Voice for Change

The Inclusion Bites Podcast

Voices for Change: Inclusive Speech and the Art of Listening

This episode explores the transformative power of listening, speaking authenticity, and the nuances of effective communication with Fiona's journey from drama teacher to voice coach, underscoring the significance of inclusion in every conversation.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast entitled "Voice For Change", Joanne Lockwood and Fiona Brennan-Scott explore the transformative power of listening and the art of communication. Addressing the tendency of conversations to fixate on voicing opinions, they examine alternative methods such as "rubber ducking", where the mere act of speaking problems aloud offers a form of solution. Jo touches on the importance of understanding the 'why' behind beliefs, heavily influenced by Simon Sinek’s methodologies, and Fiona offers insight into the ways diversity and inclusivity shape her work as a voice and speech coach. They discuss the nuances of public speaking, including the strategic use of silence and the significance of crafting messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

Fiona, with a rich background as a speech and drama teacher, has pivoted to coaching individuals on voice and speech, placing a strong emphasis on creating inclusive spaces where everyone’s thoughts are valued. Her extensive experience is evidenced by her approach to client work, where she integrates inclusivity into the fabric of her method. Fiona's work, which includes assisting with wedding speeches to empowering STEM professionals to communicate effectively, showcases her commitment to elevating the voices of a broad clientele. Published author of 'Breathtaking Communication', her expertise spans fostering emotional connections with audiences and the critical role of empathy and cultural intelligence in dialogue.

Throughout their conversation, Jo and Fiona underscore the craft of delivering a single key message that brings value to an audience’s life. They reflect on the power of emotional intelligence and the subtle yet impactful art of pausing, allowing audiences to process and reflect. By highlighting the emotional weight behind communication techniques, they share how each speaker can empower themselves to be a voice for change.

This dynamic exchange culminates in a discussion of storytelling's economical influence, framing it as a medium that can drive powerful, emotional responses much like the impact of watching a play. Jo shares her personal anecdote of navigating high expectations while crafting a wedding speech, juxtaposing her professional expectations with the relatability of public speaking anxieties.

The episode wraps up spotlighting the notion that effective communication is an act of inclusion - understanding and respecting diverse perspectives while speaking from a place of authenticity. This conversation is a trove for anyone interested in refining their public speaking skills or anyone who seeks to understand the profound impact of giving thoughtful space to others' voices.

A key takeaway from this insightful dialogue is the integral role listening plays in meaningful communication and the transformative potential it holds in fostering diversity and inclusion. Listeners will emerge with a fresh perspective on voicing their identity and the confidence to encourage others to do the same, making this episode essential for individuals striving to make their environments more inclusive and empathetic.

Published: 11.04.2024 Recorded: 08.02.2024 Duration: 0:58:14 Downloads: 38

Shownotes:

• AI Extracts and Interpretations
• The Inclusion Bites Podcast #105: Voice for Change
• Other Links
• SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
• Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube — youtube.com

• Key Learning and Takeaway:

• The key learning from the “Voice For Change” episode is the vital importance of communication as a tool for inclusion, understanding, and empowerment. By focusing on the power of listening, asking purposeful questions, valuing silence, and storytelling, individuals can create an inclusive space that elevates diverse voices and fosters meaningful connections.

• Point #1: Listening Over Speaking

  Fiona Brennan-Scott highlighted the shift from fixing to listening, underlining how holding space for others to express themselves without interjections can lead to deeper understanding and empathy—a foundational aspect of inclusive communication.

• Point #2: The “Why” of Conversation

  The episode discussed the importance of delving into the ‘why’ behind beliefs and ideas, referencing Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’. This approach digs deeper into the reasoning and values that shape conversations, promoting sincerity and authenticity.

• Point #3: The Role of Silence

  Both Joanne and Fiona explored the impact of silence in communication, emphasizing its power in allowing the audience to reflect and consider. Embracing pauses and not rushing to fill the air can create a thinking environment conducive to insight and engagement.

