A Beginner’s Guide to Web Application Testing

August 8, 2023July 27, 2023 Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

As we know that web apps are becoming more complex, testing them is also getting equally sophisticated. The stats show that 88% of online buyers are less likely to repeat the orders if the website has bad UI/UX. Hence, it is important to perform thorough testing of web apps to ensure that it has standardized user experience, functions, and security.

For the testing process, there are many automation testing tools available along with manual testing tools. Automation tools help in reducing the risk of making human errors while testing any system and also enhance the accurate consistency of the test results. In this article, we will see more about top web app testing tools to learn in 2023. So, let’s dive in!

What is Web App Testing?

Web app testing, or web testing is a process in the SDLC that ensures that the quality of the software and its functionalities are as per the intended requirements of the clients.

The web app testing process also allows you to find errors at any given time before the app or project is released.

Testing any project is quite important before it is released for users to use it. If it is not checked and tested properly, it might cause a heavy crash of that software and also cost you a hefty money expense.

To make the testing process easier, we rely on web app testing tools – that may be open source (free to use) or commercial (paid tools). There might be pros and cons to using each of these, the decision you make regarding the tools to be used is based on your team’s need, budget and resources.

Pros and Cons of Open Source Testing Tools

Pros

Cons

The primary advantage of having an open-source testing tool is the cost of entry. Open-source tools like Selenium can be used free of cost.
If your team is working with a client who is cost conscious, using free tools is an amazing alternative.
Another benefit is the flexibility that testers can get by using open-source tools. Some tools have a large user community behind them. And there are some cool libraries too that can be used easily.
Moreover, open-source tools also support different languages. For instance, Selenium offers support for different languages like Python, Java, C#, etc.

The foremost disadvantage of open source testing tools is the technical barrier of entry.

Quality is also an underrated con of continuing with different open source testing tools.

If you are the leader of the testing team who does not have any automation professionals, then open source testing tools can develop some problems. In such cases, a commercial testing tool is a better option.

Pros and Cons of Commercial Testing Tools

Pros

Cons

There are various advantages of Commercial testing tools, that is you do not need a robust in-house skill set to start and run. Different commercial tools use in-built workflows that can make striking the ground off much smoother.

Commercial testing tools also have in-built support and documentation that is huge. There is much documentation available in a well-written format which is easy to use for testers.

High team support is also an advantage of commercial testing tools. You can contact the team managing the tool, in case of any emergency arises while using the tool.

The in-built feature of reporting present in commercial testing tools is also considered as their main advantage. However, the custom reporting feature of open source tools is also useful.

One of the main disadvantages of using commercial testing tools is its cost. These tools are prohibitively expensive and users need to pay subscription rates to use them.
Either annually or monthly fees have to be paid for using the tool.

These tools are not flexible like open-source testing tools. Hence these tools are only used while testing particular tasks. If you try to test things that are out of the box for commercial tools, it may drastically fail.

Here we will discuss the best tools available for web app testing. These tools will help you find the hidden bugs and process them further until they are removed.

Web Application testing tools

Let’s discuss the list of top web app testing tools that are trending at the current time:

Selenium

It is an open-source web automation testing tool and is the most widely used tool in the modern era of critical testing. Selenium is one of the best tools which automates across different OSs like Mac, Linux, and Windows and also on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, IT, etc.

The test script of Selenium can be written in any programming language like Java, Python, C#, Ruby, PHP, JS, and Perl. This tool also offers record & playback features with a simple browser add-on named Selenium IDE. There’s a POWERFUL Selenium WebDriver that helps you develop more advanced and complex automation testing scripts.

Here are some features of Selenium:

It has multi-browser support
Selenium provides multi-language compatibility
Quick identification of errors and use of quality web elements
Good performance feature
It also provides dynamic web elements for the use
Selenium is open-source and free to use
It is portable, which means it works easily with different OSs
It also has a reusability feature for testing scripts

Katalon Platform

Katalon is a comprehensive automation solution for Web, API, Desktop, and Mobile app testing. With a strong user base of more than 0.5 million, both experienced and beginners test engineers can relish its practical and versatile features for an easy testing process.

