Zeitgeist is a German word meaning ‘spirit of the age’ or ‘spirit of the times.’ It refers to the dominant set of ideas, beliefs, and trends that characterize the culture of a particular period in time.
An example of zeitgeist might be the entrepreneurial spirit and digital innovation that define the early 21st century.
Understanding the zeitgeist is crucial for communicators, marketers, and creators because it allows them to tap into themes and values that resonate deeply with the audience.
We’re all trying to get oriented. We all want to understand the trends and the times we’re living in. Your whole presentation might be about nothing other than your unique take on the zeitgeist.
And though this stretches the meaning a bit, you could say that organizations and businesses have their own zeitgeists. So many speakers talk about corporate culture. Isn’t that zeitgeist, too?
Think about current cultural trends and how they influence people’s perceptions and behaviors. Then use this understanding to craft messages that speak directly to the experiences and aspirations of your audience.
