Coming after Generation X, Generation Y really couldn’t be more different. Although it is difficult to chronologically define a generation, Gen Y is comprised of young people between the ages of 13 and 30. There can be overlap between generations, but in many ways there is a clear dividing line between X and Y.
It is interesting to see the way the Baby Boomer generation affected American culture. In the 60’s, they shook the nation in the midst of troubled times. By the 80’s they’d gone Yuppy and started writing slogans for advertisers and marketers instead of activists and marchers. In some ways Generations X and Y can be seen figuratively – sometimes literally – as children of these defining times. Generation X is the hippy kid: a little lax, a little jaded, but always ready to work hard for a cause. Generation Y is the executive’s son: a little spoiled, but wired – literally and figuratively – for these times, and thoroughly contemporary.
Generation Y has more economic disparity than any one before it. While many of this generation come from struggling backgrounds, most Y’s you’ll likely see at your next PowerPoint presentation –
- are “only children”,
- are from a prosperous household
- are educated, but not intellectual
- expect a structured experience
- are fully involved with the Internet and digital technology
Here are 4 ways to recognize Y’s, and some tips on how to connect with them.
The Prince
In Machiavelli’s classic tome, he states that a Prince will lose his father with more grace than he would lose his inheritance. Although this is an extreme example, Generation Y is known for its sense of entitlement. They are happy to work, but don’t expect to work too hard. They want to pay their dues, but not all of them. Where Generation X was lazy out of principle, Generation Y is mellow out of privilege. They’re used to getting what they want when they want it. Never pander to this quality, but grab their attention immediately and begin to pace them through a structured experience that moves clearly from point to point.
No Waiting
Generation Y is notorious for their lack of patience and their need for instant gratification. Where Generation X experienced a pair of recessions, Generation Y – until recently – has known only prosperity. They aren’t necessarily the product of particularly over-indulgent parents or vast material wealth, but they were likely raised with someone’s undivided attention in times of tremendous prosperity. Use this to your advantage. Capture their attention immediately. Perhaps more than any other generation, this one wants to be entertained!
Great Expectations
Generation Y has always had the luxury to dream. Many of them have distinguished themselves, achieving at a young age, having had the wisdom to embrace the unparalleled opportunities that have been their birthright. They expect a lot and they aren’t used to being disappointed. When it comes to your PowerPoint presentation, aim big! Is there something over-the-top that you’ve been too chicken to try at the podium? Now is the time to take that chance!
Plugging Into Generation Y
The Y’s are the first generation that grew up with a computers and digital technology. A lot of younger Y’s think a mix-tape has something to do with a compact disc. This opens up tremendous possibilities for increasing the interactive nature of your presentations. Suggest to a room of Y’s that they should Twitter during your presentation and you’ll be blinded by the light that comes blasting out of all of those iPhones and Blackberries. Post a slideshow to your blog and you are likely to received hundreds of links to all of their’s. Connect through social networking and instant messaging with audience members who’ve responded to the Evite you’ve sent out and you’ll have broken the ice before you even take the stage. After all, you’re all already “friends”.
