Hello, everyone. My name is Joanne Lockwood and I'm your host for the Inclusion Bites podcast. In this series, I've interviewed a number of amazing people and simply had a conversation around the subject of inclusion, belonging and generally making the world a better place for everyone to thrive. To join me in the future, then please do drop me a line to jo.Lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk That's S-E-E Change Happenn dot Co dot UK. Of course, you catch up with all of the previous shows on iTunes, Spotify and the usual places.
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Voice For Change
The Inclusion Bites Podcast
Voice For Change
JL
Speaker
Joanne Lockwood
FB
Speaker
Fiona Brennan-Scott
00:00 Public speaking is vulnerable and emotionally precious. 06:12 STEM professionals struggle transitioning from expert to leader.
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“but actually, as they are promoted and I work with either current or aspiring leaders, they find that their main job is now not about the thing that they studied, but about leading people who are doing that and they realise they don't have those communication skills to effectively engage their audience, their stakeholders, whoever that is, whether it's a conference, whether it's a meeting room and putting a presentation together and delivering that is something that terrifies them.”
“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.”
“people remember the facts and figures, but they always remember how you made them feel.”
“The problem is I'm irish and irish people love a good story.”
“I think very visually, I think in pictures, I think in not just pictures, full action movie in my head, I can play out an entire day ahead of me, imagining the entire day and putting everything in boxes from the right from packing my handbag to putting my coat on so I can go through this checklist and I can do all this through a story in my head.”
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So plug in your headphones, grab a decaf and let's get going. Today is episode 105 with the title Voice for Change and I have the absolute honour and privilege to welcome Fiona Brennan Scott. Fiona is a trainer, coach, speaker and author of Breathtaking Communication. When I asked Fiona to describe her superpower, she said she can identify the strengths people have with their engagement skills and key changes that will be transformative. Hello, Fiona, welcome to the show.
Hello, Joanne, and thank you for having me here.
Absolute pleasure. So, Fiona, voice for change, how does that resonate with you?
I love the description. Thank you very much. I say in my book that our voice has got a voice with a small v and a capital v, because the small voice is the physical thing, what's made in our voice box. But voice with a capital v is our identity. It's who we are. It's what differentiates us from all other living creatures, because we get to use words and language to express ourselves and put ourselves out there in the room.
Oh, that's beautiful. I think that's really beautiful. I can relate. So much voice is so much more than just the noise and the sound and the waves that resonates in our ear. As you say, the identity expresses our happiness, our sadness, our passion, whatever it may be. I think that's truly beautiful.
It also helps explain why there is so much fear around public speaking, because to put our identity out into a space is an extremely vulnerable act and we take speaking for granted because we've been talking all our lives and we think everyone should be able to do it. But actually, to stand up and speak is sharing our story, our thoughts, our feelings with the world, and to be rejected, to be dismissed is an extremely painful act. So when I work with the client, I hold the preciousness of that identity and seek to honour it in my work with them. So I consider it a very. It's almost emotionally surgical to do that work and to help them have the courage to grow and change and dare to achieve their. To accomplish their full.
Because when you are public speaking or standing up in front of a group, whether you're a leader, briefing the team, state of the nation talk, or leading a project, whatever it may be, or professionally speaking, you are effectively putting yourself out there. Your ideas and people are going to judge you. We're very judgmental species, aren't we? How you look, how you sound, let alone way we think and what we're telling people. There's a whole judgement there. And if you're not used to that, that fear, and it's a real fear, isn't it? That of being judged or rejected, that all comes into this public speaking error, doesn't it?
Yes. And my mission is to level the playing field, because there's only a small, select group of people, particularly in the UK, that are stepping up and speaking out, especially in government. And what if we could level the playing field and give everyone the courage, whether it's gender, race, whatever identity group they belong to, to be heard and not fear the rejection? I think we would have a true democracy where we would have people representing us who are good people.
That's an interesting saying. Talk about good people. Are people fundamentally good or bad? I think there's a perception that people are fundamentally bad or out for themselves. But studies I've seen show that people inherently believe they are good people. Everyone believes they're a good person from their own perspective. No one wake up and say, I'm an evil person, would they? They all believe they have a perspective, that they're doing good for some reason.
I think it's about capacity. I think we have the capacity for both. And we're shaped by our environment, by who loved us and how we were loved or didn't love us. And so there's so many internal. There are so many external factors that influence who we become. And good or bad can be very moral judgments, so they're not necessarily helpful. Yeah.
So when you're working with your clients and your coaching, what are the key challenges? I mean, we talked about this, overcoming the fear, but what are the key things that hold people back fundamentally in their communications and their engagement styles?
It's such a wide variety. Joe. I'm very fortunate to work with a very diverse group of people. And if I think about the last couple of years, often it can be accents where people feel that they're not heard because of their accent. And interestingly enough, the people that really need the help aren't in the room because that's about audience perception and often about audience education. So it can be about giving the person the confidence to challenge people who aren't listening and to set people up for good listening and to challenge where people are discriminating. And you can't do that without confidence and without the affirmation that I often give people to celebrate their accent and understand that it's very much a part of their identity to get back to what we opened with. It's also across the board.
I would say one of the main challenges, about 80% of my client base are in STEM science, technology, engineering, medical, manufacturing, accountancy. And they have gravitated towards what they love, whether it's figures, engineering, scientific stuff, and they've become really good at that. They've studied it, they are subject matter experts. But actually, as they are promoted and I work with either current or aspiring leaders, they find that their main job is now not about the thing that they studied, but about leading people who are doing that and they realise they don't have those communication skills to effectively engage their audience, their stakeholders, whoever that is, whether it's a conference, whether it's a meeting room and putting a presentation together and delivering that is something that terrifies them. And I think it's almost worse for someone who's a subject matter expert because they've become really comfortable and really confident in that expertise and now they're feeling incompetent because they're not getting their message across. So most of my audience, most of my clients need the tools and techniques to close the gap between being competent, being very competent in their field and being confident at communicating that.
Yeah, because there's a huge gap between knowing your stuff and being able to communicate that in a way where people can understand it, resonate with it, take something away from it, take action themselves.
Yes. And interestingly enough, the people I don't draw as clients is the people who lack self awareness, because there are an awful lot of people out there who aren't aware that they're not good at that. And sadly, they're in front of meeting rooms and audiences because of their expertise, but they're not effectively communicating and it becomes the job of the audience to decipher and interpret the key message. And that can be quite exhausting if the person speaking isn't making it easy for them.
Yeah, you got to be able to turn complex information into bite sized chunks that I always say that a Daily Mail reader could understand. The average age, or I believe a Daily Mail reader's reading age is about eleven or twelve years old. So you got to try and remove the buzzwords remove the acronyms. And again, you talk about the self awareness. If you're not aware that you are falling into lingo and jargon and assuming a level of knowledge, then that's where you leave people behind. You're not always speaking to your peers, you're speaking to educate, or speaking to get a thought across. Yeah, I find that hugely challenging.
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. But when we get to stand in front of an audience, something happens and we do unnatural things with our body and voice. So I would say that those words are important. They are essential. The arc of our talk, the use of stories and data effectively is very important. But our body language and our tone of voice, how we modulate our voice is key in terms of that engagement and that dance. It's the rhythm, it's the texture, it's everything else above and beyond the words themselves.
Yeah, it's how you make people feel, isn't it? We always say this adage, people remember the facts and figures, but they always remember how you made them feel. And it is. It's about generating that connection, that engagement, that emotion, all those kind of things is a well known phrase. Facts don't change people. I can tell you all this data, I can tell you not to smoke, I can tell you not to drink, I can tell you not to drive too fast, and you'll just dismiss that and go, yeah, but I can rationalise that I'm safe, it'll be okay for me. But until you get the feeling of those figures and the impact it can have on you, you'll never take action. And that's, I think, what academics and people are trying to communicate, big ticket things like the government and all this, they've got to find that a feeling, haven't they?
Yes. To quote Simon Sinek, emotion trumps reason, and that happens every time. And in terms of the work that I do, a lot of my clients will be very cerebral. And when we're very cerebral, our voice is in the upper resonators. And if we're not vocally connected with our gut and our breath isn't connected with our gut. We're not going to connect with the gut of our audience, which sounds a bit hideous, but basically the gut is the emotional centre of the body. So we have millions of neurons in our brain, but we have hundreds of thousands of neurons in our gut. And getting the breath so that we're emotionally connected and our words are emotionally connected means that we can really engage our audience.
And that below the waterline work is very much foundational in terms of what I do with every client. So we can all do the. Well, we can read about and do work on presentation and hair and makeup and all the outward. Not trivia, but it's external, it's above the waterline. But the real work happens below the waterline. The foundation work, the posture, the breathing, the vocal control, breath control and being truly engaged with yourself. I like to use an analogy of a cello or a double bass. If we were to say that playing a cello is about the strings and the bow, that's only half the story.
The real story is the craftsman who hollowed out that wood, who created an instrument that resonates. And when the bow strikes the strings, that whole instrument resonates and beautiful sound fills the space and our body has that capacity.
I just related to the story. You're saying there. I went to see the film the colour purple yesterday, the modern one, again, Steven Spielberg was involved with it. And I could spend all day talking to you about racism. I could spend all day talking to you about patriarchy and misogynistic behaviour and how black women are doubly oppressed through racism and through oppression, through misogyny. I could tell you that all day and it would not resonate. You go, yeah, whatever this film, it took me on this journey. I went through anger, I went through pains, compassion, happiness, joy, hope, disillusionment.
Hopes and dreams were dashed and then rebuilt. I was taken through all these emotions, through story, through music, through engagement. And at the end of it, I came out and go, I now understand racism. I now understand into the intersection of misogyny against black women in a way that I had never been able to describe it before. And I will now hold that with me for the rest of my life, because I've really engaged with it. So the power of that story and that journey it took me on transcended two basic facts. That's all it was. And it explained that to me in a nutshell, in a way, that I was crying at the end.
I was absolutely crying my eyes out. It was so engaging. So you're right, it is around how do we communicate a simple or one thing or two things that you need to get across in a way that people can resonate with that and take it away and take action.
Yes. And I had a very interesting conversation around story with someone in the last year who looked at me and said, you like to tell a story, don't you? And sadly it was a criticism, not a compliment. And I thought about it and a month later we had another conversation in which I'd been at this meeting and I decided to just say very, very little and to see what that played out like and just observe. And afterwards the person said, oh, quite a patronising person said, you did so well. And I said, well, I actually had a think about what you said and the challenge for me and in terms of inclusion, Joe, I'm the only non english, non privileged christian person in the group, so I'm different on three levels. And although I am relatively privileged and I said, you know, I had to think about what you said about stories and the problem is I'm irish and irish people love a good story. And she oh, ok. And I said, and the other problem is I'm a.
You know, Jesus was the best storyteller. He just told the best stories ever. So I guess culturally and in terms of my faith, I'm just addicted to stories and I really like them. But it was just so interesting to think how othering people can be done in such a subtle way. But actually we need to embrace our story. We need to embrace who we are and realise that it's okay to be who we are and to live that.
I used to run an it company and I was always using analogies, metaphors, stories, whatever it is, to illustrate points. And my ops director came up to me, said, I love when you say that. It's so colourful. I can picture that in my mind, the way you explain that with this metaphor, this story, I never realised I did it. But the more I think about it is because I think very visually, I think in pictures, I think in not just pictures, full action movie in my head, I can play out an entire day ahead of me, imagining the entire day and putting everything in boxes and from the right from packing my handbag to putting my coat on so I can go through this checklist and I can do all this through a story in my head. People talk about memory, these people who have huge memories, they invent a story around to remember things. I create a story in advance of what I'm going to be doing and I act out that story for the day and amend it as I go. So when I'm thinking about recalling information, I've always associated with a story.
A feeling, a metaphor. Something's in there. So when that feeling pops into my head, I've got access to that story. And it comes straight out as my way of translating my brain storage out to the world through this story that I've told. I may not remember the exact words, but I remember the story around it. And then the words pop out. So I think, for me, it's something I never realised I did until now. As a professional speaker, I'm on stage and someone asks me a question or something have happened, or I'll suddenly say something and then ping.
A story pops into my head. And suddenly the story gets woven into what I'm saying out of nowhere. And people always say, wow, I loved how you wove stories into that all the way through, because it makes it so much more interesting, doesn't it?
A story is a very economical way of communicating. I mean, poetry is the ultimate economy, but it can be obscure and it can take time to unpack. So a story is a beautiful in between way of economising. If you think about you going to see the colour purple in 2 hours, you understood a lifetime and generations of problem in one evening. So it is incredibly powerful. And don't get me wrong, I do get people who love that storytelling side of me. But it was interesting to watch it in the exception rather than the rule, where somebody didn't really appreciate that.
I get it completely. I used to run it companies. I've been in it, well, probably five, six of my life, if you like. My adult life, that's my career. So I've got very used to being very black and white, very on off, very binary about things. Work doesn't work. I was an electronics engineer. It either worked or it didn't work.
So you get used to speaking to people in that sort of language. And then when someone can't see the fault in a circuit, because they haven't be able to divide the circuit in two and work out whether the fault is left or right, of where you've divided it, and then you do left and right again, left and right again, till you get down to a few millimetres wide. And it has to be in that line. So I think very clearly about half splitting and narrowing things down. But that doesn't work for people who don't have that logic. So you have to be able to step back and tell the story around it. Okay, we haven't got a picture, but we got sound. I can hear you, but I can't see you.
That must mean there's something wrong with the vision. Okay, so what's wrong with the vision? So we can ignore everything to do with sound. We just look at the vision. So you have to just describe it differently and tell that story. It's a real challenge to say you work with people who are leaders and experts in their field, but not necessarily develop their communication style and skills and voice, if you like.
