How to Prep Your Team for Inclusive Client Presentations
You’ve got a big pitch coming up.
The deck is sharp. The demo is slick.
But in the back of your mind, you’re thinking:
“Please don’t let someone on my team say something cringey.”
If you’ve ever worried about a teammate misgendering someone, mispronouncing a client’s name, or making a cultural reference that doesn’t land, you’re normal. You’re a thoughtful leader. You care about trust. You care about representation.
And with a little prep, you can reduce the risk of those missteps without micromanaging your team.
This is where the ARC Method® comes in.
Step 1: Ask – Build Awareness with Pre-Call Curiosity
Before the meeting, don’t just review the agenda. Review the relationship. Go beyond business goals and ask your team:
“What do we know about this client’s identity, culture, or communication preferences?”
If the client uses they/them pronouns, has a non-Anglo name, or leads DEI at their company, those are essential clues for inclusive engagement. This step isn’t about tokenizing—it’s about intentionality.
Use these questions to guide your prep:
How do they introduce themselves?
Do they have accessibility needs?
What have they responded positively to in past interactions?
Step 2: Respect – Set Clear Expectations Without Shame
This is your chance to get everyone aligned—without killing confidence.
Say something like:
“Let’s make sure we’re using inclusive language throughout the deck—avoid anything gendered or jargon-heavy.”
“If you’re unsure how to pronounce a name, let’s clarify that now.”
“Quick reminder: No jokes about accents, political references, or anything that could feel off-color. We're here to earn trust.”
These are professional standards, not political statements. And the more you normalize them, the more your team builds that skill muscle.
Step 3: Connect – Remind Your Team Why This Matters
Your team isn’t trying to get it wrong. They’re just busy, and maybe a little nervous. Bring them back to the “why.”
Say:
“We’re not just selling—we’re building relationships. Inclusion is a credibility move, not a compliance one.”
Clients today are paying attention to who sees them, respects them, and speaks to them—not at them.
Example: A Pre-Meeting Script
You’re leading a prep call the day before a client QBR. Here’s how you could use ARC:
Ask:
“What do we know about who’s attending and what matters most to them?”
Respect:
“Let’s remove that stock photo slide—it’s not reflective of their team or their clients.”
Connect:
“Let’s lead with language and visuals that reflect their values. It shows we’re paying attention.”
Boom. Now your team is not just prepared—they’re poised.
Why This Matters
One slip-up can undo months of relationship-building. You’ve also seen how thoughtful prep can set your team apart. Inclusive presentations don’t require overhauls—they require awareness.
ARC helps you lead that process with grace, clarity, and confidence. You’re not being “PC”—you’re being prepared.
Do This Before Your Next Client Meeting:
Create a pre-call checklist that includes inclusive cues: names, pronouns, accessibility, cultural context.
Lead a 10-minute ARC Method® alignment session with your team before high-stakes calls.
Debrief after the meeting: What worked? What could be better?
The more you build these habits, the more your clients feel seen—and the more they trust you with their business.