Women’s voices have been loud and steadfast through the ages, drawing attention to inequalities through determined resilience.
I am fully supportive of women’s voices calling attention to important matters. Women on the international stage such as Michelle Obama (equality), Theresa May (negotiation) and Adele (representation) succeed in this.
However, silence and powerlessness often go hand in hand. Having the courage to voice your ideas, to speak about equality and to talk to senior people can elude some women and they continue to suffer in silence.
Speaking out about pay equality, equal responsibilities or representation of women in senior roles can be daunting.
How do we begin to communicate difficult subjects to others?
Importantly, the first thing to do is to make a plan about who you’re going to speak to and the message you want them to take away.
Write down some notes, read them aloud to discover how your points feel when they are voiced. Make amendments to your proposed speech, such as using words that are easier to say to avoid stumbling over them. Keep your sentences fairly short. Have an idea of how long you have to make and discuss your points and stick to it.
Make sure your ideas are in a logical order and flow from point to point.
- Keep it simple. One idea, one breath, one communication. It is much easier for the listener to act on one point if that is all they are being asked to do. Make your speech compelling and relevant, provide evidence, show how your idea will benefit others and the organisation as a whole.
- Be empowered. You have the right to use your voice and to have your ideas heard. Share your intentions with other like-minded people if you choose. They may offer you support and extra points you could use in your speech.
- Be kind. Make sure you value yourself and others who are part of your team. Confidence is a powerful body-language signal. Your posture, tone of voice and speed of delivery will all help in your essential communication.
On International Women’s Day, everyone can reflect on the positive outcomes of equal representation in homes, in leisure pursuits and in the workplace. Listening to each other carefully, understanding each other’s viewpoints and embracing change for the good can be very positive. Good communication can create a positive working environment where every single person can feel valued and where their voice is represented, heard and respected.
Listen to each of the women listed above, if you can and notice the pace at which they speak, their clarity and the motivation that drives their voices. It can be compelling and you could do the same.
Saying difficult things and convincing others can be a real challenge, but by thinking about what you want to achieve and understanding you can make a difference to your own life and other people’s lives – you can succeed.
If you would like to take the first steps to making your voice heard and making your voice count in an empowered and supportive environment, please get in touch with me at Voice Synergy.