The Problem of Resistance to Change
By Joe Donahue
I recommend when speaking to groups that you group or seat them in some random fashion so 'good buddies' don't sit together. You might add some role playing, if you have not already done so and if it fits the content and purpose. These are people who for the most part want things to stay 'the same' or something close to it. In this, you might be careful to reframe the 'new' entities as 'the same as' and to note the likenesses and not the differences. Managers and professionals like these people are looking for the common connection with what they already know, so build on that. Emphasize that 'this' is a logical projection of what they are already doing and reframe this for yourself so you project this belief.
I have faced a similar milieu in my athletic/coach presentations and my academic/education presentations so....I've been there too! Don't be so quick to 'do' what they expect e.g." This guy is going to be one of those 'touchy feely' you 'gotta' get into this new stuff...well there isn't anything new!" If you start too pumped up ( and I have ) you may scare them into their caves, so sneak up on them.
Give examples of how this 'new fangled' item 'The Zorch Tool' is really just a dressed up version of the old flashlight. And use imagery to reinforce it " You remember the old black flashlight that your grandad got from his job..well it's the same damn thing just dressed up to "Zorch'. Now take a new tool you want to install as an extension of_ _ _ _ _ ( let them fill in the blanks). Tell them that the secret is...there are no secrets and, that there is more brainpower sitting in front of you than anyone could imagine.
If you can identify the most resistant ask them for help, ask for examples and call them by name after asking theirs. Later refer back to what "Bill said" as a connection with what you are presenting. Give him credit and win him over and he will influence others. If you get an open disagreement pounce on it as if it were agreement " Yah....that's a good point and one we all should consider!" No agreement but definite affirmation. Tell them ahead of time that you are going to zip through this presentation because you know there is much to do and there is a solid base of knowledge " in front of me" ( point to yourself) Present in 15-20 minute sections with clear delineation's, ( better to leave them hanging with questions) change your position, go left or right, into the group but keep their attention from getting too fixed.
Others have mentioned giving presentations is hard work but rewarding and fun...but it's still quite intensive. What looks casual is really solid preparation.
"Break a leg!"
Joe Donahue