Integration platforms: Azure DevOps, BrowserStack, Circle CI, etc.

Supported Platforms: Linux, Windows, MacOS

It also provides a 30-day free trial.

Here are the features of the Katalon Platform:

It is flexible in testing design. Beginners in automation testing can use playback and record functions for making tests quickly. While the experts can use in-built keywords for improved productivity along with advanced scripting capacities.
Easy selenium migration is possible with TestNG/JUnit framework
It can execute powerful tests and has cross-browser automation tests along with CI/CD pipeline integrations.
It supports testing methodologies like Page Object Model Testing, Keyword-Driven testing, TDD/BDD testing, etc.
It reduces test maintenance effort and cost
You also get a centralized report dashboard

Testpad

Testpad tool is a simple and more accessible manual testing tool that is a good option for testing web apps. It prioritizes pragmatism over the process and uses checklists like test planning that can be in the form of various ranges of styles like Agile’s manual testing side, exploratory testing, BDD syntax highlights, and also traditional test case management.

Integration platforms: Jira, GitHub, Pivotal, etc.

Supported Platforms: Linux, Windows, Web apps, etc.

It also provides a 30-day free trial.

Here are the key features of the Textpad tool:

Guest testers are invited by a simple email, and they do not need special accounts to handle the testing process
Simple to use even by non-testing professionals. Everyone can help in the testing process when required
It has drag and drop feature for test plans
There’s an editor that is Keyboard-driven with JS-powered UI
It is a lightweight tool with issue trackers and JIRA

Intruder

intruder is also a powerful error scanner that will assist you to uncover different weaknesses lurking in the web apps and underlying infrastructure. It offers powerful security checks, timely and continuous monitoring, and also it is an easy-to-use tool. Intruder tools will keep your web app safe from hackers.

Integration platforms: GitHub, ServiceNow, Slack, Teams, etc.

Supported Platforms: Windows

It also provides a 14-day free trial.

Here are the features of Intruder:

It has best-in-class coverage of threats that covers over 10,000 security checks
It checks for missing patches, configuration weaknesses, and app weaknesses like SQL injection, Cross-site scripting, etc.
Automatic prioritization and analysis of scan results
Automatic analysis and priority of scan results
It has an intuitive interface, easy to set up and execute your scans
It takes proactive security testing for modern vulnerabilities
AWS, Google Cloud, Azure connectors
API integration is easy with CI/CD pipeline while using this tool

testRigor

This tool assists you to express the tests directly as executable specifications are made in English. Users belonging to different technical firms can develop a full test case, small/medium/complex which converts web, mobile, and API in one test. Test steps are made as per the end-user level instead of just relying on details of XPaths, and CSS Selectors.

Integration platforms: TestRail, Zephyr, XRay, Jira, etc.

Supported Platforms: Windows, iOS, MacOS

It also provides a 14-day free trial.

Here are the features of testRigor:

It has a free-forever public version
Test cases are made in English
Recorder facility for web steps
Unlimited tests and unlimited users
testRigor is the easiest tool to learn automation
Easy integration with CI/CD
Helps in test case management
SMS & Email testing
Web, Mobile, and API steps in the test

Many More

The list is endless with fantastic tools like QA Wolf, TestSigma, and many more.. You can pick the one you like and that fits the needs of your team and project.

Final words

There are many web app testing tools present in the market that can greatly change the effectiveness and efficiency of the testing process. These tools ultimately offer a huge range of features and expertise that allows you to conduct comprehensive testing and ensures that the reliability and quality of your web app are not compromised.

Selenium is a well-known tool amongst testers as it is versatile and robust to use. The ability to automate the browser functions and support various programming languages makes it an easily flexible and suitable tool in many scenarios.

Moreover, tools like TestComplete, Appium, SoapUI, etc., are worth considering and depend on your particular testing needs. The final choice of picking any web application testing tool will depend on your needs, budget, and expertise. By using any of these top tools, one can streamline the testing process, search for bugs, solve them, and finally deliver high-quality web apps which provide a beautiful user experience.