Yes, and they are. I'm so fortunate that I've worked with fabulous people over 23, going on 24 years and such a wide variety of disciplines, and even getting to help people with wedding speeches. Joe, which is a lot of.
Did. My daughter got married two years ago and I had to write her speech and I wasn't too daunted as a professional speaker, but I was kind of more daunted the fact that everyone knew I was a professional speaker. So I had to be doubly good and humorous, entertaining, not too embarrassing, taking it to the edge, not over the edge. There's a whole lot of dynamics in there, isn't that? You got to play with.
There's a double whammy, because one of the toughest audiences is the audience that has known you all your life or who knows you personally. So you had the double whammy because you had that, plus the fact that people had very high expectations. 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. And, in fact, in some ways, introverts make better actors because they're better at inhabiting a character, because they're used to seeming less in public, because there's a lot that's going on beneath the surface, whereas an extrovert has to, and I speak as an extreme extrovert, has to shelve a lot of themselves and a lot of what people see first before they become someone else.
Yeah, I've noticed that on chat shows. I'm a big fan of the Graham Norton Friday night show on the BBC in the UK, and you see famous actors. Tom Cruise, I think, is a great example that I always think about where you put him on a sofa and you start to have a conversation with him and he doesn't seem to have anything about him. You suddenly realise that everything you think or you know about Tom Cruise is actually a Persona of a character he plays. And when you see these people off script just being themselves, many people don't necessarily live up to that belief you have of them for the characters they play. I always think about some of the actors, and I'm the same. I'm a raging introvert, really. Even though people would say I disguise it well.
I really want to hide after events. I want to get out there, do my stuff and run away. I don't seek the limelight in that way, but I can put myself into that zone and act in an extroverted way or an outgoing way or an engaging way. I think you say it's a myth that everybody who gets on stage is an extrovert. A lot of us, the cohort, professional speakers, I know there's many of us who sort of all hide in the corner after us going, thank God that's over. Can we go home now? It's a real challenge, isn't it, to put yourself out there, give a part of you. That's what you do. I will say I'm ripping a part of me out of my chest and giving it to the audience.
And if I don't come off stage absolutely exhausted and given everything, I can't hold something back from the audience because that's selfish. I got to give everything I've got. It really drains you after a performance. So huge respect to actors or people who do stage shows day in, day out, doing two performances a day. And that must be really exhausting to give that part of you all the time.
Yes, it is. And I think I also feel more exhausted afterwards. I'm always pumped up and excited beforehand, and afterwards I feel quite drained. One of the biggest challenges I have is that my superpower, to use the word you used at the start, is enabling and empowering other people to shine. So my preference is to be a director in a person's life rather than to be the actor myself. So getting up on a stage and doing a keynote for me is a challenge because I'm talking about the thing that I want to help other people to do, but being that person myself. So it's quite a contradiction, really. And because I'm an extrovert, people don't find it quite difficult to believe and understand that that's a reality.
But it is. It's so rewarding. For instance, David Duffett, who won last year's speaker factor, I had coached him and just the joy of watching him up there doing his thing and being brilliant. And the year before with Hilary Briggs, exactly the same. Just the joy of seeing them accomplish their potential and smash it and go. I was a part of that. I helped release.
Well done.
Those exquisite abilities. That's my job.
Well done. They both did a fantastic job. I mean, if anyone listening that's not aware, we're both members of the professional speaking association and we have an annual competition for emerging speakers called speaker factor. And it's all about people who are stepping out their comfort zone to deliver a five minute talk on stage in front of their peers and being judged and marked on various criteria. Engagement, stagecraft, all those things are part of it. So, yeah, it's a daunting task. I've taken part in it many years ago. I did really badly at the time, but, yeah, it is a trial in front of your peers, isn't it? And a real character building exercise.
Yes. And the economy required to say something really impactful in five minutes is a huge challenge. 20 minutes is easy, but five minutes, that's hard, that's tough.
I did my initial kind of evolution at toastmasters, and Toastmasters was always about the five minute talk, how to get in, come up with three points, close it, summarise and get out before the red light came on. It was always drummed into me. So, as you say, five minutes can be easy. 15 minutes is kind of that middle ground where you got loads to say, but you haven't got too much. You haven't got too much time. I find that if I'm not careful, 45 minutes to an hour is like, push the button, I'm in flow and it just comes out now. So, yeah, 45 minutes to an hour is easier. But, yeah, 15 minutes, 1015 minutes is that middle ground where it's kind of.
I haven't got time to explore all this. I've got to really kind of summarise my point down here.
So the ted 18 minutes is perfect. That's the sweet spot. So one of the things I do, which a lot of people probably don't know, is that I preach. I don't like the word preaching. It sounds very preachy, but I do that. It's a talk at a church from time to time, about every six weeks, and I aim for 15 minutes so that it's 18 minutes, which is probably something I could pass on to your listeners, is that you need to allow 20 minutes, 20% 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. And it's exquisite to have the relaxation of that capacity to just go with it and make it this communication in front of your audience and with your audience. Because there are few things worse in public speaking than someone who rushes to say all they have to say in the hope that they get their message across and say everything they want to say in the time they've been allowed, when in fact, it should never be about that.
Because as an audience, our processing speed hasn't changed. With technology, we may be able to do everything faster, but we still process and absorb information at a certain rate. And if the speaker doesn't deliver at that rate, we're going to lose them.
Yeah, I sometimes find. But I'm on stage and I'm. I don't know, in the middle, at some point in the talk, I could feel myself wanting to close at some point. Maybe it's the audience, maybe I feel like I've given them enough at this point and I've got them engaged and I think, well, hang on a minute, if I go around that cycle again and introduce another topic, they're not ready for that. I think you just get that feeling sometimes. You think, actually, now is a good time to close this and re summarise, go to Q A and not overlabel it, isn't it? Label it. And I think I found that over the time. I was doing a talk in Newcastle a few years ago and I had.
I reckon I was probably a third of the way. No, two thirds of the way through the slides. And I thought, no, that's enough, that's enough. I know what slides come in next and I just treated it as a conclusion. And so I re summarised and said, right, let's get A-Q-A. You've been a fantastic audience and nobody knows what you're going to say next. Nobody knows what you're going to do, what slides are missing. So you just go to close and you can do that whenever you want and don't be afraid.
And as you say, people try to.
Cram too much in.
That's beautiful, Jo, because that sounds to me like you were connected with your emotional core, where you had this instinct, and you were also tuned into the room and you were tuned in to the emotional response and the connection with your audience that brought you to that place. 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. And I believe in doing the same. I think an extended Q A is always a delight because it becomes that conversation and it has that dynamic and it changes things up. And when you know your subject, your topic, when you are an expert, you know that nobody can ask you a question that you can't answer. And actually, if they do, you're absolutely delighted because it's a learning opportunity and you can say, I haven't been asked that before and I haven't even thought about it.
I'm going to go and find that out and come back to you. Or you just think on the spot and come up with an idea and then say, what are your thoughts? Have you ever thought anything about that? So that's a delight. I don't know if you're familiar with my book, but I'm also a trained time to certified coach. So I trained in time to think about six years ago. And the strength of time to think is very much about presence and listening. And I've written a chapter in the book called consider creating a thinking environment. So what if as a speaker, we created a thinking environment where the ten components of a thinking environment are present? So an environment of encouragement, a place where we acknowledge feelings, a place where place matters, and places about how we show up in our appearance that says to the other person, you matter, but also a place that acknowledges the challenges that the environment might present to the people there. A place where there's diversity and equality, a place where there's ease and attention and appreciation and the other components that I won't rattle off.
But what a dynamic environment if we can create a thinking environment where people are learning. I mean, why wouldn't you do that?
Yeah, the word that's jumped into my head as you're talking there is rumination, the ability for people to ruminate on what you just said. You have to build in pauses or moments of reflection, rhetorical questions, whatever it may be, and allow it to sit with the audience. And you as a speaker have to be comfortable with that silence, or have to be comfortable with holding that stage, allowing people to ruminate on that before moving on to the next point or segueing, bringing that with you. I think we want to just hit people sometimes like we're banging people we're driving content. Next slide. Next slide. Next slide. But the ability to pause, reflect, scan the room, just watch people's reactions.
You can see people nod or making notes. So it's allowing people to do that without bombarding them. And I think what you said there is the key. There is. It's almost like virtual listening. You're not actually listening to what they're saying, but you're trying to listen to what they're thinking and where they are with you, so that you're judging how you're delivering by whether they're ready for more. I think that's part of it as well, isn't it?
Yes. One of my favourite quotes is during the pause, the meaning goes on. And that was shared with me by Joan See, my first drama teacher in South Africa. And last year I heard a quote from Dubusi which says, the music is what happens between the notes. And I think that concept of silence and time to think, time to process is just exquisite because it shows respect for our audience, doesn't it? Gives them time to consider. That's powerful.
Yeah. I remember seeing a professional speaker at one of the speaking events and she stood up. She gave us, I think it was 40, 45 minutes talk. At the end of it, I thought to myself, she's only actually really told us one thing. And see, took a whole 45 minutes to talk about that one thing. And it's beautiful because it was presented from different angles. There were stories, there was whys in there. It wasn't overly complex.
It would just take away this one thing about how people interact. And it was such a simple thing and it wasn't overly complicated, but I had time to explore that from multiple different angles. And I thought it was a real good example of not trying to do ten things. Just get that one point, land it well, weave in all the aspects to it. But that's your takeaway, that one thing. Oh, that's brilliant. So you can do it.
I've also been known, when I've done a talk at church, to finish up a few minutes early and just say, I'm just going to allow a few minutes. I've even asked a musician to just gently play the guitar for a few minutes, to allow people sit with their thoughts and make a note or draw a picture. And that feels right. 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. And I think that's where the respect comes in, is because you're delivering a message, but your audience needs to make it their own and apply it to themselves. And one of the things I say to my clients is, start with the end in mind. Start with your audience. What do you want them to think, feel and do as a result of your message? How do you want them to respond? And if you keep that front and centre from the very moment you've been asked to deliver that talk, you won't lose your audience and you will gain their respect and you will impart something of value.
And time is so precious. It's the only thing that's finite in terms of currency. If you're going to take 20 minutes or 45 minutes of people's time, make it worthwhile, add value to their lives.
Yeah, I do use, think, feel and do. Those are the key things for me. And also focusing on the takeaways. Think, feel and do. But also, what's the real nub or the essence of why I'm here? And write the talk, or think about the talk backwards for the moment, people leave. Where do you want them to be? Recognise that they're busy people, that if they're not careful, they'll move on to the next thing immediately. And then whatever you've said will go straight out of their head. So you got to try and leave them really clear instructions.
I want you to write this down, or if you take nothing else away from today's talk, take this away. So you got to find that essence of the thing you want it to remember. And, yeah, it's a skill to think that way. And often you start at the beginning or the PowerPoint slide or all the information you want to give them without distilling it down to those that nub or the real crux of it.
And also the opposite can happen because sometimes we can extrapolate where one word or one phrase the speaker says sends us off on a tangent because of the place we're at in our lives or what we're experiencing, we can go off on our own tangent, but actually the speaker has facilitated that. So it's not holding on too tightly to the impact that we're going to have, but actually having an idea of the impact we're hoping to have with our audience.
Yeah. And I think some of that you get from networking with the audience. After you, you listen to the feedback or people always want to say, oh, wow, I loved you. That was brilliant. I really love the way you said this, or this bit stands out for me and you come away going, wow, I didn't realise that bit was the impactful bit, then you realise that when people keep telling you the same thing, or that bit, that bit, it's like, right, I have to remember that chord and put that in every tune sort of thing. It's there, isn't it?
Isn't that the power of inclusion, though? When we're inclusion, we give people permission to do that as a speaker because we've recognised upfront the diversity and equality of our audience. And I love the time to think. Definition of equality. It's that even if we have different roles, more senior, more junior, even if we're different ages and have different life experiences, when it comes to our thinking, we are equal and equally, and what we have, our thoughts are equally valuable.
Yeah, I talk a lot about that and around perspective and opinions, and we all have a perspective, we all have an opinion, we don't have to be right or wrong, we just have to have our view of the world. And recognising that other people have their own view of the world, their own perspectives, their own opinions, is healthy. And I think we too often want to clash on arguing about outcomes rather than perspectives. If we can understand why someone thinks something or how someone came to that conclusion, or their lived experience that led them down that path, isn't that enriching to learn about people in that way?
Yes. And if we embrace difference, we will spend as much time as possible around people who think differently to us and who are as different as us as possible, because that's the only way we're going to grow.
Yeah. I did a talk the other day in London to a group of marketing professionals and I was talking to one of the delegates at the end. He was a man, he was kind of in his probably late 50s, but he said to me, how. How do I have conversations with people who are. Who are different? I'd be really worried about offending somebody. I'd be really worried about drawing attention to an attribute in the example he gave is, what if someone in the audience I was having a conversation with only had one arm? What do I do? Do I go and say, sorry about your arm or happened to your arm? I said, well, actually, why don't you have a conversation as if they had two arms or if they had no arms, whatever it may be, have a conversation as a human being. And then if that person wants to share with you about their arm, they will. If they don't, then it's actually about your curiosity, not about them.
It's all about you. So you got to separate your curiosity and what gain do they get out of this by explaining their life to someone who is curious? So I said, you just got to have conversations, and if you have that emotional intelligence and that cultural intelligence and compassion, then you'll be able to have better conversations. But to focus on an attribute of somebody and want to be curious about it is quite insulting. It's almost like it just reduces them to that one thing. Without seeing that, you could spend all day talking to Stephen Hawkin about his wheelchair and his voice synthesis, or you could talk to him about the planets and his theory of the universe. He'd much rather talk about the universe than his emotion neurone disease. So, yeah, it's kind of working where people are in that conversation, isn't it?
That's beautiful. Yes, absolutely.
