired in sight or hearing. And we all know that people have very different approaches to politics and religion. The mix of speakers should represent not only the people in the audience, but also the market that audience serves, or the employees they lead.

Differences in learning styles are also important to consider. People receive messages and need to be engaged in different ways.

Regardless of who they are or their area of expertise, all of your speakers should find ways - through their stories and/or visuals used during their presentation - to demonstrate their awareness of today's diversity.

° Lenora Billings-Harris is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), diversity consultant, and author of The Diversity Advantage: A Guide to Making Diversity Work. She is president of Excel Development Systems Inc., a full service diversity consulting firm, and is the 2006-2007 president of the National Speakers Association. Visit her Web site at www.LenoraSpeaks.com to sign up for the free Multicultural Musings e-zine, as well as to find articles and resources on the subject of diversity.

These tips should be used for informational purposes and not be considered legal advice.
° The National Speakers Association (NSA) is the leading educational organization for professional speakers. NSA's 3,500 members include experts in a variety of industries and disciplines, who reach audiences as trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, consultants, authors, and more. As a service to meeting professionals, NSA provides resources and information on finding and working with speakers. Please visit NSA's Web site at www.nsaspeaker.org.