<This is a Guest Post by Colin Rooney>

Tips and Tricks to Master API Testing in Postman

July 31, 2023July 24, 2023 Nishi Grover Garg2 Comments

Modern software development relies on successful software testing services sessions. Postman is currently the best tool for challenging requests. It accomplishes your work involving primary APIs in diverse environments. A well-versed developer can undertake test automation and scripts with monitors. Organised and scheduled tests with team collaboration also can be conducted. They are critical for the efficiency, reliability, and overall effectiveness of this practical tool.

In the context of the increasingly interconnected global landscape, APIs have emerged as a crucial component in contemporary software growth practices. Consequently, API test has emerged as an essential element within the software development life cycle. Postman is widely recognized as a prominent means for API testing, owing to its considerable popularity and apparent advantages. This robust tool empowers developers to efficiently develop, and verify the (APIs).

By offering a straightforward interface as well as a comprehensive set of functionality, Postman makes it possible for developers and API testers to streamline the procedure of testing (APIs). It does not matter whether you have years of experience as a software engineer or are just starting in the field of API testing; it is necessary to have a basic grasp of Postman to make full use of its capabilities.

In this article, we will thoroughly examine the software tool known as Postman and delve into various strategies and techniques which could successfully harness its extensive capabilities.

Ahead we will augment your skill sets as an experienced developer. If you are new and learning to adapt, it will encourage you to explore a wide variety of features of this tool. Eventually, it will not just be the proverbial ‘Postman’ exchanging and delivering requests. It will become the ideal go-to API testing solution as you become a Postman guru.

Disclaimer:
We presume you have already installed Postman, the amazing tool for Application Programming Interface aka API testing. The following blog will only focus on the tool’s credibility for skilled developers. Using various features you can share requests, and create and test documents/files. The tool accepts requests to save complexities related to HTTP and read responses coming from the client-server.

POSTMAN Syntax

GET retrieves data from an API.

POST sends new data to an API.

PATCH and PUT update existing data.

DELETE removes existing data.

5 tips that make Postman beneficial

Collating all tests with collections.
Managing test data under different environments.
Automation with scripts. Use the API login token for all requests.
Monitors for scheduled test runs.
Sharing results with the team and taking quick decisions on requests.

Agile Testing Strategies for Successful Software Development

July 24, 2023 Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

Agile software development has become the modern gold standard in programming and tech innovation. Known for its dynamic and flexible methodology, Agile is rooted in customer satisfaction, consistent delivery, teamwork, and the capacity to adapt to changes.

However, central to the Agile methodology is a component that often goes unappreciated – testing.

No matter how elegant or efficient the code is, thorough testing is necessary for it to succeed. This post will dive into the critical role of testing within Agile, demonstrating how it aligns with programming & source control best practices, such as using Git, implementing effective web development strategies, and leveraging Azure. By exploring various testing strategies, we aim to shine a light on enhancing your software development process for success.

Understanding Agile Testing

Agile testing is a critical part of the Agile methodology. Unlike traditional testing methods, it is integrated into every stage of development rather than being a separate phase. This approach ensures that issues are identified and resolved quickly, facilitating a smoother development process.

The key principles of Agile testing include:

Continuous Testing: Test early; test often. Agile testing happens continuously throughout the development process.
Team Involvement: Everyone on the Agile team participates in testing, not just designated testers.
Feedback and Improvement: Agile testing thrives on feedback, adapting, and improving as the project progresses.

Unlike traditional testing methods that usually occur after coding is complete, Agile testing runs concurrently with development. This continuous, intertwined process allows for rapid adjustments, reduces bug accumulation, and ensures that the final product aligns more closely with user needs. Agile testing’s essence is flexibility, frequent communication, and adaptability, instrumental to successful software development.

Agile Testing Strategies

Navigating the dynamic waters of Agile software development requires robust, adaptable testing strategies. These methods facilitate quality assurance, swift error detection, and effective communication, all while keeping the user’s needs at the forefront.