You're supposed to say something else there so I could keep the podcast going. I've never hit dead end of this podcast.
Remember my quote during the pause, the thinking goes on, because I know it doesn't work that well for a podcast. But in terms of a conversation, it's always good to be comfortable with silence. And I think that's something that people are very uncomfortable with generally, because we live in a society of interruption, don't we?
I'm just practising the silence.
Your sound has gone, jo.
Oh, I can hear myself. You can't hear me. Oh dear. We're practising silence even more now. I'm going to tell you a story, see if you can get back to this. And one of the things I find is that when we're listening is kind of an underrated skill. And I think what happens is when we're communicating, we're often communicating to change someone's view or to tell them our view or our perspective. How many conversations do you have that don't involve telling somebody what you think, oh, I love this chicken.
Did you see that on telly or that film I saw the other day? Or. The conversations we have tend to be about telling somebody else our opinion. And what happens then is whoever's on the other end of that conversations tend to react with, well, my view is, or app didn't like that. Or no, actually, I prefer the salmon. I've had the chicken. We get into this debate and it becomes a perspective thing, and we often want to fix people. If you tell me that you're not feeling great today, you've had a bit of a tough day, you were running late. I'll start talking to you about time management, or how can I help? Or can we back the pressure off.
So we always want to fix. So I tell you something, you either want to argue back with me or I want to fix you. But we never hold that space for just listening and letting it ruminate and just hearing people. You don't need fixing. You just want someone to listen and maybe smile, maybe turn the head, tilt their head slightly, maybe give you a virtual hug, whatever it may be. But you don't need me to fix you.
When I transitioned from being a speech and drama teacher to a voice and speech coach, I looked for the least prescriptive coaching methodology, and I found it in time to think. And that what you've just talked about describes why I chose it, because it was about listening not to understand, listening not to respond, but listening to ignite. And so the opening question in time to think is, what would you like to think about, and what are your thoughts? And the principle of time to think is that you're listening generatively to see where the person's thinking will go and trust where their thinking will go. But one of the aspects of contracting is I will not interrupt you, even in silence, because sometimes we do some of our best thinking in silence, and I will not give you my perspective unless you ask for it. And this acknowledges the fact that we are the authors of our own best solutions, that I can have ideas, I can have suggestions, but actually, you have got the best possible solutions and perspectives and ideas, because yours are going to come out of your life, experience, your perspective, your world, and you have the solution. And all you really need is someone to hold the space while you discover that. And we spend so little time ruminating, to use the beautiful word you use earlier, to think, to explore. And there's something generative about doing that with another person.
When someone listens and holds the space for us, it becomes very creative and generative in a way that if we're on our own, we're not as good, I guess we're not as self compassionate as the patience and compassion another person can show when they're holding that space for us. And it's absolutely exquisite what happens in those space.
Someone shared a technique with me that they use, or they'd heard used in a company, and it's called rubber ducking. So the concept is that you can solve most of your problems just by saying them out loud and expressing them, so they become out of your head. You formulate them into thoughts that come out of your voice, out of your mouth. So the concept of rubber ducking is this organisation had this rule. You weren't allowed to ask for help on a technical challenge or whatever the problem was, unless you talk to the rubber duck first. So around the office, they put rubber ducks. Everyone used to bring their own little bath time rubber duck in different characters and whatever, they put them out in the office and you'd see people going up and standing in front of the duck, having a conversation with it. And then most of them go, solved it got light bulb moment.
They're going to sit down and get on with it. And sometimes when you're talking to someone who's just listening, it's that active thought and I think I do these listening exercises in one of my workshops where you have five minutes each and you're not had to say anything apart from thank you. Please tell me more. That's your only response if they freeze or stop. And what you end up doing is you end up going very superficial, and then you start going deeper and deeper with each iteration where you got to try and think of something else. Then more thoughts pop into your head. So by the end of five minutes, you've really gone deep on this. And just allowing someone to just do that without feeling, oh, that's the uncomfortable silence, or, I need to fix you, or I need to solve that problem.
Just. Thank you. Tell me more. Thank you. Tell me more. And you just bring it out and you bring it out at the end of it. The feedback I get is, wow, that was so cathartic. That was wow.
I've never gone that deep. Wow. Never thought about that terms. And when things will pop into my head that I'd never thought about before. So again, not having to respond or not needing someone to respond allows you to do that rubber ducking, if you like, and just talk to the ether and just keep going. It's like that next 5 miles on the treadmill. The next 5 miles are the ones you don't want to do, but suddenly you get to end if you go, wow, that was so productive.
You just reminded me of a habit I have. So I've been married for going on for 32 years to the same husband, and I often solve problems just by saying aloud. You can just start saying them aloud and I solve them. So he's my rubber duck. You've just made me realise I'm married to a rubber duck. But it also reminds me of, and I don't know who the author of this is, but the five levels of why. So if you ask why five times, you'll get to the truth. So if someone says, I'm sorry, I was late I missed the bus.
Why did you miss the bus? Oh, because my breakfast conversation ran over. Why did your breakfast conversation? And then you get to the truth. And when I started studying time to think, I was reminded of that. But it's far gentler, because five levels of why can sound a little bit like an interrogation.
Yeah, it can. Simon Sinek's book start with a why, isn't it? Is it Simon Sinek? Yes, that's all about the why. And I challenge people when I talk about diversity. Inclusion is you've got to have your own why. Why does it really matter to you to think more diversity, more inclusively? Why does it matter? Because if you don't understand your why, it will be inauthentic, it will be superficial, it won't be sustainable. So you've got to try and get it embedded into your core about why you believe something. I think encouraging people to think deeply about that is important. And I use Chat GPT and one of the prompts I have is use the five wise method to take an idea and then drill down each one until you get to the essence of it right at the end.
And it's a very good technique, as you say, to drill down to ideate. We can use problem agitate solution as another one, feed that into Chat GPT and it comes up with that sort of thought process. But I use the five whys to try and drill down to the nub of it.
So, in terms of why is inclusivity and diversity important? When I pivoted from being a speech and drama teacher to a voice and speech coach, I expected everyone on Harwell campus. I lived down the road in Harwell village to be my client because they're all in science, technology, engineering, some manufacturing. And it took me five years to get my first client on there. And I also thought I'd have a majority of females, because there is a lack of female representation in senior leadership and 80% of my clients in the first two years were white males. I'd always had people coming to me, even when I was a speech and drama teacher, through word of mouth. But when I started just doing that, I was delighted that I had clients, but disappointed about their profile, because 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? And I really didn't know what to do about it, but I must have started doing something right.
And I think it's how I showed up on my social media, and in networking I mostly use LinkedIn and I do a lot of networking because within two years I started measuring. I looked again. I don't like to measure, it's not really my strength. And I relooked at my client base and realised I had one more female client than I had male clients. And I was getting a range of diversity that I hadn't before. And I do think it seeps out through your skin and how you speak and people start hearing something that makes them feel like your door is open to them. But I don't know quite what it is now.
I think it's all part of your personal brand, for want of a better phrase. I saw someone the other day talking about their chakra. It's all about that inner energy that you have and that alignment, how it resonates, how people feel that you're their kind of person, whatever it may be.
There'S a connection, possibly values. And in values of lockdown, Michelle Mills Porter was very good at helping me identify my core values. And through that I was able to put my values on my website. And I imagine that also was helpful. But I honestly don't think you can fake it, because I don't think you can either. I don't know what I did.
I think those values are important. The authentic. You can't just put something on the website. I want to be this, I want to be that people can smell out in authenticity. So it has to be a core of you who you are, your core values, your drivers, your mantras. And people have to say that about you as well. So it's not just what you say about yourself, it's what other people say about you. And I talk about this when we're talking about employers and recruitment marketing and their branding and stuff.
Are you trying to recruit people who into an organisation that you want to be, or are you trying to recruit people in an organisation that you are? So it's really important to try and have that alignment between who you are and what you say you are and fix that first and not try and be inauthentic about it, and then kid people in and go, actually, this is not the place I thought it was. You've lied to me. And then you just walk out the back door. So, yeah, it's about being very open. So the people you are dealing with, the people you are engaging with, are the people who want to engage with you because they align with you.
And that comes down to that below the waterline stuff. One of my favourite quotations is from the little prince by Anton de Santo Zupare. And a fox says to the little prince, what is essential is invisible to the eye, and that's about authenticity and about caring deeply about what other people may never see.
Yeah, there's another quote which I thought, I didn't know if you were going to go that way, but don't get upset with a lion for eating the antelope, it's what lions do. You can blame the lion for being a lion, but it's what it does. We try and blame people for who they are and sometimes it's just their behaviour and you can't change their behaviour, so you have to sort of mitigate it or understand it. And I think sometimes we get very upset when people aren't behaving in the same alignment as I am or we are, or the way we think. You just say, well, I can't rewrite your rule set for you, I just have to hang out with other antelope. It's fine, I'm cool with that.
Yes. It reminds me of. Did you see the crying game when it came out in cinemas in the. It's an incredible film. I don't know how it would be now, more than 20 years, it must be 30 years later. But the crying game. Forrest Whitaker is the main actor and he tells a story of a frog and a scorpion and they need to get across a river and the scorpion can't swim, and he asks the frog to carry him on his back and he says, you'll sting me. And he says, no, I won't, I promise.
And they're going across the river and at some stage, or maybe they're just on the other side, or they've just landed, the scorpion stings the frog and as he's dying, the frog says, why did you do that? And he said, it's my nature, it's what I do. I have never forgotten.
Very profound.
Very profound. But you have no, it's a very south african expression to go, you have to. But I highly recommend the crying game. I actually do want to see what it's like today and I can't say why, because it'll be a spoiler if I were to, but a very remarkable film and everyone in the cinema gasped at the exact same moment, which is why it was a wonderful.
You got me intrigued. Now I'm going to have to find it somewhere. I may have seen it. That was 45 years ago, wasn't it? 80s? It's really scary.
No, it must have been in the 90s because I saw it with Andrew when we were either dating or married.
We got married in 87, so 37 years this year.
Oh, wow. No, 1992.
Your daughter was born. Fantastic. Fiona, it's been amazing. We could rabbit on and chat all day. I'm sure we could. It's been fascinating. We've had a great chat before we went live and we're having a great chat now and I can carry on. But how can people get in touch with you? It's LinkedIn website, your book.
Tell us how we can find you.
Sure. So, yes, I am active on LinkedIn because I made up my surname. I am the only Fiona Brennan Scott on LinkedIn, so very easy to find. My website is bespoken.org Uk. My number is 778-085-6043 and my book is breathtaking communication. It's available, you can get a signed copy from me or you can listen on audible, where I read the book. It's also available on Kindle and from Amazon. Breathtaking communication with breathtaking as one word, which isn't a fantastic spelling, but it just looked better.
And I'm a fan of Gerd Manley Hopkins, who was very good at making up words that didn't exist because they just sounded right.
Yes. And you then know that you own that word and if anyone else uses it, they know they took it from you. So I'm a great believer in creating your own language, as long as you explain it, obviously. So thank you.
It's a pleasure. And thank you so much for your invitation. It's been a joy speaking with you, as always.
Thank you. Obviously, a huge thank you to you, the listener you've tuned in, you got this far. I'm really proud of you. Thank you. If you're not already subscribed, then please do subscribe to keep updated on future episodes of the Inclusion Bites podcast. That's B-I-T-E-S. If you're loving what you're hearing, and I hope you are, please tell your friends and colleagues. Share the love.
I've got loads of other guests lined up over the next few weeks and months, and I'm sure you'll be equally inspired by them. And of course, if you'd like to be a guest yourself, if you're listening to this or you have any feedback, then please drop me a line to jo.Lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk. Tell us how we can do better, if we can. Finally, my name is Joanne Lockwood. It's been an absolute pleasure to host this podcast for you today. Catch you next time. Bye.
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🔖 Titles
Unleashing Your Voice for Inclusive Change with Fiona Brennan-Scott
Listening, Speaking, Inclusivity: A Conversation with Fiona Brennan-Scott
Fiona Brennan-Scott on the Power of Voice in Creating Change
The Art of Inclusive Communication Featuring Fiona Brennan-Scott
Navigating Inclusivity Through Voice with Guest Fiona Brennan-Scott
Crafting Change with Your Voice: Insights from Fiona Brennan-Scott
Beyond Words: Inclusion and Voice with Fiona Brennan-Scott
Giving Voice to Diversity: Fiona Brennan-Scott on Inclusive Speaking
Transforming Dialogue: Fiona Brennan-Scott's Approach to Inclusivity
Speaking for Inclusion: A Discussion with Fiona Brennan-Scott
ℹ️ Introduction
Hello and welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast. I'm your host, Joanne Lockwood, and today we're diving into an insightful conversation with the remarkable Fiona Brennan-Scott in an episode we've entitled "Voice For Change."
In today's dialogue, we will unravel the tapestry of communication, exploring the nuances between speaking up and holding space for others. Fiona, transitioning from a speech and drama teacher to a voice and speech coach, shares her profound insights on the importance of truly listening and the often underestimated power of silence.
We delve into the concept of "rubber ducking"—a problem-solving approach where speaking out loud unravels challenges without the immediate need for answers, an approach that Fiona herself practices.
Our episode won’t just stop at the surface; we’re going deep into asking 'why' to uncover the core of beliefs and ideas, with a nod to Simon Sinek's influential book 'Start with Why'. Expect to hear about the unexpected diversity that has bloomed in Fiona's clientele and how she fosters inclusivity through her work.
We'll also touch upon the dynamics of public speaking, from the Toastmasters' floor to international stages, discussing the timing, emotional connections, and the serendipity of audience engagement. Understanding the audience is key, and today’s episode underscores the significance of respecting their diverse perspectives and our shared responsibility towards inclusion in communication.
