We all face it at some point—the need to deliver a message—and that has us shaking in our heels, even if that message is one that we’re passionate about. Whether it’s an uncomfortable memory from a high school speech class, or some leftover anxiety from another time we couldn’t get out of making a speech, it’s important to realize—nerves aside—effective communication is absolutely crucial to success. No matter what you need to communicate– getting the school board to improve student transportation or convincing your department to take a chance on your latest creative idea—strategizing, organizing, and delivering your message with convincing credibility is the key to getting the outcome you want.
Now, there’s help! Drs. Lois Phillips and Anita Perez Ferguson have written a workbook with literal plug and play solutions that make the whole process of organizing a presentation easier than you ever thought possible. Building on their earlier book, Women Seen and Heard: Lessons Learned from Successful Speakers, the authors have created 9 Fast & Flawless Presentations for Women Speakers.
Fast & Flawless Presentations first explains why—before you even open your mouth— it’s an uphill battle to achieve the same level of credibility that your male colleagues enjoy as a public speaker. The next step outlines how you need to walk the fine line between bragging and differentiating yourself from today’s gender role stereotypes. Once you’ve overcome the obstacles of simply being a woman, you can take charge and make your point by projecting your best voice of authority. From there the workbook provides nine templates designed to help guide your strategy for whatever type of message you need to deliver.
The templates directs you to create your first “hook” to get your audience’s attention, then transition to your key message point. Following classic formats for different kinds of presentations, each template guides you through the steps to gain your audience’s trust, so they will listen and believe what you say. Whether you need to simply share information, or inspire or persuade them to take action, each template will walk you through the process. Thanks to the solid outline, your presentation will flow seamlessly from getting your audience’s attention to engaging them to invest in your message.
This tool for women speakers is long overdue. In addition to the templates, the authors explain how to construct humorous presentations for lighter messages, and even how to rethink what it means to run for office. Key points, like how women tend to be under-confident and soften their messages to keep from seeming too aggressive or strident, can help you understand the unique problems women face bringing credibility and authenticity to a presentation, and strategize innovative solutions for addressing audiences and achieving their buy in.
At a time when we need more women leaders, this workbook is a welcome tool. Not only will it help women step forward and make their voices heard, it will help them deliver their messages in ways that will get them the support and action they deserve.