What is Smoke Testing: A Complete Guide

July 19, 2023July 14, 2023 Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

While the software development process is going on. It is necessary to test various functions of the software repeatedly. Repeated testing ensures that the software is working in an intended manner and bugs (if present) are eliminated.

Many software development companies use smoke testing to find if the project is ready for end users’ use or if are there any more necessary changes in the software.

When in-depth testing is done, the chances of solving even the smallest bugs increase. In this article, we will understand what smoke testing is, along with its benefits, risks, and when to use this technique. So, let’s dive into this together.

What is Smoke Testing?

Smoke test, aka, confidence testing, is a process to know the functionality, stability, integration ability, and efficiency of the project under development.

One can also call this process verification testing as the test checkers for errors with the software build. This technique generally involves multiple tests that testers can conduct manually or use automated test methods.

Testing different software components can enable the testers to discover breaches in the code issues without using more valuable assets. Smoke testing also helps the QA team to determine whether the software is ready to release or might require additional development and testing work.

Why is Smoke testing required?

Smoke testing is a process that is performed in the phase of software when it is released to the QA and testing team. Consider a situation where an eCommerce app is deployed in the testing phase, but when the tests are going on, it is found the user is not allowed to log into the app to proceed and perform different tasks; or one can say- the user is blocked from using the app because he/she is not able to perform basic login activities.

Then there is no meaning in performing detailed and exhaustive testing of other major modules of the app. First, the development team has to solve the issue where users cannot log in to the app. Such issues are determined and solved first while performing smoke testing.

Here are some prime reasons why smoke testing is used while developing software or an app:

Smoke testing finds major issues in the app in the beginning only
It helps in reducing the efforts and time of the QA team that could be wasted if the project is not stable
With smoke testing one can make early identification of the defects
It increases the stability of the software or app developed

Why is this technique called ‘Smoke’ testing?

Why Customer Experience Directs the Software Testing Strategy?

June 14, 2023June 8, 2023 Nishi Grover Garg1 Comment

<This is a guest post by Nishil Patel>

Digital development and customer experience run parallel with each other. Thus, businesses
across the world majorly focus on customer satisfaction as it is the only key to success. The
way businesses are operating has changed drastically in the past few years. However, it is
the one thing that will not change is the customer impact.
It means if your product or service doesn’t appeal to your audience, then you must focus on
improving them. There is no doubt that marketing will help you to some extent, but you will
not go too far. Significantly when it comes to software testing, customer experience is still a
priority. It is the base of the testing strategy that guides the testers and developers to
make it the best.

Customer-Centric Testing Approach

The customer-centric testing approach revolves around prioritizing the user experience over
rigid specifications and aims to automate exploratory testing to enhance speed and
scalability. In this approach, the main focus is on understanding and meeting the needs and
expectations of the customers.

This customer-centric testing approach goes beyond traditional testing methods that solely
rely on predefined test cases and requirements. Instead, it embraces a more adaptive and
dynamic approach that allows for continuous feedback and improvement.

By continuously monitoring and analyzing the user experience, testing teams can proactively identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions to enhance the overall user satisfaction.
By leveraging machine learning and AI, organizations can scale their testing efforts while
ensuring a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. The intelligent algorithms can process
vast amounts of data and provide actionable insights, enabling testing teams to optimize
their testing strategies and prioritize their efforts based on the most critical areas affecting
the user experience.

Key Aspects of Customer Experience

Customer experience plays a vital role in strategizing software testing. To understand how,
let’s have a look at the following points.

1- Trends in social media

Businesses nowadays should be transparent for an effective communication flow with the
customers. A wide range of social media such as Twitter, Facebook, etc. provides you with
direct feedback. Furthermore, you can easily expand your target audience and improve
customer loyalty.

2- Human approach

Every growing business focuses on improving customer behavior. It also helps in
understanding the current and upcoming demands. Gathering information such as
requirements, customer behavior, cultural behavior, etc. prompts innovation to bring new
ideas.