• Point #4: Emotional Connection Through Storytelling

  Storytelling was framed as an essential component of effective communication. The discussion underlined how integrating personal narratives, cultural anecdotes, and metaphors can emotionally connect speakers with their audience, ensuring a memorable and impactful exchange.

• Sounds Bites and Clips

• The Power of Non-Verbal Communication: “It’s about so much more than the words, though, Joe, because a lot of how we communicate is about our body language, about making eye contact. It’s a dance between the audience and us, where only one party is speaking, but we can listen and watch and have that conversation with our audience through our engagement and picking up on their body language and their facial expression, but also having body language and facial expression of our own that we are perfectly capable of doing in a one to one.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:09:00 → 00:09:35]

  The Power of Storytelling: “The problem is I’m Irish and Irish people love a good story.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:15:27 → 00:15:33]

  Public Speaking Challenges: “And I think that is one of the problems with public speaking, which I’ve touched on already, is that people think, if I can talk, or even if you’re very talkative, you must be able to speak, but there’s quite a difference.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:21:11 → 00:21:26]

  The Art of Public Speaking: “you need to allow 20 percent of your time to be empty in your practise, because when you get in front of a live audience and you’re doing that beautiful dance with them, your pace, your pause, the dynamic of how you speak changes and if you’ve been given a set amount of time and you haven’t allowed 20% for that, you’re going to run over.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:27:19 → 00:27:38]

  The Art of Presentation and Audience Engagement: “And so you had the courage to be unselfish and to bring things to a close, and no one is going to criticise you for being too short. I’ve never heard it happen. And also the Q&A is a gift to the audience because you know that everything you say at that point is going to be specifically addressing an area of interest for some of the audience.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:29:48 → 00:30:12]

  The Power of Listening: “And the strength of time to think is very much about presence and listening.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:31:08 → 00:31:14]

  The Power of Introspection in Public Speaking: “Sometimes it’s almost like having a bubble bath with a message, where you get to sit and soak and enjoy and appreciate and make it your own.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:35:06 → 00:35:17]

  Listening as a Catalyst for Insight: “listening not to understand, listening not to respond, but listening to ignite.”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:43:49 → 00:43:55]

  The Importance of Diversity in Leadership: “I thought, I’m not reaching the people that really need the help. And obviously the people coming to me do need the help and I’m giving it to them. But actually, where is the diversity?”

  — Fiona Brennan-Scott [00:50:32 → 00:50:44]

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Please connect with our hosts and guests, why not make contact..?

Brought to you by your host

Joanne Lockwood SEE Change Happen

A huge thank you to our wonderful guest

Fiona Brennan-Scott Bespoken

The post Voice for Change appeared first on SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts.

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1. Public speaking is vulnerable and emotionally precious. (00:00:00)

2. STEM professionals struggle transitioning from expert to leader. (00:06:12)

3. Non-verbal communication vital for engaging presentations. (00:09:00)

4. Connecting emotion, breath and voice for engagement. (00:10:57)

5. Using metaphors and stories, I vividly explain. (00:16:18)

6. Adapting language, solving problems with logic. (00:19:15)

7. Personal knowledge poses challenge, high expectations amplify. (00:20:55)

8. Optimal timing for public speaking is crucial. (00:26:43)

9. Connected with emotional core, tuned into audience. (00:29:31)

10. Respect your audience, engage them thoughtfully. (00:34:42)

11. Embrace diverse perspectives, enrich your understanding. (00:38:49)

12. Advice on conversing with diverse individuals respectfully. (00:39:39)

13. Transitioned from teacher to coach, focused on listening. (00:43:30)

14. Solving problems by talking to rubber ducks. (00:45:32)

15. Inclusivity and diversity are crucial for progress. (00:49:35)

16. Acceptance of others' nature and behaviours. (00:53:35)

17. Active on LinkedIn, offering book on communication. (00:56:23)