The term “Millennial” describes someone born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s, AKA Generation Y. But culturally, we recognize this group by their description in the work called “Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation“. A 
“The authors also caught on early to some identifying traits of the Millennials that have been supported by subsequent research, such as their absorption of technology into their daily lives, as well as an indomitable confidence both in the future and in themselves — perhaps to a fault.”
But what does that mean when you are presenting to a group of tech-saavy, confident Millenials? How should you alter your presentation to reach this broad demographic more effectively?
Be Smartphone Saavy
A Pew Research Center survey recently found that 56% of adults have a smartphone. But in the “Millenial” category from ages 18-24, 79% own a smartphone. This almost ubiquitous number is also true for ages 25-34, with 81% smartphone ownership.
You can safely assume that a Millenial will know how to use the latest Cloud presentation software, which can share your content directly onto their device. As such, you can become more creative with interactive presentation apps and software, and not fear losing the audience’s attention. Staying on top of social and smartphone trends is key; “70% of Millennials are more excited about something when their friends are excited about the same thing.” (Source)
A few interactive apps to consider include SlideKlowd, which can monitor audience response on their devices and is currently free in the Apple and Android. Another app is Presentain, where the audience can ask questions, take a poll, share slides, and send follow-up requests. This app is also free in the Apple and Android store.
Show Them What Matters to You
“Over 80% of Millenials gave a financial contribution to a non-profit in 2012.” (Source) A Millenial is socially aware, which is why things like organic produce and Toms shoes have taken off. You can utilize this awareness by incorporating genuine issues that matter to you during a presentation. Why are you doing what you do? What is the honest story behind all of the flashy design? Sharing what really matters is a great way to appeal to the current culture of giving back.
Get Creative
Some of the most successful campaigns to Millenial buyers have been more creative and less formal. Using authenticity, quality vs. quantity in their message, and an ongoing social conversation, Taco Bell is currently No. 1 on DigitalCoCo’s Restaurant Social Media Index. They included their fan content as part of their strategy and also used a lot of well-placed humor to make Taco Bell feel more like a community experience than a brand. You can do the same by incorporating humor, storytelling, and audience engagement into your presentation.
Millenials want to feel as if they are valued, and more like friends than an audience. As you approach your presentation, consider incorporating some of these techniques to increase engagement and attention spans.
Question: How can you appeal to Millenials in your next presentation?