3- Regular improvements

Just gathering feedback from the customers will do nothing. As an organization, you must
respond to them. The task of creating a positive impact becomes easy when you start
solving the doubts and problems. This feedback will lead the testing and development team
to know where they lack and rectify the issues smoothly.

Breaking Boundaries: Women at the Forefront of STEM

May 4, 2023April 21, 2023 Nishi Grover Garg1 Comment

<This is a guest post by Lena Heller>

Men have traditionally held the majority of positions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). But over time, women have been pushing boundaries and achieving important advancements in the industry. In numerous STEM disciplines, including medical, engineering, and computer science, women are now making ground-breaking advances. These female role models are paving the way and demonstrating that gender should never be a hindrance to seeking a profession in STEM. Some of the ladies who are leading the way in STEM are highlighted and celebrated in this article.

Medicine
Dr. Jane C. Wright blazed new paths in the medical industry. Dr. Wright, who was born in 1919, was the first African American woman to complete medical school. She was also the first woman to hold the position of department director at a renowned cancer study institute. Dr. Wright was a pioneer in cancer chemotherapy, and thanks to her efforts, numerous lives have been spared by medicines. Dr. Patricia Bath is another lady who has made a major impact on medicine. The first African American woman to be granted a patent for a medicinal innovation was Dr. Bath. She invented a technique for removing cataracts with a laser, which transformed eye surgery. In the area of telemedicine, which employs technology to deliver healthcare to patients in distant locations, Dr. Bath was a pioneer.

Engineering
Another profession that has historically been controlled by males is engineering. But female pioneers in this area, like Dr. Mae Jemison, are dismantling stereotypes and establishing themselves. The first African American lady to hold the position of astronaut was Dr. Jemison. She is an architect and a doctor as well. Many young women have been motivated to seek STEM professions by Dr. Jemison’s ground-breaking accomplishments. Dr. Ayanna Howard is another lady who has distinguished herself in engineering.

Roboticist Dr. Howard has contributed to numerous NASA projects. She teaches automation at the Georgia Institute of Technology as well. The goal of Dr. Howard’s study is to create robots that can communicate with people more naturally. Her work has the ability to completely change how we deal with robots on a regular basis.

Computing Science
Another field where women are making substantial progress is computer science. Computer science was pioneered by Dr. Grace Hopper. She created the first translator, a software that converts computer code into commands that are understandable by machines. Modern computer languages are a direct result of Dr. Hopper’s efforts. Additionally, she was the first female recipient of the National Medal of Technology. Dr. Fei-Fei Li is another lady who has made a major impact on computer science.

Dr. Li is an expert in artificial intelligence and a computer physicist. (AI). She has worked on numerous AI initiatives, including the creation of ImageNet, a collection of millions of labeled pictures that has been used to train AI models. She is the co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. The work of Dr. Li has the ability to change a number of sectors, including healthcare and transit.

Obstacles for women in STEM
Even though women have made great strides in STEM fields, they still encounter numerous obstacles. The lack of participation is one of the greatest issues. Young girls who are interested in a future in STEM may be discouraged by the fact that women are still overwhelmingly lacking in these disciplines. Women only make up 28% of the STEM field, according to a National Science Foundation study. The gender wage disparity is one more issue that women deal with. Even when they have the same credentials and expertise, women in STEM areas frequently receive lower pay than their male peers. This can hinder women’s professional advancement and serve as a dissuader for women who are thinking about a future in STEM.

The absence of mentoring and assistance is another problem that women in STEM must deal with. Many women claim to feel alone in their jobs and to have no access to mentors who can help them negotiate the difficulties of their profession. As a result, women may find it challenging to progress in their jobs and may have fewer chances for development and advancement. Finally, prejudice and discrimination against women in STEM fields is a problem. Being regarded seriously in the workplace can be challenging for women because they are frequently the target of assumptions and biases. Women tech jobs frequently face particular difficulties like discrimination on the basis of their gender, color, or nationality.

