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Stand Up for a Change
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Stand Up for a Change

Imagine yourself in a group discussion about a controversial issue. Have you had the self-confidence to take a stand when your opinion was solicited? It’s reasonable to hesitate when you know that people in your particular social group see the world differently. For instance, it can be risky to be candid if your boss has…

Stand Up and Speak Up: 7 Tips for Pitching your Big Idea
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Stand Up and Speak Up: 7 Tips for Pitching your Big Idea

Dedication: Ruth Bader Ginsburg I think she (Ginsburg) taught me how important it is to not be scared to speak publicly …and to be fearless…. I’ve found public speaking difficult in the past, despite being an actor. That’s something I’ve had to work incredibly hard at. And it was playing Ruth when I finally thought,…

Seasons Greetings 2018

Seasons Greetings 2018

Happy Holidays to my Blog followers and Women Seen and Heard Facebook friends! WE ARE WOKE! As you know, this has been a time when society is waking up to the power of women’s voices. The #METOO and #TIMESUP phenomena highlighted sexist challenges that women face in the workplace and gathered millions of followers. When…

The Credible Presenter: Being Heard Versus Being Believed
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The Credible Presenter: Being Heard Versus Being Believed

Did you listen to or watch Dr. Christine Ford’s testimony in the Senate hearings for Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court? We all know how that turned out, but do men in power realize what a galvanizing moment that was, even for the most complacent suburban woman? Time Magazine described it well: …for ordinary…

The Serious Business of Being Funny: New Ways Women Use Humor to Engage Audiences
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The Serious Business of Being Funny: New Ways Women Use Humor to Engage Audiences

Let’s get serious about humor. Being funny is empowering. When women do comedy, they are in charge. But the same holds true for anyone delivering a presentation. Getting your audience to laugh means they are relaxed and open, which isn’t easy during times of great uncertainty when your listeners might well feel overwhelmed and distracted. Once they’re laughing,…

How to Introduce a Speaker at a Meeting or Conference
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How to Introduce a Speaker at a Meeting or Conference

If you are asked to introduce the speaker or a panel for a meeting or event, you may not realize what an important role you have. The purpose of the introduction is to create a personal connection between the speaker and the listeners. You want people to feel privileged to hear the speaker and clearly…

Women in Meetings MS-represented: Your Quotability Quotient
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Women in Meetings MS-represented: Your Quotability Quotient

The actress Jennifer Lawrence recently wrote about a disheartening experience she had expressing an opinion to a man who worked for her (versus the other way around). She wrote: “A few weeks ago at work, I spoke my mind and gave my opinion in a clear and no-[BS] way; no aggression, just blunt. The man…said,…

Why Speakers Should Seek (And Appreciate) Critical Feedback
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Why Speakers Should Seek (And Appreciate) Critical Feedback

Without feedback, we live in our own bubble, unaware of how people see us. Consider this: You’re the same person at the podium that you are at the breakfast table, so whatever you learn from helpful feedback will transfer into everyday life. Think of yourself walking around a dark room bumping into furniture. Similarly, you…

WHAT WE CAN LEARN ABOUT CRISIS COMMUNICATION FROM FACEBOOK’S BETRAYAL
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WHAT WE CAN LEARN ABOUT CRISIS COMMUNICATION FROM FACEBOOK’S BETRAYAL

In the book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg asks, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” addressing the self-doubts that hold many women back. Unfortunately, at this moment Sheryl seems very afraid. How ironic that the “mother” of the Lean In movement has chosen to remain silent during Facebook’s present crisis. Sandberg’s silence is surprising…