With an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), educated diversity and inclusion speakers are sought after far and wide in the corporate event organisation industry. Every size organisation knows the importance of having a representative environment that embodies inclusivity and seeks experts to educate and inspire their teams.
Based on feedback from The Right Address event speaker agency (considered as one of the best in the UK), here are some of the most popular themes the DEI speakers are covering:
Unconscious Bias: Beyond Awareness
In as much as raising awareness of unconscious bias is an important first step, effective speakers are going beyond that. They delve into the root causes of unconscious bias and proffer practical strategies that may help individuals and organisations reduce the effects of unconscious bias. This includes:
- Implicit Association Tests: IATs are used to reveal subtle individual biases.
- Mindfulness and Meditation Techniques: The speaker teaches ways of reducing automatic judgements and increasing self-awareness.
- Bystander Intervention Training: This equips people with the skills to intervene appropriately when one witnesses discriminatory behaviour.
Inclusive Leadership: It’s Much More Than a Name and Title
Inclusive leadership refers to the act of creating an environment where everyone is valued, respected, and motivated enough to be able to participate. For this topic, effective speakers should be able to:
- Define Inclusive Leadership: Give a concrete definition of what characterises an inclusive leader.
- Case Studies: Take real examples of inclusive leaders and the outcomes of their work.
- Actionable Tools: Provide concrete ways in which leaders can create inclusivity on their teams.
Allyship: More Than Good Intentions
Allyship is the active process of supporting and advocating on behalf of individuals from under-represented or marginalised groups. Powerful speakers on this topic will be those who:
- Push past stereotypes and challenge common misconceptions about marginalised groups.
- Create safe spaces and will discuss how to create those inclusive environments.
- Teach active listening-hearing and empathising.
Intersectionality: Understanding the Complexities of Discrimination
Intersectionality considers that people suffer discrimination because of several identities: race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. Effective speakers on this topic
- define what intersectionality is and what it means;
- provide real-world examples of discrimination because of intersectional factors;
- and evoke empathy in listeners towards those facing more than one kind of discrimination.
Psychological Safety: The Foundation of Inclusion
Psychological Safety (PS) forms a necessary component in the development of inclusive environments where individuals are comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with no judgement or fear of negative consequences. Effective speakers on the topic would
- define what PS is and why it is important,
- introduce the assessment tools to get a view of PS within teams,
- give practical strategies for fostering PS,
- and reach a conclusion.
To Wrap Up
These topics are commonly covered by the good motivational speakers in the UK. So, when you are planning a corportate event in the UK, this list should help you focus on the specific diversity and inclusion topic to focus on. It should also help shortlist the DEI speaker(s) you would like to engage as well. With the help of a good event speaker agency, you will have access to much better advice and a much wider pool of insirational speakers in the UK.