Getting past the obstacles
Despite the difficulties that women in STEM experience, there are methods to get around them and foster a more welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for them. Increasing chances for mentoring and assistance is one strategy. Women are more likely to thrive in their jobs and feel more encouraged at work if they have access to mentors and sponsors. More networking and collaboration possibilities are one more method to encourage variety and equality in STEM. We can help to create a community of support and inspiration for women in STEM disciplines by putting them in touch with one another.

This can serve to lower barriers and advance diversity in the industry.

Promoting knowledge and instruction about the value of variety and inclusion in STEM fields is also crucial. We can inspire more people to move and work toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all by bringing attention to the problems that women experience in the workplace.

Conclusion
In conclusion, women have made important advancements to STEM disciplines, but they still struggle with issues like bias, mentoring, and inclusion. To build a more equitable and creative future, it is crucial to address these issues and promote variety and equality in STEM disciplines.

How to Start a Career in Software Testing

April 27, 2023April 24, 2023 Nishi Grover Garg1 Comment

<This is a guest post by Kuldeep Rana>

Starting a career in software testing can be rewarding for individuals interested in technology and quality assurance. There are opportunities for growth, including specializing in a particular area, such as automation testing or performance testing, or moving into management positions.

If you are interested in technology and enjoy problem-solving, a career in software testing may
be the right fit for you. Certainly! Here is some advice on how to start a career in software testing:

Introduction to Software Testing

Software testing is a critical part of software development, ensuring that software applications work as intended and meet user requirements. Software testing is a process of evaluating and verifying a software application or system to check whether it meets the specified requirements and performs as expected. The main goal of software testing is to identify defects or bugs in the software and ensure that the software is functional, reliable, and meets user expectations.
There are different types of software testing, and the approach used depends on the specific requirements and goals of the project.

Different Roles of a Software Tester

a. Functional Testing: Functional testing is a type of software testing that verifies whether the software application’s functionality works as intended and meets the specified requirements. It checks the software’s functionality against the requirements and specifications. It verifies that the software performs as expected in different scenarios.

Testing software functionality includes focusing on testing techniques, exploratory and adhoc testing and requires testers to also acquire domain knowledge for their sofwtare.

b. Non-Functional Testing: Non-functional testing is a type of software testing that evaluates the software application’s non-functional aspects, such as performance, reliability, scalability, usability, security, and compatibility. Non-functional testing evaluates how well the software meets non-functional requirements, such as speed, responsiveness, and user experience.

c. Test Automation: This includes focusing on automating aspects of test execution, test data creation and reporting that can help in saving time and improves efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. A test automation expert has knowledge of automation concepts, specialises in tools and CI/CD aspects of testing phases and resources.

Tips to help you start a career in software testing

Gain a powerful foundation in software testing concepts

To become a successful software tester, you need a solid understanding of software testing concepts, such as testing types, methods, and tools. You can begin by reading books on software testing or taking online courses to build your knowledge. Some popular books on software testing include “Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach” by Paul C. Jorgensen, “How to Break Software: A Practical Guide to Testing” by James A. Whittaker, “Software Testing Techniques” by Boris Beizer, “The Art of Software Testing” by Glenford J. Myers, and “Testing Computer Software” by Cem Kaner, Jack Falk, and Hung Q. Nguyen.

Obtain a relevant degree

While a degree is not a requirement for becoming a software tester, having a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field can be advantageous in landing a job in software testing. A degree can demonstrate your understanding of software development and computer programming, which can be useful in testing software applications.

Build practical experience

Practical experience is critical in software testing. You can gain experience by participating in open-source projects, contributing to software development efforts, or testing applications in a volunteer or part-time capacity. This experience can also help you develop your testing skills and build a portfolio to showcase your work.

Learn automation testing tools

Automation testing tools have become an essential part of software testing, and learning them can be beneficial in your career. Popular automation testing tools include Selenium, JMeter, and Appium. Familiarizing yourself with these tools can help you become more efficient in testing software applications and make you a more valuable candidate in the job market.

