Women Seen and Heard: Speaking With a Strategic Vision
Women Seen and Heard: Speaking With a Strategic Vision
Women seen and heard: Speaking with a strategic vision By Lois Phillips, Ph.D.
Excerpted and adapted from “Women Seen and Heard: Lessons Learned from Successful Speakers” by Lois Phillips, Ph.D., and Anita Perez Ferguson, M.A. (Luz Publications, 2004), Published WITI.COM Newsletter, 2005.
According to Catalyst, the premier research source regarding women’s advancement into top management roles, stereotyping of women remains a problem, particularly with regard to women’s capacity to communicate about and solve problems as well as men do. So, if you are a woman or are helping women advance do this exercise:
Imagine yourself at the front of a vast auditorium, about to begin your presentation describing a technology advance. You know your stuff, and want to bring people together to increase mutual success. But the audience may wonder if they should take you seriously. Although you are the epitome of cool, you are still up against the stereotype of woman as illogical, emotional, and details oriented. How do you prepare yourself to deliver your message so it makes an impact?
The truth is that even when women achieve position and status, women speakers need to gain credibility before they are believed. The voice of authority has historically been and remains a male voice; think John Wayne, Lee Iacocca, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. Men start with credibility as leaders; women have to earn it.
The audience needs to realize that it is no accident you are standing in front of them. You have advanced yourself and your company en route to the podium. As women move into roles and occupations formerly occupied by men only, women need to be aware of the unique position they are in. Even more important than knowing your topic, your overarching message to the audience must be:
“I am a capable, competent leader and dynamic speaker. I am going to give you the gift of my wisdom. In fact, this presentation may change your life!”
Persuasive speaking skills are critical to a businesswoman’s success. For example, entrepreneurs need to get private equity banking which means speaking to venture capitalists and making the pitch. Executives need to motivate teams to work smarter, not harder. Top executives are in charge of change and that requires that they become dynamic speakers. The anecdotes presented must be on point, the examples must dramatize the need for change, and the information must be presented with a view from the top, looking out at the horizon. A woman’s speaking style must reflect a strategic perspective if she is to be seen, heard, trusted, and remembered as a leader.
It is possible to deliver your message in a more assertive style without giving up women’s more “feminine” sensibilities, commonly thought to be empathy, compassion, and a collaborative approach to life. Successful speakers have good advice for you:
1. Dare to be bold.
2. Develop strong communication skills.
3. Keep your eye on the big picture.
4. Present your scenarios in terms of human consequences.
Dare To Be Bold
Being assertive is a requisite for being a leader: it comes with the territory. Nothing “virtual” about it. Telling people what they should do or how they might think about something is a new role for women who have been programmed by convention to smile and be pleasant, defer to men, and avoid stirring up disagreements, particularly in public. Being bold and outspoken is difficult if you had few role models and you were encouraged to be “seen and not heard” by parents, teachers, friends, religious teachings, and the media. Think back to your early years and give yourself one point for each true statement below:
Self-assessment Quiz:
People in my family would solicit my opinion or ask me what I thought.
People told me that I was worth listening to.
I watched movies or read books about women in unconventional roles.
Friends and co-workers usually ask me to lead our group or team.
People often quote me, repeating a catchy phrase, interesting fact, or meaningful anecdote.
Scoring:
• Score of 1: It’s important to find positive role models who are dynamic presenters. Notice how they organize their ideas and their presentation style to be effective, and try their techniques. Volunteer to be on a panel, or make a presentation at a staff meeting. Find people who encourage you to develop these skills and who will give you a pat on the back and helpful feedback.
• Score of 2 or 3: You have the potential to develop into a dynamic speaker. You are in a position to imagine yourself in roles that require you to motivate people to change.