Join us as Fiona shares the emotive power of storytelling demonstrated through works like 'The Colour Purple', while I'll offer a glimpse into the challenges of speaking from heartfelt experiences such as delivering a wedding speech for a loved one.
Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, speaker, or listener, this episode is a beacon for anyone looking to harness the true power of their voice and communicate in ways that resonate, connect, and include.
So, I invite you to lend us your ears for what promises to be an enriching session, full of heart and wisdom, right here on The Inclusion Bites Podcast. Let's make the world a better, more inclusive place, one conversation at a time.
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 Public speaking is vulnerable and valuable. Helping clients is emotionally demanding.
06:12 Most clients in STEM lack leadership and communication skills.
09:00 Importance of body language and tone in communication.
10:57 Emotion trumps reason in communication. Connecting with audience's emotions crucial for engagement.
16:18 Former IT company owner used visual thinking, storytelling for explanation and memory recall.
19:15 Adapting language for technical and non-technical people to troubleshoot circuits effectively.
20:55 Public speaking challenges from personal audience and high expectations; introverts may excel in acting.
26:43 The ideal speaking time is 18 minutes. Allow 20% for pause and pace.
29:31 Connecting with emotions, Q&A benefits audience, expert knowledge valued.
34:42 Encouraging audience engagement and respect in delivering a message, involving audience and focusing on end goals.
38:49 Understanding different perspectives is enriching and healthy.
39:39 Advice on having conversations with different people: Treat everyone as a human being, let them share if they want to.
43:30 The transition to coaching focuses on listening and holding space for the person to discover their own solutions through generative thinking.
45:32 Sharing technique called rubber ducking - speaking out loud to solve problems without asking for help directly.
49:35 Inclusivity and diversity important for voice coaching. Initial clients lacked diversity.
53:35 Accept people's nature; stick with like-minded.
56:23 Active on LinkedIn as Fiona Brennan Scott, promoting book "Breathtaking Communication" available in various formats.
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 Public speaking is vulnerable and emotionally precious.
06:12 STEM professionals struggle transitioning from expert to leader.
09:00 Non-verbal communication vital for engaging presentations.
10:57 Connecting emotion, breath and voice for engagement.
16:18 Using metaphors and stories, I vividly explain.
19:15 Adapting language, solving problems with logic.
20:55 Personal knowledge poses challenge, high expectations amplify.
26:43 Optimal timing for public speaking is crucial.
29:31 Connected with emotional core, tuned into audience.
34:42 Respect your audience, engage them thoughtfully.
38:49 Embrace diverse perspectives, enrich your understanding.
39:39 Advice on conversing with diverse individuals respectfully.
43:30 Transitioned from teacher to coach, focused on listening.
45:32 Solving problems by talking to rubber ducks.
49:35 Inclusivity and diversity are crucial for progress.
53:35 Acceptance of others' nature and behaviours.
56:23 Active on LinkedIn, offering book on communication.
Episode Tags
public speaking, voice training, personal development, communication skills, inclusivity, audience engagement, storytelling, emotional intelligence, speech coaching, diversity and inclusion
A Subtitle - A Single Sentence describing this episode
"The Inclusion Bites Podcast explores the transformative power of listening, public speaking authenticity, and the nuances of effective communication with Fiona Brennan-Scott's journey from drama teacher to voice coach, underscoring the significance of inclusion in every conversation."
About this Episode
About The Episode:
In this insightful episode with Fiona Brennan-Scott, we explore the transformative power of voice and communication in fostering inclusivity and connection. Fiona, a distinguished voice and speech coach, delves into how embracing our unique voice can enhance personal and professional relationships. She provides actionable strategies that can revolutionize the way we interact and present ourselves in diverse spheres.
Today, we'll cover:
Transitioning from teaching drama to coaching in voice and speech, underscoring the value of listening and space in dialogue.
The significance of "rubber ducking" as a strategy for problem-solving and the art of posing effective 'why' questions.
Strategies for creating diverse and inclusive client relationships in coaching practices.
Mastering the art of timing and utilizing pauses in public speaking for maximum audience engagement.
Techniques for delivering impactful messages with clarity and ensuring that they resonate with and add value to the audience.
The essential role of emotional, cultural intelligence, and compassion in forging meaningful communication.
The effectiveness of storytelling in transmitting powerful messages and the influence such narratives have on audience connection and memory.
Episode Summary with Intro, Key Points and a Takeaway
In the latest 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.
💬 Keywords
public speaking, inclusion, communication skills, diversity, listening, problem-solving, rubber ducking, voice coaching, emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, Q&A sessions, audience engagement, storytelling, personal brand, authenticity, speech coaching, speech writing, Toastmasters, vulnerability in speaking, self-awareness, simplifying complex information, networking, Fiona Brennan-Scott, Joanne Lockwood, Breathtaking Communication, Simon Sinek, Start with Why, speaker coaching, emotional connection, body language.
💡 Speaker bios
Fiona Brennan-Scott is a compassionate and perceptive public speaking coach, with a deep understanding of the fear and vulnerability intrinsic to the art of oration. She recognises that speaking in public is not merely a matter of articulation, but an act of laying bare one's identity, a revelation of personal stories, thoughts, and feelings to the world. Fiona acknowledges that such exposure carries the risk of being rejected or dismissed, an experience that can cut deeply.
Having spent years honing her craft, Fiona has become adept at what she describes as an 'emotionally surgical' process, as she delicately handles the preciousness of her clients' identities. She approaches her work with a profound sense of honour, expressing a reverence for the personal growth that comes from mastering the ability to share oneself with an audience. Her goal is not just to alleviate the fear her clients face, but to empower them with the courage to embrace the transformation required to realise their full potential as effective communicators. Through her guidance, Fiona Brennan-Scott enables her clients to confront the challenge of public speaking and to accomplish goals they might never have thought possible.
❇️ Key topics and bullets
Introduction to the Voices for Change Episode
Joanne Lockwood, the host, sets the stage for meaningful conversations on inclusion and communication.
Guest Fiona Brennan-Scott's transition from teaching drama to voice coaching.
The Art of Conversation and Listening
Discussion on the tendency to express opinions and fix problems rather than listening.
Fiona's emphasis on the importance of creating space for others' thoughts.
The Concept of "Rubber Ducking"
Joanne introduces "rubber ducking" as a problem-solving technique.
Fiona's personal use of her husband as a sounding board for ideas.
Understanding the 'Why' Behind Beliefs
Exploring the reasons behind ideas with insights from Simon Sinek's "Start with Why".
Inclusivity in Speech Coaching
Fiona discusses the unexpected diversity of her clientele and the journey to inclusive coaching.
The Craft of Public Speaking
Joanne's experiences at Toastmasters and adapting to different speech durations.
Fiona highlights the significance of empty space in communication.
Timing and Audience Engagement
Joanne reflects on knowing when to end a talk effectively.
The benefits of Q&A sessions for deeper audience connection.
The Impact of Silence and Reflection in Speeches
The speakers discuss the power of pauses and audience contemplation.
Crafting a Message with One Key Takeaway
Joanne advises focusing on a single takeaway for better engagement.
Considering audience retention and the impact of the message.
Emotional and Cultural Intelligence in Conversations
The importance of emotional intelligence, compassion, and respecting diverse perspectives.
The Power of Storytelling
Fiona's view on storytelling as an efficient means of communication.
Example of the emotional impact of plays like "The Colour Purple."
Adapting to Diverse Communication Styles
Joanne's transition from using binary language to more inclusive communication.
Personal Experiences with Public Speaking
Fiona's work with helping clients like wedding speech clients.
Joanne shares the pressure of delivering a speech at her daughter's wedding.
Public Speaking Misconceptions
The potential of introverts in public speaking and the exertion involved in performances.
The benefits and challenges of coaching aspiring speakers.
Annual Competition: Speaker Factor
The challenge of delivering impactful content succinctly at the Speaker Factor competition.
Host and Guest Introductions
A brief bio of host Joanne Lockwood and guest Fiona Brennan-Scott.
Significance of 'Voice' in Identity
Fiona discusses the importance of 'voice' in expressing one's identity.
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
Addressing the vulnerability and fear associated with public speaking.
Coaching for Diverse Clients
Fiona's work with clients in STEM and the challenges in simplifying complex information.
The Role of Social Media and Networking
How Fiona's online presence and networking shaped her client diversity.
Importance of Personal Brand and Authenticity
Aligning behaviour with personal values to attract the right clientele.
Fiona's Contact Information and Book
Sharing of contact details and promotion of her book "Breathtaking Communication".
The Essentials of Effective Communication
The role of non-verbal cues in communication and the importance of emotion over reason.
Embracing Personal and Cultural Narratives
The use of personal and cultural stories to enhance communication effectiveness.
The Hook
Ever felt like your voice just blends into the background? This conversation shifts the spotlight onto HOW you speak—and the change it ignites may just blow you away… 🎙️💡
Imagine solving your biggest problem just by speaking out loud... Intrigued? Discover a deceptively simple tactic that's turning the tide in communication. 🦆🗣
"Why?" Three letters that could unlock the heart of your communication strategy. Ready to uncover the power of a single question that can transform your dialogue? 🔑❓
You've heard it before: It's not just what you say, but how you say it. But what if there's a deeper layer to this truth waiting for you to unearth it? 💬🌟
In a world brimming with noise, what if silence was your most powerful tool? Dive into a discourse that might just redefine the way you connect, engage, and inspire. 🌐🔇
🎬 Reel script
"Hello, I'm Joanne Lockwood, your host on The Inclusion Bites Podcast. In our latest episode, 'Voice For Change', we dive deep with Fiona Brennan-Scott into the transformative power of listening, the art of meaningful communication, and the critical role of inclusion. Fiona, with her journey from drama to voice coaching, unravels the potency of presence over mere words. We discuss 'rubber ducking' as a tool for clarity, and the weight of emotional intelligence in our talks. Whether it's simplifying complex ideas or using storytelling to connect, this session is an essential listen for anyone eager to leave a lasting impact through their words. Tune in, enrich your communication skills, and empower your voice for change. Don't miss this compelling conversation – available now on The Inclusion Bites Podcast."
🗞️ Newsletter
Subject: Discover Inclusive Communication Strategies with Fiona Brennan-Scott on The Inclusion Bites Podcast 🎙️ Episode 105
Dear Inclusivity Enthusiasts,
Welcome back to our weekly newsletter where we strive to enlighten, inspire, and embolden your journey towards a world where everyone belongs. This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, titled "Voice For Change." Hosted by our own Joanne Lockwood, we're in for an insightful dialogue with the esteemed Fiona Brennan-Scott.
🔊 In This Episode:
Jo opens up the conversation with Fiona, who shares her transformation from a speech and drama teacher to a sought-after voice and speech coach. Fiona delves into the heart of inclusivity in her work, sharing the joy of reaching an unexpectedly diverse clientele and the magic of creating a supportive thinking environment. Jo and Fiona champion the art of listening - both in terms of solving problems through 'rubber ducking' and respecting the diverse perspectives in every audience.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Articulate problems and concerns with "rubber ducking"
Embrace the power of asking 'why' to delve deep into beliefs
Understand the audience's diverse perspectives for message resonance
Value the underrated skill of listening, not just hearing, for effective communication
Master the artful balance of speech, pause, and impactful storytelling
🎤 Inside Insights:
Fiona highlights the emotional bond forged with audiences and the underestimated significance of Q&A sessions. From drawing on Simon Sinek's wisdom in 'Start with Why' to discussing the invaluable nature of storytelling, this episode isn't just about speaking—it's about connecting meaningfully. Jo shares her Toastmasters journey and the importance of tailoring speech length, while Fiona emphasizes the need for planned silence and reflection.
🌟 Special Moments:
Our guest, the trainer and author of "Breathtaking Communication," offers a compelling narrative on finding one's voice. Fiona and Jo pivot to the courage required in public speaking and the transformative power of vulnerability. This episode transcends communication techniques, underscoring the empathy, cultural awareness, and authenticity necessary for truly inclusive exchanges.
🎭 For the Performers:
Those among you drawn to the stage will appreciate the discourse on the nuances of performance. From Fiona's passion for empowering others to Jo's candid revelation of the pressures of familial speeches, Episode 105 is replete with anecdotes and wisdom for speakers of all calibres.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
Fiona's book "Breathtaking Communication"
The annual Speaker Factor competition for emerging speakers
We invite you to lend us your ears for this captivating episode – your palate for rich and meaningful communication is about to get a generous serving. Together, let's be the voice for change and encourage everyone to speak their truth.
🎧 Listen, Reflect, and Engage:
Tune in to Episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast now available on [link to episode]. Join the conversation and let us know your key insights and takeaways.
Until next time, let's keep creating spaces where everyone thrives.
Warm regards,
The Inclusion Bites Team
P.S. Stay connected with us on social media! Follow Fiona Brennan-Scott's evocative journey and connect with Jo for more inclusive insights. Don't forget to subscribe, and share this newsletter with others who could benefit from our shared mission of inclusion.