Seek certification

Consider obtaining a certification such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) or CSTE (Certified Software Tester). Certification can help validate your skills and experience to potential employers and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Certification can also provide you with a competitive advantage when applying for software testing jobs.

Network with other software testers

Networking is essential in any profession, including software testing. Attend software testing conferences, join online communities, or participate in forums to connect with other software testers. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities, share knowledge, and gain insights from industry experts.

Apply for entry-level jobs

Look for entry-level software testing jobs such as software tester, quality assurance analyst, or test engineer. These roles can provide you with on-the-job training and help you gain experience in real-world testing scenarios. Entry-level jobs can also help you build your skills, gain exposure to various testing tools and methodologies, and advance your career. Refer to manual testing interview questions for ideas and prepare for entry-level jobs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a career in software testing requires persistence, continuous learning, and a strong desire to learn and grow. The software testing career path can be rewarding and challenging. As technology evolves, so too does the role of software testing. By building your skills and experience, obtaining certifications, and networking with other software testers, you can position yourself for a successful career in software testing.

It is important to continually learn and stay up-to-date with new testing methodologies, tools, and technologies. Additionally, developing strong communication and collaboration skills will help you work effectively with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders.

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<Image Credits- unsplash.com>

Finding Confidence and Mentoring: Speaking Skills for Women in Tech

April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

<This is a guest post by Lena Heller>

Women today have made significant progress in the technology sector by removing barriers and dispelling preconceptions. Nevertheless, despite advancements, women in technology continue to confront particular difficulties when it comes to speaking and presenting. This piece will examine these difficulties and provide guidance on how women in technology may receive more recognition by honing their presentation skills, gaining confidence, and finding mentoring.

Mentoring

A major issue is the dearth of mentoring for women in technology. Women are 24% less likely than males to have a sponsor, and they are also less likely to get guidance from top executives, according to data from LeanIn.org. When it comes to developing their public speaking and presenting abilities, women in technology may find this lack of mentoring to be particularly challenging.

It may be quite beneficial to have a mentor who can offer advice and criticism on presentational techniques. A mentor may offer guidance on how to develop, give suggestions on how to attract an audience, and offer calming techniques. A mentor can also aid in boosting confidence by providing assistance and inspiration.

Community

The value of community is one viewpoint to take into account. Women in technology may create encouraging networks that assist them as they develop their public speaking and presenting abilities.

Joining organizations like Women Who Code, Women in Tech, or Tech Ladies can open doors for networking with other women working in the field, sharing experiences, and exchanging knowledge.

Opportunity

Women m technology might have felt a dearth of opportunities and inclusion in conference lineups and speakers lists. As that improves and events become more and more aware of the need to be inclusive of voices of different genders, races and nationalities, more avenues are opening up to present yourself in the best way possible and bring your voice to the forefront!

Self Confidence

When it comes to speaking and presenting, lack of confidence may be a significant obstacle for women in technology. Women may experience feelings of exclusion or a lack of value for their opinions, which can cause self-doubt and a fear of speaking up. Gaining confidence is essential to getting beyond these obstacles.

Honing Your Skills

There are many ways to hone your speaking and presenting skills as a woman in tech. Here are a few tips useful for anyone looking at speaking or presenting at an event:

Preparation

Preparation is imperative increase confidence. Clarity on the subject matter and target audience may ease nervousness and boost self-assurance. Multiple rehearsals of the presentation might help you find areas that could use improvement and increase your confidence in how to deliver the material.

The viewpoint of the audience should also be taken into account. It’s possible that listeners for presentations by women in tech aren’t used to seeing women in technical jobs. This may result in unintentional biases that affect how the audience sees the presenter.

Practice

Speaking in low-pressure situations is one method to gain confidence. For instance, joining a local Toastmasters club may offer a secure setting to hone public speaking abilities and get feedback in an encouraging setting. Finding chances to speak in front of small groups, such as facilitating team meetings or giving a presentation at a meetup, may also assist with confidence and skill development.

