It’s amazing how fast we can win or lose. That lesson was very apparent at a conference where I was speaking. One of the other speakers talked like a football coach inspiring his team to man-up and win! The presenter was not using football stories, but the talk was filled with masculine motivational triggers including:
- Sports
- Competition
- Challenge
It was really good, informative and accurate, but tuned for men. Unfortunately, the audience was women. Later on, I asked the attendees about that talk. They laughed and agreed that it was massively masculine and completely off. The guy lost the connection game! We can do better:
Guy-Talk to Avoid & How to Connect with Women
1. Sports Talk: Many women enjoy sports and many do not. Using sports analogies may turn off your female clients and prospects. Even common phrases like “driving to the goal” are embedded with sports assumptions. Pepper your speech with analogies everyone can relate to.
2. Competitive Talk: Generally, women are not inspired by competition. Instead of talking about how you’re better, focus on showing how you will help them achieve their personal and life goals.
3. Challenge: Men and women tend to deal with challenge differently. A challenge to a man may be inspiring, for a woman it’s more likely to feel demotivating or critical. Focus on being helpful and supportive.
Alternatively, if your speaking to men, go for top masculine motivators: competition, challenge & winning!