🧵 Tweet thread
🧵1/ Are you just waiting for your turn to speak or truly listening? Joanne Lockwood had a fascinating conversation with the voice dynamo Fiona Brennan-Scott about the art of meaningful communication. Dive into this thread for some golden nuggets! 🎙️✨#InclusionBites #Communication
🧵2/ Ever felt pressured to have an opinion on everything or fix every problem? Joanne Lockwood discusses this common pitfall in conversations. Fiona Brennan-Scott weighs in with her transition from speech teacher to speech coach, focusing on listening over speaking. 🎧 #ListeningSkills
🧵3/ Big problems often need a soundboard not a quick fix. 🦆 Fiona and Jo touch on "rubber ducking"—the power of voicing concerns without interruption. Fun Fact: Fiona's "rubber duck"? Her husband! They discuss how this method can lead to unexpected solutions. #RubberDucking
🧵4/ Cut to the core of beliefs with a simple 'why'. 🤔 Jo and Fiona riff on the essence of understanding deeper motives, inspired by Simon Sinek's "Start with Why". This is key in their quest for genuine, inclusion-focused communication. #StartWithWhy #InclusiveCommunication
🧵5/ Fiona's coaching journey is a masterclass in inclusivity and diversity, with her client base defying expectations. Yet, as Joanne Lockwood knows from Toastmasters, capturing diverse audiences means mastering timing and impromptu speaking. ⏱️ #PublicSpeaking
🧵6/ Fiona's rule of thumb for dynamic speaking? Leave 20% of your time free. It's about the power of live audience interactions and the significance of allowing space for thought. Joanne shares a personal anecdote on reading the room and valuing Q&As. ✋ #PublicSpeakingTips
🧵7/ Want to create a "thinking environment"? Fiona introduces the magic of pauses in speeches, fostering reflection. Jo and Fiona both appreciate the impact of silence, allowing audiences to digest and consider points made. Sometimes, silence speaks volumes. 🤐 #PowerOfSilence
🧵8/ One key takeaway—that's what Joanne Lockwood suggests we should deliver, with an emphasis on audience engagement and retention. Fiona echoes this, adding the importance of respecting the audience’s time by providing valuable messages. 📝 #MessageTakeaway
🧵9/ Speaking isn't just talking—it's emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and compassion rolled into one. Our communicators underline the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and engaging in meaningful, inclusive dialogues. ❤️🌍 #InclusiveDialogue
🧵10/ Storytelling is powerful and economical—in communication and life. Fiona shares the profound impact of storytelling experiences, like "The Colour Purple". Joanne reflects on binary language nuances and adapting communication for different thinkers. 🎭 #StorytellingPower
🧵11/ Both strong women share insights on public speaking realities. Misconceptions debunked, introvert strengths, and the energy of characters. Fiona admits her passion lies in empowering others—a sentiment Jo respects in her coaching of emerging talents. 💪 #SpeakerEmpowerment
🧵12/ Speaking of talents, have you heard of the annual Speaker Factor? It's the contest that challenges speakers to deliver impactful content briefly. Jo and Fiona know the drill, and they share the thrill (and pressure) of such competitive speaking. 🏆 #SpeakerFactor
🧵13/ Did you know? Joanne Lockwood hosts the #InclusionBites podcast, aiming to make the world inclusive for all. Episode 105 features Fiona Brennan-Scott, voice coach extraordinaire, discussing the "voice" in identity and expression. 🌐 #InclusionMatters
🧵14/ Their conversation explores vulnerability in public speaking and empowers everyone to speak up without the fear of rejection. Yes, even STEM experts have communication hurdles, and that’s where Fiona's coaching prowess shines. 🔬 #SpeakingConfidence
🧵15/ A blend of self-awareness and clear, simplified communication characterises Fiona Brennan-Scott's lessons. Joanne Lockwood backs this up with her personal experience, leaving us with impactful thoughts on personal branding and authenticity. 🙌 #AuthenticCommunication
🧵16/ Remember, it's not just words; it's about body language, eye contact, and engagement that make messages memorable. People will recall how you made them feel, and that's the essence of effective communication according to Jo and Fiona. 💬 #BeyondWords
🧵17/ Wrapping up, this episode of Inclusion Bites was a treasure trove of insights into the world of communication, inclusivity, and storytelling. Don't miss out! Listen to the full episode and remember, as Fiona shared, "Breathtaking Communication" can change lives. 📚✨
🧵18/ Join Joanne Lockwood's quest for global inclusion and discover the power of your voice with Fiona Brennan-Scott. For more striking conversations, tune in to #InclusionBites and unlock the potential of each interaction. As always, #HappyListening! 🎧🔗 [LINK to podcast]
🎙️ To connect with Fiona or dive into her book, reach out at [Fiona's Contact Details]. To unlock the secrets of inclusion with host Jo, drop an email to jo.Lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk. Let's communicate, connect, and change the world—one conversation at a time. 🌟
End of thread 🧵👋 #CommunicationSkills #InclusiveWorld
Guest's content for their marketing
As a voice and speech coach, I have always believed in the transformative power of communication. It is the bridge between who we are, the ideas we carry, and the hearts we hope to touch. This fundamental belief of mine was joyously reignited when I had the privilege of joining Joanne Lockwood on The Inclusion Bites Podcast - a space dedicated to stirring conversations that strike at the core of inclusion, belonging, and nurturing a better world for us all.
Joanne, an advocate for change and a voice for inclusion, invited me to delve into these subjects on her show, an opportunity that turned out to be much more than a simple discussion. Together, we explored the intricate dance of expressing oneself and the art of active listening - a delicate balance so often overlooked in our day-to-day interactions.
In the episode titled "Voice For Change," we ventured beyond the surface of speech and ventured into the realm of meaningful connection. I shared my journey from a speech and drama teacher to a specialised voice and speech coach, highlighting my passion for creating spaces where people can share authentically, without the fear of interruption or judgment.
Joanne introduced the concept of "rubber ducking," a practice that resonates deeply with my work. This method, based on speaking problems aloud to a rubber duck, aligns with my belief in the therapeutic power of being heard. I was thrilled to share how even my husband has become my personal "rubber duck" at times, offering a listening ear that helps to unravel the solutions within my spoken thoughts.
Together we mused on the importance of asking "why," uncovering the essence of beliefs and ideas, a notion that echoes Simon Sinek's wisdom in 'Start with Why'. This level of inquiry is essential in my coaching as I seek to dive into the stories that shape us and the words that define us.
Our conversation effortlessly wove through the challenges and delights of engaging with diverse audiences, the nuances of speech coachings such as the Toastmasters experience, and the profound impact of Q&A sessions that truly connect with every individual in the room. We agreed that whether it's an electrifying live performance or a heartfelt wedding speech, our ability to communicate with authenticity, intelligence, and empathy is paramount.
Being a guest on The Inclusion Bites Podcast was a testament to my belief in the importance of inclusion and diversity, not only in our workplaces and communities but in every word we utter and every silence we share. My time with Joanne was more than a simple podcast recording; it was a celebration of our collective human experience, our need to be heard, and our incredible potential to create change with our voices.
If you wish to immerse yourself in our thought-provoking dialogue and perhaps find the key to unlocking the power within your voice, I invite you to listen to Episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast. And for those eager to elevate their own communication, my book "Breathtaking Communication" and I await to accompany you on your journey.
Together, let's amplify the Voices For Change.
Fiona Brennan-Scott
Voice and Speech Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Author
[breathtakingcommunication.com]
Questions Asked that were insightful
During the enlightening conversation with Fiona Brennan-Scott on the "Voice For Change" episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, several insightful questions were broached that could indeed be adapted into a series of FAQs for our valued listeners. Below, I've synthesised some potential FAQ entries based on the discussion:
FAQ: Understanding Voice and Inclusion in Communication
What is rubber ducking, and how can it help in solving problems?
Rubber ducking refers to the concept of explaining a problem or situation to an inanimate object or to someone who simply listens, like a rubber duck, without offering solutions. This process can often lead to clarity and self-derived solutions.Why is it important to ask 'why' when understanding beliefs or ideas?
As Fiona Brennan-Scott noted, asking 'why' delves deeper into the essence of beliefs, helping us understand the underlying motivations and reasons behind certain ideas or actions. This aligns with Simon Sinek's philosophy in 'Start with Why', emphasizing the power of purpose.How does inclusivity play a role in voice and speech coaching?
Inclusivity in voice and speech coaching is about reaching and empowering a diverse clientele, acknowledging that every individual's voice matters. Fiona reflected on this in terms of her unexpected client demographics and how she adapted her coaching to be more accessible to all.What is the significance of allowing 'empty time' during speeches or conversations?
Allowing for empty time, as mentioned by Fiona Brennan-Scott, gives the audience an opportunity to absorb and reflect on the information shared. It's an acknowledgement of the listener’s need to process information, an essential aspect of effective communication.How does knowing when to close a talk or invite Q&A enhance communication?
Joanne Lockwood shared her own experiences with timing in talks. Closing a talk at the right moment or inviting Q&A can enhance engagement by leaving the audience with a focused message and the opportunity to dive deeper into the topic.What impact can silence have in communication?
Both speakers discussed the profound impact of silence, noting that it allows time for listeners to consider what’s been said, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.Why is it important to focus on one key takeaway in a message?
Focusing on one key takeaway helps to ensure your audience retains the essence of your message. Too many points can lead to information overload, diluting the overall impact.Can emotional and cultural intelligence improve conversations?
Yes, emotional and cultural intelligence are critical for understanding diverse perspectives and engaging in meaningful dialogue. These intelligences allow for compassion and respect in communication, leading to more inclusive conversations.Why is storytelling an economical way of communicating?
Storytelling condenses complex emotions and situations into relatable narratives, allowing for efficient communication. It can evoke strong emotions and paint mental images, as Fiona mentioned while discussing the impact of "The Colour Purple."How can public speakers manage high expectations due to their profession?
Joanne shared her personal challenge when writing a speech for her daughter's wedding. It's about embracing vulnerability and focusing on authenticity over perfection.
Please note, these FAQs serve as an additional resource to expand on the rich dialogue shared in the "Voice For Change" episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, encouraging listeners to reflect on the nuances of communication and inclusion. For further detailed insights and practical examples, tuning into the podcast episode would be highly recommended.
Pain Points and Challenges
During "The Inclusion Bites Podcast" episode entitled "Voice For Change," several pain points and challenges related to communication and inclusion were highlighted by both the host, Joanne Lockwood, and the guest, Fiona Brennan-Scott. Here's a list of these challenges along with content that focuses on addressing them:
Fear of Public Speaking:
Addressing this common pain point, content can be designed to offer strategies for overcoming stage fright. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, visualization, and practicing in a safe environment could be shared to help listeners build confidence.Importance of Listening:
Many struggle with truly listening without planning their next response. Content could include methods to improve active listening skills, such as the WAIT technique (Why Am I Talking?), and exercises to practice presence and mindfulness.Diversity in Clientele:
Fiona observed a gradual diversification in her client base. Solutions to this challenge might consider content that outlines inclusive marketing strategies, tips on making services accessible to various demographics, and ways to foster an environment that welcomes diverse voices.Simplifying Complex Information:
Experts in STEM and other technical fields often find it challenging to convey complex ideas in layman's terms. Content can feature tips on breaking down complex concepts, storytelling to explain technical matters, and the use of analogies and metaphors.Emotional Intelligence and Engagement:
Jo and Fiona touched upon the need for emotional intelligence in communication. Content could explore ways to develop empathy, understand non-verbal cues, and address the value of connecting with the audience on an emotional level.Misconceptions about Public Speaking:
Addressing the belief that introverts cannot be good public speakers, content may debunk such myths, illustrate the strengths of introverted communicators, and provide guidance on harnessing one's personal traits for effective public speaking.Power of Silence and Pausing:
The underrated skill of using silence as part of communication can be quite powerful. Producing content explaining how strategic pauses can enhance speech and give the audience time to reflect would be valuable.Overcoming the Pressure of Expectations:
Many face the pressure to perform when known as a professional speaker. Content can be geared towards managing expectations, sharing techniques for staying authentic, and maintaining performance quality under pressure.Personal Brand and Authenticity:
Fiona and Joanne discussed attracting the right clients by being authentic. Content here can define what personal branding means, how to align one's communication style with personal values, and the importance of authenticity for long-term success.Balance of Emotion and Reason in Communication:
Listeners might need guidance on how to leverage emotional storytelling while also presenting logical arguments. Content can cover best practices for crafting messages that balance pathos and logos to resonate with diverse audiences.
Creating podcasts episodes, blog posts, or resource guides addressing these points can offer practical advice and support to listeners looking to improve their communication skills and foster a more inclusive environment.
Blog article based on the episode
The Symphony of Silence: Harnessing the Power of the Unsaid in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Imagine a world saturated with noise, a cacophony of opinions clamouring for attention and a constant barrage of advice where everyone seeks to be heard but few truly listen. Now picture a space within this chaos—a haven—where the sounds fade into the backdrop, and the power of silence speaks volumes. This world is not a distant utopia; it's the reality we can create when we embrace the art of listening and the courage in holding our tongues. The most recent episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, "Voice For Change," hosted by Joanne Lockwood and featuring the indomitable Fiona Brennan-Scott, explored this very conundrum: the forgotten power of silence and listening in an excessively vocal world.
The problem is clear: In our relentless pursuit to express and be acknowledged, we've lost touch with the profound impact of stillness and the profound wisdom inherent in listening. We've become fixated on problem-solving without fully understanding the issues at hand. Ironically, it is often through unspoken communication that we reveal the heart of our concerns and connect most deeply with others.
During our enlightening conversation, Fiona Brennan-Scott illuminated her transformation from a speech and drama teacher to a voice and speech coach, emphasizing the importance of pausing, reflection, and providing space for others' thoughts. Her wisdom was in part inspired by the notion of "rubber ducking"—a term introduced by Joanne Lockwood—where one can solve problems simply by articulating them aloud, receiving no interjection or immediate solutions. Imagine speaking to an inanimate rubber duck; it won't interrupt or judge, but its silent presence can lead your thoughts to clarity.
For our keen listeners seeking actionable insights, consider embracing this silence in your dialogues. In your next conversation, try to refrain from interrupting and truly listen—without planning your response, without filtering through your perspective—simply absorb what the other person is communicating. Encourage this practice in your workplace, amongst friends, and even within your internal monologue. You'll discover that, as Fiona Brennan-Scott shares, asking 'why' reveals the essence of beliefs, and accessing this essence fosters more inclusive, richer, and genuine connections.
