<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
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