Safety Speakers Tip – There Are No Rules! Well Maybe One!
Safety Speakers Do Whatever It Takes
I believe great safety speakers must be willing to do “whatever it takes” to make sure their safety message is heard. Here are some tips from my best selling book, “Mastering Safety Communicaton.” (For More Information Click Here)
It is important to understand the context of that comment, “whatever it takes.” I believe people have the right to come to work without fear of being harassed or mistreated. Sexual, racial or inappropriate references or stories are not appropriate. They should never be a part of what we as safety speakers do. There are an infinite number of ways to get a point across. Do so in an interesting or unique fashion and still be appropriate in the workplace.
A Good Rule of Thumb
A good rule of thumb is if you are unsure something may be inappropriate assume it is and leave it out. The doubt you are feeling just might be a hint. Your unconscious mind realizes someone could be hurt by that particular comment. It is always better to err on the side of caution. My reputation as a safety speaker has been based upon my material always being appropriate. I take no chance of embarrassing the corporate clients I represent.
Flexibility Is Critical
Given that basic premise as a motivational safety speaker, I then approach communication with a great deal of flexibility. There are no rules other than being appropriate in the workplace. It is important to explore and build on your skills and the best way to do this is to try new and different things all the time.
Some Further Thoughts
Being appropriate is not about being politically correct. It is entirely about effective communication. If you choose to use a word that violates someone’s personal values you have made your presentation less effective. Once they hear that word they begin having what I call an internal dialogue. They think to themselves, “Why did they use that word? Didn’t they know better?” Once they start talking to themselves, they aren’t listening to you and there goes your effectiveness as a motivational safety speaker.