Another key takeaway from "Voice For Change" is the importance of respecting the audience's time—whether in conversation, presentation, or any form of communication. Fiona advocates for allowing a 20% "empty time" in our engagements, providing a dynamic interaction with any audience. Thus, when you next plan a speech or meeting, allocate this space; not only does it aid reflection, but it also accommodates the unexpected and often illuminating insights that emerge from participants.
As the episode progresses, Joanne and Fiona delve deeper into the connection forged through emotion, the audience engagement, and the immense value in Q&A sessions. In facilitating a thinking environment, we are reminded that the impact of our words is not merely in their delivery but also in the silences that punctuate them, giving others the opportunity to ponder and engage.
But how to hold an audience with these principles of silent communication? Joanne Lockwood reveals the potency of distilling a speech to one key takeaway, anchoring it in relevance to the audience and mindful of diversity. Fiona, reinforcing this, stresses the immeasurable significance of storytelling—as economical in words as it is rich in emotional currency.
The dance between silence and speech, Fiona and Joanne argue, is underpinned by emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and compassion. It’s not about avoiding speech entirely, but rather understanding when to speak and when to listen. As a speech coach with an unexpectedly diverse clientele, Fiona conveys how embracing varied perspectives can enhance the reach and relatability of one's message. Similarly, Joanne, in her career, has learned the value of adapting communication to suit those who perceive the world beyond binaries.
Concluding the episode, both Fiona and Joanne underline the intrinsic connections between personal brand, values, and authenticity in attracting like-minded individuals. In sharing her contact details and resources like her book "Breathtaking Communication," Fiona extends an invitation to dive deeper into these concepts offline, ensuring that the conversation—and the learning—doesn’t end when the podcast does.
The "Voice For Change" episode acts not only as a source of inspiration but also as a call to action. What steps can you take today to enhance your communicative skills, to harness the might of the unsaid, and to provide space for those voices too often drowned out by the cacophony of the heard?
Explore the complete journey with Fiona Brennan-Scott and embrace the transformative ideas shared in The Inclusion Bites Podcast. Remember, the ultimate act of inclusion may well be providing the silence necessary for other voices to emerge and resonate. So, listen to this pivotal episode, reflect on its messages, and ask yourself how you can become not just a voice for change, but also an ear for it.
For those eager to foster a world brimming with genuine connectivity, begin the journey by listening to Episode 105, "Voice For Change," with Joanne Lockwood and Fiona Brennan-Scott—a masterclass in the art of impactful silence. Then take your newfound understanding into the world and bear witness to its silent yet profound revolution.
The standout line from this episode
"The power of voice isn't just in speaking but in listening; it's about the courage to express oneself and the compassion to hear others - that's where true change begins."
❓ Questions
How do you think "rubber ducking" can benefit individuals in their personal and professional lives?
Fiona mentioned the significance of asking 'why' to understand deeper beliefs. Can you share a time when asking 'why' has led to a breakthrough in your understanding or approach to inclusion?
In your experience, how has the concept of leaving 20% of time empty impacted the effectiveness of communication and engagement with others?
Storytelling is a powerful tool for communication. Can you recall a story or metaphor that profoundly affected your perspective on diversity and inclusion?
With the power of silence being discussed, how can we create environments where silence is embraced and viewed as a constructive element in communication?
Considering the emphasis on one key takeaway in messaging, what's the most impactful takeaway you’ve received on the theme of inclusivity?
Cultural intelligence and compassion are essential in conversations. How can we cultivate these skills in environments that are traditionally not diverse?
Fiona Brennan-Scott highlighted the importance of considering the audience's time. What strategies would you recommend for ensuring messages are both succinct and impactful?
Joanne Lockwood shared challenges with binary language and the importance of adapting communication styles. Can you discuss ways to be more inclusive in our language use?
The episode touched upon the draining nature of giving a performance. How can speakers manage their energy and self-care while consistently engaging with diverse audiences?
FAQs from the Episode
FAQ: Voice For Change Episode Insights
Q1: What is 'rubber ducking', as introduced by host Joanne Lockwood?
A1: 'Rubber ducking' is a method for problem-solving that involves speaking problems aloud to an inanimate object like a rubber duck. The practice doesn't require the listener to respond or provide solutions, allowing the speaker to hear their own thoughts and often find clarity in the process.
Q2: Why does Fiona Brennan-Scott emphasize listening in her role as a voice and speech coach?
A2: Fiona moved from speech and drama teaching to voice and speech coaching to focus on the importance of listening. She believes that holding space for others to express their thoughts without interruption is crucial for effective communication and personal connection.
Q3: How does Fiona Brennan-Scott define the concept of asking 'why'?
A3: Fiona discusses the significance of asking 'why' to uncover the essence of a belief or an idea. This approach seeks to understand the motivation and purpose behind actions, aligned with the philosophy presented in Simon Sinek's book 'Start with Why'.
Q4: What are the considerations for inclusivity and diversity in Fiona's coaching work?
A4: Fiona values inclusivity and diversity, which she addresses through her unexpected client demographics and her pursuit of reaching a more diverse audience. Her coaching is aimed at understanding and tailored to the varied backgrounds and needs of her clients.
Q5: Can you explain the significance of the 20% empty time during speaking engagements?
A5: Fiona highlights the importance of allowing for 20% of time to be empty when speaking, which permits reflection and absorption by the audience. It also helps manage the dynamics of live presentations, ensuring the content is well-paced and engaging.
Q6: How does Joanne Lockwood approach audience engagement and retention during talks?
A6: Joanne encourages focusing on one key takeaway when delivering a message to enhance audience engagement and retention. She believes this helps listeners connect with the core idea and remember it long after the talk.
Q7: What is the role of emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence in conversations, according to the speakers?
A7: Both emotional and cultural intelligence are seen as vital for respectful and meaningful conversations. They involve understanding diverse perspectives, demonstrating compassion, and engaging in dialogues that honor each individual's experiences and background.
Q8: Why does Fiona Brennan-Scott consider storytelling an effective communication method?
A8: Fiona regards storytelling as an economical way of communication because it creates a strong emotional connection with the audience. Stories, like those experienced when watching plays such as 'The Colour Purple', have an enduring impact and can convey messages powerfully.
Q9: How does Joanne Lockwood reflect on the use of binary language in her career?
A9: Joanne has shifted from using binary language to embracing more nuanced ways of communicating to cater to individuals who don't think in strictly divided terms. Adapting communication styles is part of respecting and acknowledging different ways of perceiving the world.
Q10: What misconceptions about public speaking and introverts do they discuss?
A10: The conversation addresses the misconception that public speaking is only for extroverts. Fiona and Joanne point out that introverts can excel at inhabiting characters and delivering performances, although it may be energy-consuming.
Q11: What is Speaker Factor, as mentioned by the speakers?
A11: Speaker Factor is an annual competition for emerging speakers. It highlights the challenge of delivering compelling content concisely, providing a platform for new talents to showcase their speaking skills.
Q12: How has Fiona Brennan-Scott's client base evolved through her social media presence?
A12: Fiona's social media presence and networking have led to a more diverse client base. Her visibility online has attracted clients from different sectors, particularly those looking to improve communication within STEM fields.
Q13: What importance do Fiona and Joanne place on personal brand and authenticity?
A13: Personal brand and authenticity are key to attracting the right clients and people. Fiona and Joanne stress the need to align behavior with one's nature and values, as this resonates with potential clients and helps build genuine relationships.
Should you have further queries or require more in-depth discussion on any of these topics, please feel free to contact Joanne Lockwood at jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk.
Tell me more about the guest and their views
In episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, titled "Voice For Change," Joanne Lockwood welcomes guest Fiona Brennan-Scott to the show. Fiona Brennan-Scott brings to the table her versatile experience as a trainer, coach, and speaker with expertise in voice and speech coaching.
Fiona has an illustrious background that began in the sphere of speech and drama teaching and has evolved into a passion for empowering individuals through coaching to find and freely express their unique voices. She has authored the book "Breathtaking Communication," which delves into the essence of effective communication skills that go beyond just mere words.
Throughout the episode, Fiona shares several powerful insights:
Fiona strongly believes in the value of listening and fostering an environment that allows for contemplation and exchange of thoughts, rather than jumping directly to conclusions or responses.
She endorses the idea of "rubber ducking" in problem-solving, as she narrates her own anecdotes of using her husband as a sounding board to work through issues out loud, without interjections.
In her pursuit of understanding and openness, Fiona digs into the heart of beliefs and concepts by asking 'why,' echoing the principles found in Simon Sinek's "Start with Why."
Her reflections on inclusivity and diversity within her coaching practice underline the serendipitous expansion of her client demographics and her continuous journey to foster a diverse and inclusive client base.
Fiona stresses the importance of carving out space for silence and pauses within speeches. She suggests that allowing for a 'thinking environment' and such reflection time is beneficial not only for the speaker but also for the audience to absorb and ponder upon the spoken message.
Storytelling emerges as a fundamental tool in Fiona's communication strategy. She highlights how narrative, such as that experienced through plays like "The Colour Purple," can evoke strong emotional connections and drive the communication effectively.
With a keen focus on the nuances of public speaking and performance, Fiona preferrs to empower others to take the stage, sharing that she finds greater fulfillment in coaching individuals to express themselves confidently and authentically.
Fiona's observance of the dynamics between speakers and audiences leads to a discussion on managing time effectively, respecting the audience's attention, and ensuring that the core message is impactful and valued.
Emphasizing the need for emotional and cultural intelligence in conversations, Fiona along with Joanne, considers the multifaceted nature of communication, which includes being able to respect diversities and engage in significant dialogues.
She's candid about her work, including personal instances such as assisting with wedding speeches, and she opens up about her perspectives on misconceptions surrounding public speaking.
Fiona Brennan-Scott's views underscore the power of voice and communication as tools for identity expression, inclusion, and connection. Her shared knowledge offers encouragement and actionable advice on how to approach speaking with courage, consideration, and authenticity, which aligns seamlessly with the ethos that Joanne Lockwood promotes on The Inclusion Bites Podcast.
Ideas for Future Training and Workshops based on this Episode
Certainly! The content of episode 105 "Voice For Change" on The Inclusion Bites Podcast, featuring guest Fiona Brennan-Scott, opens various avenues for training and workshop development. Here are some suggestions that can be extrapolated from the episode topics:
Inclusive Communication Workshops
Exploring How to Create a Thinking Environment
Techniques for Active Listening and Space Holding
Developing Emotional and Cultural Intelligence in Conversations
Storytelling for Inclusivity: Integrating Diverse Perspectives
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Training
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
Crafting Your Personal Brand through Speech
Mastering Q&A Sessions for Enhanced Audience Engagement
Learning the Art of 'Rubber Ducking' for Clarity and Problem Solving
Voice and Speech Workshops for Clarity and Impact
The Power of Pausing: Using Silence Effectively in Speech
Leadership Communication Seminars
Aligning Leadership Behaviour with Values and Authenticity
Communicating Vision: Starting with Why
The Role of Empathy in Leadership Communication
Personal Storytelling as a Leadership Tool
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Series
Understanding and Embracing Diversity in Communication
Building Inclusivity into Your Organizational Narrative
The Intersection of Inclusion and Effective Communication
Inclusive Strategies for Team Engagement and Connection
Effective Communication for Technical Professionals
Simplifying Complex Information for Non-Technical Audiences
Communicating Technical Expertise with Confidence and Clarity
Networking and Personal Branding for STEM Professionals
Workshops for Specific Events
Preparing and Delivering Impactful Wedding Speeches
Coaching for Competitions like Speaker Factor
Public Speaking for High-Stakes Occasions
Coaching for Emotional Connection in Communication
Crafting Messages That Resonate and Remain Memorable
Emotional Storytelling Techniques
The Impact of Body Language and Eye Contact in Public Speaking
Creative Expression through Voice and Drama
Harnessing Your Unique Voice for Powerful Self-Expression
Drama Techniques for Confidence in Speaking
Role-Playing to Enhance Empathy and Understanding
Inclusivity in Practice Series
Language Sensitivity and Avoiding Binary Expressions
The Inclusion of Marginalised Voices in Dialogue
Building an Inclusive Clientele through Social Media and Networking
Holistic Communication Retreats
Combining Voice Coaching with Mindfulness Practices
Understanding the Role of Identity in Communication
These workshops and training sessions can be offered as in-person events, virtual webinars, or hybrid experiences. They can be tailored to suit various audience types, from corporate teams to individual professionals seeking personal development.
🪡 Threads by Instagram
"Voice is identity. On the latest Inclusion Bites episode, Fiona Brennan-Scott delves into how we express our unique selves. Tune in to learn why your voice is your ultimate differentiator."
"Storytelling isn't just enchanting; it's effective. Fiona shares insights on using stories for impactful communication. Remember, people feel before they recall facts."
"Ever used a 'rubber duck' to solve problems? Jo & Fiona explore speaking aloud as a tool for clarity on our new episode. It's more than child's play; it's a strategy."
"Listening is an art. This week, Fiona Brennan-Scott champions the power of pause. Silence can be where the magic happens in conversations. Ready to hold that space?"
"Inclusion through conversation. Join Jo & Fiona as they discuss respecting diverse perspectives and fostering genuine connections. Inclusion starts with understanding."
Leadership Insights - YouTube Short Video Script on Common Problems for Leaders to Address
Title: "Transforming Listening into Leadership Superpower"
[Start]
Hello leaders and aspiring leaders out there, I'm Joanne Lockwood! Today let's talk about a common trap many leaders fall into: constantly speaking and problem-solving without truly listening. But guess what? Cultivating a powerful listening skill can completely change the game for you and your team.
Action 1: Adopt 'Rubber Ducking'.
You don’t always need to provide solutions. Sometimes, just being there to listen is all your team needs. This 'rubber ducking' strategy involves just speaking problems aloud. Let your team articulate issues without the pressure of immediate answers. Trust me, often they'll work out the answers for themselves.
