1.
Communication Isn’t
Optional
2021 WOC STEM CONFERENCE

2.
“Words mean more
than what is set down
on paper. It takes the
human voice to infuse
them with deeper
meaning.”
MAYA ANGELOU

3.
Body Language - An important part of communication
• Enhances your message
• Gives more credibility
• Helps to release nervousness
• Stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact help communicate
your message and purpose.
• Tips:
• Pause
• Smile
• If possible, make eye contact/scan the room
Transform this: Into This:
Our Ability to Communicate Can Mean the Difference Between Success and Failure
(Valorie Burton – “Successful Women Speak Differently”

4.
Vocal Variety
Voice has a major effect on the audience.
• Lively, excited voice attracts and retains
listeners’ attention
• Should be pleasant, natural, expressive and
easily heard
• Volume, pitch, rate
• Storytelling
• Your voice should reflect the thoughts you’re
presenting

5.
Your Influence in Communicating
• What is a person's influence?
• Influence is the power to have an important effect on someone
or something.
• With greater professional influence, people are empowered to
advance their personal projects.
• To influence others, you've got to know when to talk and when
to listen.

6.
Become an Engaged Listener
• Listening is an effective communication skill
• Not only understanding the words or information being communicated
• Understanding the emotions the speaker is trying to convey
• “I might be the first but I won’t be the last.” (Vice President Kamala
Harris)
• “When they go low, we go high.” (Michelle Obama)
• “I have a dream.” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

7.
Effective Communication Under Pressure
• Job Interviews
• Business Presentations
• High Pressure/Stakes Meetings
• WOC STEM Conference!
• Tips
• Give yourself time to think
• Ask for a question to be repeated
• Pause to collect your thoughts
• Make one point; be succinct
• Speak clearly
• Summarize/conclude (stop talking!)
Communicating Under Pressure

8.
Constructive Feedback/Evaluation
• Practice, practice, practice (Dry Run)
• Ask for honest feedback/evaluation
• Provides reinforcement of positives and offers advice for areas in need of
improvement
• Praise a successful presentation and explain what you liked about it.
• Smiled throughout; great use of humor; good vocal variety.
• Offer suggestions for strengthening weaker areas.
• Great content, however a slower delivery will have more impact.
• Always provide specific methods for improving.

9.
• The “art” of Table Topics/Ice Breakers
• Cocktail Hour conversations
• The “art” of Pivoting
• Clever ways to shift the topic
• Ask a separate question – pivot to a
topic of which you have knowledge
Impromptu
Speaking

10.
Invest in Yourself/Communication
• Physical Fitness
• Diet, Exercise
• Meet Up Groups
• Giving Back
• Tutoring
• STEM
• Charities
• Reading
• What’s on your bookshelf?
• Network
• Toastmasters International

11.
Useful “Tidbits”
• Know your audience
• “Winter is Coming” example
• Demographics
• Content should fit the occasion
• Casual
• Formal (i.e. Wedding Toast)
• Religious
• Competitive Speaking
• Repurpose Presentations, Speeches, Talks
• Quotes
• Vocabulary List

12.
• Critical elements to the success of any endeavor: Pride,
Passion, Perseverance
• “Life is Like a Relay Race”
• What leg are you?
• Coming out of the blocks
• Endurance leg
• Navigating some of life’s curves
• Anchor
CONCLUSION
Remember: Communication Isn’t Optional!