Are you being heard

Two days

Overview

Overwhelmingly, the main challenge that women confront at work is their reduced ability to be heard, in comparison with most men in meetings, presentations, discussions and in general. Women have a different vocal capability from men and, as a result, face different challenges when trying to communicate effectively at work. The two day workshops offered are strongly focused on understanding and using the voice; they are highly experiential, thoroughly enjoyable and have proved to be a transformative experience for those who participate.

Debra Lawrance is a trained actor who graduated from NIDA in 1977, and has since worked, extensively and continuously, in theatre, film and television. In recent years she has been teaching communication skills to clients from across all sectors of the work force, with a particular emphasis on women's communication issues in the workplace.

Intended Outcomes

• exploration of the way the voice works within the body
• discovery of the vocal and physical patterns in each individual that cause discomfort and/or reduce effective communication
• the exploration of "nerves", and finding the solution to self-consciousness when speaking
• the exploration and use of language that is authentic to the speaker

Learning Approach

• group discussion regarding communication issues at work
• introduction to the voice as an effective instrument of communication
• physical exercises in breath, tone and articulation
• detailed examination of language and the way it is used in the workplace
• putting the exercises into practice with workplace language

Handouts

Materials will be provided.