Action 2: Master the art of the 'why'.
Digging deeper into the 'why' like Simon Sinek suggests helps understand the belief systems driving people's thoughts and actions. Ask your team why they believe their approach works and the rationale behind their ideas. Understanding breeds empathy and clarity in leadership.
Action 3: Leave space for silence and reflection.
Don’t fear silence. Use it. Give your team that 20% empty time to let thoughts simmer. It may seem unproductive, but reflection leads to profound insights.
Action 4: Communicate with inclusivity.
Your language and approach should make everyone feel seen and heard. Diverse perspectives bring rich understanding. Practice emotional and cultural intelligence in every interaction.
Lastly, remember this, leaders are storytellers. Share compelling stories that resonate with your team's values and the emotions of your audience. Storytelling isn't just about engagement; it's a powerful tool to be remembered by.
Inculcating these behaviours isn't just good for your team; it strengthens your leadership ethos. Be the leader who listens, understands, and then, takes action.
That's it for today on the "Leadership Insights Channel". Cultivate these actions and watch your leadership influence soar!
[End]
SEO Optimised Titles
5 Key Steps to Inclusive Communication Mastery | Fiona @Breathtaking Communication
Embracing Diversity in Speech: The 20% Silence Rule | Fiona @Breathtaking Communication
Transforming Talks into Powerful Stories | Fiona @Breathtaking Communication
Email Newsletter about this Podcast Episode
Subject: 🎙 Dive into the Power of Inclusion & Communication in the Latest 'Inclusion Bites' Episode!
Hello there!
You’re in for a treat! The latest episode of 'The Inclusion Bites Podcast' is one not to be missed, as we've blended the art of communication with the essence of inclusion. Joanne Lockwood sits down with the remarkable Fiona Brennan-Scott in "Voice For Change", and ooh, it's a cracker!
Here's a little amuse-bouche of knowledge tidbits to whet your appetite:
🦆 Discover the quirky "rubber ducking" technique that Fiona uses – it's all about solving problems by talking them out loud, without seeking immediate solutions.
🎤 Listen in as Fiona reflects on the significant shift from speech and drama teacher to voice & speech coach, and what that means for truly listening to others.
👀 Why asking 'why?' unravels the threads of deep-seated beliefs, channeling Simon Sinek's wisdom as a guide for meaningful conversations.
✨ Inclusive speaking is king (or queen)! Fiona shares how understanding and embracing diverse audience perspectives can totally transform your message.
🗣️ Last but not least, you'll get insider tips on delivering impactful communication, nailing a memorable presentation, and yes, even crafting wedding speeches.
Here's a quirky little nugget: Did you know that Fiona Brennan-Scott's social media influence led to an unexpected diversity in her client demographics? Fascinating how the digital world shapes our real-life interactions!
Feeling sparked up? Your call to action is simply this – plug in those earphones, press play, and let's reshape the landscape of communication together. Trust me, this chat is as enlightening as it is delightful!
And we’re not about goodbyes without goodies here; so, to spice up your day, we invite you to share your thoughts on the episode. Drop us a line, start a dialogue, and who knows, your insights might just feature in our next newsletter!
Let's round off with a ripple, not just a splash. Remember, the voices we lift today echo into the future of inclusive communication. Thanks for tuning in, diving deep, and being part of this journey with us. You truly complete the conversation.
Speak to you soon!
Warmly,
The Inclusion Bites Podcast Team
P.S. Don't forget to grab a copy of Fiona’s book "Breathtaking Communication" for even more golden nuggets. Happy listening! 📖🎧
Potted Summary
Intro:
Welcome to The Inclusion Bites Podcast, where your host Joanne Lockwood converses with Fiona Brennan-Scott about the nuances of effective communication. From 'rubber ducking' for problem-solving to story-telling's emotional resonance, they explore how embracing inclusivity and diverse perspectives enriches engagement. Dive into this insightful discussion on the art of listening and the transformative power of giving everyone a voice in Episode 105: "Voice For Change".
In this conversation, we discuss:
👉 'Rubber Ducking'
👉 Emotional IQ
👉 Story Power
Here are a few of our favourite quotable moments:
"It's about understanding, not just waiting to speak." - Fiona Brennan-Scott
"A story is an economy of communication." - Fiona Brennan-Scott
"People remember the feeling, not just the facts." - Joanne Lockwood
Summary:
Sharpen your communication skills with Joanne and Fiona in "Voice For Change," where they dissect the essence of meaningful discourse, from empathetic listening to the power of personal stories. Engage with this episode to transform how you connect. Tune in now, and let's change the world, one conversation at a time. Listen to The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Episode 105, and discover the secret to impactful communication.
LinkedIn Poll
Opening Summary for Context:
In the latest episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast titled "Voice For Change," Joanne Lockwood and guest Fiona Brennan-Scott explore the power of voice and communication in fostering inclusivity and diversity. They underscore the significance of effective speaking, active listening, and the courage to share one's story authentically. From using your own "rubber duck" to the profound impact of storytelling, this episode dives into how we can all make the world a better place through our communication styles.
Poll Question:
How do you prefer to solve problems?
Poll Options:
💭 Rubber Ducking
😌 Listening Intently
🗨️ Discuss with Friends
✍️ Write Them Down
Closing: Why Vote?
We're curious to know how our listeners tackle their challenges after Fiona Brennan-Scott’s enlightening take on solving problems out loud with a "rubber duck." Your insights can influence future discussions and help us create content that resonates with you. Cast your vote, share your voice! #InclusionBites #VoiceForChange #CommunicationStyles #ProblemSolving
Highlight the Importance of this topic on LinkedIn
🎙️ In the latest episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, 'Voice For Change', Joanne Lockwood and special guest Fiona Brennan-Scott delve into the nuances of voice and communication in achieving true inclusivity.
🗣️ Fiona, transitioning from a speech and drama teacher to a voice and speech coach, illustrates the weight of listening and holding space for diverse opinions – a skill paramount in today's diverse work environment.
💡 The concept of 'rubber ducking' – speaking problems aloud to solve them without immediate responses – resonated with me deeply. As leaders and HR professionals, we're often quick to propose solutions, but what if we first took a moment to simply listen?
🕊️ Inclusion is not just about being present. It's about being heard, understood, and valued. Fiona's approach to creating a thinking environment by respecting the pauses, vulnerable storytelling, and embracing cultural intelligence truly highlights how we must adapt our engagement strategies for every unique voice.
🚀 As professionals in leadership, HR, or EDI, we recognize that every interaction and communication strategy impacts our culture and the sense of belonging among our teams. Let's embody the principles of #VoiceForChange – let's listen, include, and empower.
🤝 Join the conversation on how we can shape an inclusive future through impactful communication. It’s not about being perfect speakers; it’s about being authentic, compassionate communicators.
👂 Ready to listen and make a change? Check out episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast for inspiration. #InclusionMatters #Leadership #HR #Communication #PublicSpeaking #DiversityAndInclusion
[Link to podcast episode]
L&D Insights
Hello, fellow L&D professionals! If time constraints are keeping you from diving into the full breadth of "The Inclusion Bites Podcast" - especially the episode "Voice For Change," fear not. I've got the quintessential takeaways that you need to spearhead transformation in your roles.
🔊 The 'Voice For Change' episode with Joanne Lockwood and guest Fiona Brennan-Scott delivers critical cerebral tidbits. Fiona's journey from a speech and drama teacher to a speech coach underscores the oft-overlooked art of listening. For Senior Leaders, HR, and EDI professionals, this reminds us of the power embedded in silence and the richness that comes from truly absorbing diverse perspectives. It’s a call to become facilitators of ideas, not just solution machines.
💡 Fiona's use of "rubber ducking" for problem-solving elucidates how speaking a problem aloud can be cathartic and insightful. This could revolutionize our problem-solving strategies within our organizations. It urges a move away from the rapid-fire culture of instant solutions to one that values reflective and measured thought.
🎤 The concept of 'empty space' that Fiona mentions is an "aha moment." Allocating 20% of time for reflection and digestion in conferences and meetings could enhance creativity and problem-solving, moving our workplace conversations from transactional to transformational.
🌐 Fiona and Jo’s insights on diversity in audience and clientele are compelling. They remind us that the audience’s diverse perspectives are powerful; we must curate content with emotional intelligence and cultural understanding. It's about shifting from being an information deliverer to an empathy-driven communicator.
🔄 Based on this episode's discussion, it's evident that storytelling and authenticity resonate deeply with audiences. We should pivot towards a more narrative and personal approach to our leadership and training modules. It’s about evoking emotions and forging connections that last beyond the training room.
Here’s what we should do differently:
Incorporate listening skills into leadership development.
Foster an environment where vocalizing thoughts without immediate judgement or solutions is encouraged.
Reserve time for reflection in meetings.
Embrace and implement strategies that recognize audience diversity.
Lead with stories, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.
And, because we all know visibility matters, sprinkle your social platforms with these insights using the hashtags:
#InclusiveLeadership
#ActiveListening
#DiversePerspectives
#StorytellingInBusiness
#EmpathyDriven
Now, let's amplify those voices for change, infuse empathy into our communications, and be champions for truly inclusive workplaces.🚀
Shorts Video Script
Attention Grabbing Title:
Unlock the Power of Voice for Impactful Communication! #VoiceForChange #SpeakToConnect
Text on Screen: "🌟 Harness Your Voice"
Hey, are you looking to make your voice heard and create real change? Here's how you can amplify your message and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Text on Screen: "👂 Active Listening"
First, remember it's not just about talking; it's about listening too. When you truly listen, you create a space for genuine interaction and understanding. Build conversations where you're not just waiting to respond but actually absorbing what's being said.
Text on Screen: "🦆 Rubber Duck Problem-Solving"
Got a problem that's driving you nuts? Try the "rubber duck" method. No, don’t take it to bathtime – just talk it out loud as if you’re explaining it to a rubber duck. Sometimes, saying the problem out loud is all you need to start finding a solution.
Text on Screen: "❓ Start With 'Why'"
And when diving into topics or beliefs, always start with 'why.' It cuts to the heart of the matter and opens up a deeper dialogue. Plus, understanding the 'why' can be more insightful than the 'what.'
Text on Screen: "⏳ Value Their Time"
When you speak, whether it's in front of a crowd or in a meeting, ensure 20% of the time is unspoken. Embrace the pauses. It allows your audience to reflect on what’s been said and increases the impact of your message.
Text on Screen: "💡 One Key Takeaway"
Focus on leaving your audience with one memorable point when you finish talking. It's about making your message stick, ensuring they walk away with value added to their day.
Text on Screen: "🌐 Diverse Perspectives Matter"
Appreciating diverse viewpoints isn't just polite, it's powerful. Engage with emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and the kind of respect that transforms conversations into meaningful exchanges.
Text on Screen: "🎭 Storytelling: A Must!"
Use storytelling to your advantage. It’s the most economical form of communication; it’s memorable, relatable, and can stir up emotions, making your message more likely to resonate and be remembered.
Thanks for watching! Remember, together we can make a difference. Stay connected, stay inclusive! See you next time. ✨
Fade Out
Hashtags:
#EffectiveCommunication
#ListenToUnderstand
#InspireChange
#EmpathyInSpeaking
#InclusiveDialogue
Glossary of Terms and Phrases
Certainly! Within the episode "Voice For Change" of The Inclusion Bites Podcast hosted by Joanne Lockwood, there are several nuanced concepts and terms that are specific to the subjects of communication, inclusivity, and personal development. Here’s a list of those less commonly used words/phrases along with the definitions implied in the episode:
Rubber Ducking: A problem-solving method where an individual articulates a problem aloud to an inanimate object (like a rubber duck), which can help in finding the solution without additional input from another person. The term originates from the field of software development and has been applied to various problem-solving contexts.
Thinking Environment: A concept where the environment is specifically arranged to encourage and facilitate deep thinking. Within conversations, it allows for thoughtful reflection, and thoughtful expression. It involves creating a space where someone feels comfortable articulating their thoughts without interruption.
Storytelling as Economical Communication: This refers to the power of storytelling to convey complex ideas and emotions efficiently, in a manner that is easily digestible and memorable for the audience. Storytelling is considered ‘economical’ since a narrative can often achieve more effective communication with fewer words.
Emotional Intelligence: The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Emotional intelligence is crucial in inclusive communication and public speaking, as it allows one to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Cultural Intelligence: A person's capability to relate and work effectively across cultures. Cultural intelligence pertains to understanding different perspectives and showing respect for the beliefs and practices of different cultural groups, which is essential in inclusive communication.
Speaker Factor: This term likely refers to a specific competition or program that challenges emerging speakers to deliver impactful content within a brief timeframe. It tests speakers’ abilities to be concise, engaging, and memorable.
Breathtaking Communication: Although not explicitly defined in the provided facts, the context suggests that 'Breathtaking Communication' is likely about creating moments in speech that astonish or deeply engage the audience. Since Fiona Brennan-Scott authored a book with this title, it may also refer to her methodology or approach to exceptional communication skills.
Personal Brand: The unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want the world to see. It’s how you present yourself to others, especially in professional contexts, encompassing values and authenticity.
These terms are directly associated with the episode's central themes of communication, empathy, self-awareness, and the nuances of public speaking, and may not be in frequent use outside of these contexts.