Body Language

The significance of body language should also be taken into account when talking about speaking and presentation abilities for women in technology. The audience’s perception of the presenter and the message being conveyed can be greatly influenced by nonverbal clues. Women could use nonverbal cues like crossing their arms or avoiding eye contact that could be interpreted as meek or deferential, which might take away from their message.

Concentrate on using forceful and confident body language to get over these obstacles.

Stand tall, Make eye contact, and Make open motions.

Power postures, like the “Wonder Woman” with the feet shoulder-width apart and the hands on the hips, may also assist build confidence and exude authority.

Voice Modulation

The verbal delivery should also be considered. According to research, women’s voices are frequently assessed more severely than men’s, and they may face consequences if they speak up or use vocal fry. However, altering one’s voice patterns can be difficult, and women shouldn’t feel under pressure to adhere to societal expectations of speaking.

For instance, studies have shown that women frequently say things like “I think” or “maybe,” which might damage their credibility and authority.

To be heard loudly and confidently, practice projecting your voice.

Concentrate on utilizing your voice to exude excitement and love for their profession.

Speaking at a steady speed and utilizing different tones and inflections to emphasize points are some examples of how to do this.

Establish Credibility

When selecting a topic to speak, concentrate on establishing credibility via your competence and knowledge in that area.

Building trust and overcoming prejudices can be facilitated by meticulous planning and showing a solid mastery of the subject.

Women can also use their distinctive perspectives to contribute fresh viewpoints and methods.

Storytelling

Utilize narrative to enhance the impact of your presentations.

The use of stories may help make complex technical ideas more relevant, vivid, and emotionally engaging for the audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, women in IT suffer particular difficulties when it comes to confidence, prejudice, and speaking and presenting skills. By concentrating on gaining confidence, utilizing distinctive perspectives, effectively using storytelling and body language, and finding allies and advocates, women can overcome these obstacles and succeed in public speaking. The industry can gain from the variety of viewpoints and knowledge that women in tech bring to the table by promoting and supporting them.

Finally, it’s critical to understand that speaking and presenting abilities are skills that may be improved in time with practice, support and mentorship. Early failures shouldn’t deter you! Concentrate on constant development and you will get there!

Good luck!

<Image Credits – Unsplash.com>

This is a guest post by Lena Heller – Reach her at lenaaaheller@gmail.com

Back to work feelings…

December 5, 2022 Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

I have been away for a while, and for the best reason ever!

The last month has been just me getting back to work, finding a rhythm raising my little humans along with working from home, navigating the changed professional environment and catching up on loads of work!

The days are filled with building routines, meal times and naps, work hours and playtime evenings, the nights are filled with meetings & calls with the US team and then struggling to wake for the midnight cries. There is a constant fight with the eternal mom guilt and lack of sleep but then there is a drive to do more each day.

There are days where I get a lot done, have meaningful conversations and make work happen, but miss snuggling the babies to bed. But there are days when they need me more and I have to hold, nurse and comfort along with managing work deadlines.

Yes, it is challenging. And Yes, I am enjoying every bit of it! The things life teaches us trickle down into our work as well – things like patience, perseverance, discipline, time management and so much more! Every day is a blessing and I am excited, engaged and ever so energised with this transition.

The aim now is to get back to my blog and get back into writing, speaking and all the community things that I love!

So, yes! I am back with a bang! And ready for a lot more in 2023 🙂

Cheers!

Where have I been?

September 14, 2022 Nishi Grover Garg2 Comments

Yes, it has been silent here for a few months now. So, here is a quick update on where I have been all this while!

I have been busy delivering the biggest project of my life 🙂 My hubby Rajesh and I are glad to announce the arrival of our twins Amay (boy) and Arya (girl). I am currently on my maternity leave and taking the time to recover as well as tend to my tiny humans who stake the claim to the entirety of my days at the moment 🙂 I am trying to soak up every moment of this glorious time! I will get back to work in a couple of months. So, conference speaking is on the back-burner for now and so is blogging.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to collaborating with guest authors for some interesting posts up here. I have had some request emails and am currently reviewing those. If you have something in mind you would like to write about, do reach out to me here or on Linkedin.

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