SEO Optimised YouTube Content
Focus Keyword: Inclusive Communication Strategies
Title: Inclusive Communication Strategies | #InclusionBitesPodcast
Tags: inclusive communication, positive people experiences, culture change, diversity and inclusion, voice for change, Fiona Brennan-Scott, Joanne Lockwood, emotional intelligence, listener engagement, public speaking tips, storytelling in communication, personal branding, empowerment in communication, communication coaching, speech dynamics, audience connection, powerful storytelling, wedding speeches, cultural intelligence, belonging, inclusion bites, accountability in communication, authenticity in message, non-binary language, compassion in conversation,
Killer Quote: "It's not just about giving a speech, it's about creating a moment that resonates with everyone in the room." - Fiona Brennan-Scott
Hashtags: #InclusiveCommunication, #PositivePeopleExperiences, #CultureChange, #DiversityAndInclusion, #VoiceForChange, #EmotionalIntelligence, #PublicSpeaking, #PersonalBrand, #Empowerment, #Storytelling, #NonBinaryLanguage, #CommunicationTips, #AudienceEngagement, #Authenticity, #Empathy, #CulturalIntelligence, #InclusionBitesPodcast, #JoanneLockwood, #FionaBrennanScott, #ActiveListening,
Why Listen:
In today's age of information overload, standing out as a beacon for positive people experiences and a proponent for culture change takes more than just a message; it takes a masterful inclusive communication strategy to ensure everyone feels heard, valued, and included. I am Joanne Lockwood, and in this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, together with my guest Fiona Brennan-Scott, we delve into the heart of what it means to communicate inclusively and shape an environment where diverse voices are not only acknowledged but celebrated.
Fiona, with her wealth of experience transitioning from a speech and drama teacher to an acclaimed voice and speech coach, brings to light the transformative power of ending the cycle of incessant opinions and fixes, and instead, nurturing a space where listening and understanding take centre stage. We discuss the concept of "rubber ducking," and I share how this quacking-good method can be a game-changer in problem-solving, allowing for a stream of consciousness that often leads to breakthroughs without external input.
Our conversation journeys through the nuances of asking "why", the importance of including various demographics in all walks of communication coaching, and the dynamics of a captivating speech. We touch upon the potency of time, both filled and unfilled, and how the silent moments grant the audience space to reflect and digest the message conveyed.
In this episode, we emphasise one cannot underestimate the power of audience engagement, understanding the diversity of perspectives, and incorporating emotional intelligence into our dialogues. Moreover, we ponder the revered skill of listening with empathy, shining a light on the idea that true inclusion in communication means connecting with each individual, not only on an intellectual level but on an emotional one.
Fiona's journey to reaching a more diverse clientele, the influence of her social media presence, networking, and her splendour in storytelling — especially referencing the emotional impact of plays like The Colour Purple — unfolds in our discussion, offering invaluable insights into fostering emotional connections with your audience.
Together, we explore the ebb and flow of conversations, from the captivating art of storytelling to the intentional use of silence, and ultimately, to the importance of crafting a message with a clear takeaway. In an emotionally-driven world where reason sometimes takes the back seat, we endeavour to spotlight the essence of what makes people remember a conversation: the feelings they are left with.
Drawing from experiences in inclusivity from Toastmasters to personal tales, we weave through the intricacies of adapting communication styles to suit non-binary thinking, the complexities of introverts in public speaking, and the hidden strengths of those who might shy away from the spotlight.
Whether you are professionally crafting talks, aiding clients like Fiona does or connecting with others in everyday conversations, the wisdom in this episode beckons you to reflect on your approach, ensuring it encompasses positive people experiences that are inclusive and resonant.
Closing Summary and Call to Action:
As we reflect on the rich tapestry of discussion Fiona and I untangled in today’s episode, it’s vital to enumerate the crucial learning points and actionable insights that you, our cherished listener, can take forward:
Embrace "rubber ducking" as a reflective tool, talking through your problems to a passive listener or object to discover solutions within your own narrative.
Integrate the five 'why's' into your curiosity toolbox to delve deep into the essence of beliefs and ideas around you.
Understand and utilise the power of thoughtful inclusion and diversity within your community or audience.
Dedicate a proportion of your communicative efforts to silence, allowing for absorption and reflection, thus facilitating deeper connections.
When conveying a message, focus on building an emotional bridge to your audience, prioritising how you make them feel over what you tell them.
Inject cultural and emotional intelligence into every engagement, respecting and valuing the individuality and collective experiences of those you interact with.
Acknowledge the role of non-verbal cues and the significance of body language, as well as the underrated skill of active listening, in truly inclusive communication.
Revere storytelling as a dynamic communication vehicle, and aim to create an emotive pathway for your message to travel through the hearts and minds of your audience.
Balance the scales of sharing your message while inviting dialogues that offer equal opportunities for others to voice their thoughts and experiences.
Continuously cultivate your personal brand and align it authentically with your core values, ensuring that the essence of your public persona mirrors your private endeavours.
Remember, the beauty of communication lies in the diversity of its expression, and leading by example fosters a world abundant in positive people experiences.
Outro:
Thank you ever so much for tuning into this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast. If you've been inspired to refine your inclusive communication strategies or you simply want to be part of the vital conversations we're having here, do consider liking and subscribing to our channel. For more information, insights, and episodes exploring how we can all contribute to making our world more inclusive and equitable for everyone, visit the SEE Change Happen website at https://seechangehappen.co.uk or listen to The Inclusion Bites Podcast directly at https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen.
Stay curious, stay kind, and stay inclusive - Joanne Lockwood
Root Cause Analyst - Why!
We'll engage with this task by using the "5 Whys" technique to delve into a key problem related to this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast. Let's explore the challenge of ensuring diversity and inclusivity in the field of communication and public speaking, a theme touched upon by Fiona Brennan-Scott in the episode.
Problem:
Public speakers and voice coaches like Fiona Brennan-Scott initially struggle to reach a diverse clientele.
Why?
Potential clients from diverse backgrounds may not be aware of the services offered by communication professionals.
Why?
Communication professionals historically may not have targeted these groups in their marketing efforts, possibly due to existing industry norms or assumptions about the market.
Why?
There could be a lack of understanding or data on the benefits of speech coaching for diverse groups, leading to unintentional exclusion in marketing strategies.
Why?
Research into the needs and preferences of different demographic groups in communication skills development might be limited or not effectively disseminated.
Why?
Diversity in communication fields might not have been valued historically, leading to a cyclical effect where diversity in talent and clientele isn't recognised or prioritised.
Summary of Findings:
The challenge of reaching a diverse clientele in the communication and public speaking industry may stem from a historical lack of emphasis on the needs and benefits of voice coaching for various demographics. This could have led to a lack of targeted marketing and data, resulting in perpetuated industry norms that exclude non-traditional client groups.
Suggested Solutions:
Conduct thorough market research to understand the needs and preferences of diverse groups with respect to communication and public speaking.
Develop inclusive marketing campaigns that specifically target and appeal to a wide range of demographics and emphasise the benefits of voice coaching.
Create partnerships with organisations that have a diverse membership base to raise awareness of the benefits of communication coaching.
Offer workshops or introductory sessions tailored to the unique communication challenges faced by different demographic groups.
Regularly showcase success stories and testimonials from a diverse clientele to highlight inclusivity.
Encourage diversity and cultural competence training for professionals in the industry to better understand and connect with a varied clientele.
By addressing these areas, communication professionals like Fiona Brennan-Scott can continue to expand their reach and impact, fostering an inclusive environment in the field of communication and beyond.
TikTok/Reels/Shorts Video Summary
Focus Keyword: Empowering Voices
Title: Empowering Voices: Speaking Up for Inclusion | #InclusionBitesPodcast
Tags: Empowering Voices, Inclusion Bites Podcast, Voice For Change, Inclusive Communication, Public Speaking, Diversity in Speaking, Positive People Experiences, Culture Change, Emotional Intelligence, Joanne Lockwood, Fiona Brennan-Scott, Inclusive Leadership, Effective Storytelling, Engagement Skills, Empathy in Speaking, Listening Skills, Authentic Expression, Communication Coaching, Speaker Diversity, Breathtaking Communication, Gender Inclusivity, Personal Branding, Meaningful Dialogue, Audience Connection, Silence in Communication,
Killer Quote: "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." - Fiona Brennan-Scott
Hashtags: #EmpoweringVoices, #InclusiveCommunication, #PositivePeopleExperiences, #CultureChange, #PublicSpeaking, #DiversityAndInclusion, #EmotionalIntelligence, #JoanneLockwood, #FionaBrennanScott, #ListeningSkills, #AuthenticExpression, #CommunicationCoaching, #SpeakerDiversity, #InclusiveLeadership, #Storytelling, #GenderInclusivity, #PersonalBranding, #EngagementSkills, #MeaningfulDialogue, #AudienceConnection,
Summary Description:
In today's fast-paced environment, it is vital to empower voices, to share divergent perspectives, and foster Positive People Experiences in every walk of life. This bite-sized snippet from "The Inclusion Bites Podcast" features myself, Joanne Lockwood, and the voice extraordinaire Fiona Brennan-Scott as we peel back the layers of what it means to create a Culture Change through inclusion-driven communication. In this episode, we dive deep into the essence of empathetic listening, showcasing the nuances of how to make every voice count. Why should you listen? Because finding your voice might just be the key to unlocking new perspectives and driving social change. For more insights, tune in to the full episode, and let's journey through the art of conversation together.
Outro:
Thank you, dear listeners, for tuning into this exclusive peak of "The Inclusion Bites Podcast". Your support means the world to us, so if you like what you've heard, don't hesitate to like and subscribe to the channel. For a more in-depth exploration into today's topic, be sure to check out the full episode on https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen. You can also find more enlightening content and resources at https://seechangehappen.co.uk.
Stay curious, stay kind, and stay inclusive - Joanne Lockwood
Canva Slider Checklist
Episode Carousel
Slide 1: "Are Your Conversations Truly Inclusive?"
🤔 Is your voice leaving room for change? Discover how what you say—and don't say—can foster inclusion. #InclusionBitesPodcast #VoiceForChange
Slide 2: "Meet Fiona Brennan-Scott"
🎙️ Dive into Fiona's transformation from a drama teacher to a voice coach championing inclusivity. From 'rubber ducking' to understanding diverse client needs. #SpeakingForInclusion #ListenAndLearn
Slide 3: "Silence is Golden"
🤫 Explore the potent impact of silence and why sometimes it speaks louder than words. Fiona & Joanne discuss the art of creating space for thought in communication. #PowerOfPause #InclusiveCommunication
Slide 4: "Storytelling: The Heart of Connection"
📖 Uncover the emotional power of storytelling with examples from 'The Colour Purple'. Learn from Fiona how to use your narrative to engage and move your audience. #TellYourStory #BreathtakingCommunication
Slide 5: "Tune into 'Voice For Change'"
🎧 Ready to elevate your communication skills? Listen to Episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast with Joanne Lockwood and special guest Fiona Brennan-Scott. Link in bio! #Podcast #JoinTheConversation
6 major topics
Title: Embracing Diversity Through the Power of Communication with Fiona Brennan-Scott
Introduction
In a world teeming with an array of voices and stories, standing out while genuinely embracing diversity can be quite the balancing act. I recently had the pleasure of conversing with Fiona Brennan-Scott, a trainer, coach, and speaker extraordinary, about just how powerful our voices can be in the pursuit of inclusion. We delved deep into the nuances of communication, exploring themes that resonate with anyone looking to make their mark through authentic interaction.
Finding Your Voice
It's one thing to speak up, but quite another to find a voice that truly reflects who you are. Fiona spoke candidly about the voyage from speech and drama teacher to becoming a voice and speech coach. This transition amplified the need for listening - a skill often overshadowed by our desire to be heard. How often do we pause to consider the weight of our words, or even the power of our silence? Perhaps the secret to effective communication lies not just in being heard, but also in hearing.
The Art of 'Rubber Ducking'
Every now and then, a simple yet brilliant idea comes along that revolutionizes the way we approach challenges. Enter the 'rubber ducking' technique; a quirky title for a method of problem-solving that involves explaining an issue to an inanimate object. Fiona found solace and clarity in sharing her quandaries with her 'rubber duck', often in the form of her husband. Seek solace in simplicity – I'm curious, could a chat with your very own rubber duck lead to revelations?
Inclusivity in Voice Coaching
In our chat, the subject of inclusivity within the realm of voice coaching took centre stage. With captivating stories, Fiona enlightened me on her diverse clientele. It's been a journey of both learning and unlearning, endeavouring to ensure her coaching space is one where all voices can flourish. What unexpected demographics might be waiting to uncover their vocal potential under your tutelage?
Embracing the Pause
A resonant theme Fiona and I explored was the potency of the pause. When speaking, why not welcome that 20% of empty time? As we discussed the dynamics of a live audience, the mutual recognition of the impact of silence unveiled itself. Have you considered the transformative power of pausing, not just in speech, but in life's cacophony of moments?
The Power of Inclusion and Emotional Intelligence
Diving into the heart of our conversation, we highlighted the profound influence of understanding diversity and practicing inclusion within our interactions. Fiona and I pondered over the vitality of emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and compassion. Could a deeper grasp of these elements revolutionize our connections and lead to more meaningful dialogues?
The Emotional Impact of Storytelling
The enchanting power of storytelling emerged as a critical theme through our discourse. Fiona shared the affective potency held within the authentic tales we tell—the kind that lingers long after the curtain falls, as seen in powerful plays like 'The Colour Purple'. Does this stir a yearning within you, too, to shape tales that touch hearts and challenge minds?
Conclusion
In recounting my enriching exchange with Fiona Brennan-Scott, it's the resounding embrace of diversity in communication that strings each narrative thread together. Whether it's amplifying the silent spaces within our dialogues, fostering inclusivity in coaching, or wielding storytelling as a force for connection, the journey towards understanding and engagement is ongoing. Our shared resonance on imparting messages that not just inform but transform, serves as a testament to the journey we're all on – to foster a world where every voice is not only heard but valued. Will your next conversation capture the spirit of these revelations, I wonder?
[Guest's Contact Information and Related Content]
To connect with Fiona Brennan-Scott and discover the transformative power of your own communication, you can follow her journey and insights, or grab a copy of her book 'Breathtaking Communication'. And remember, it is in the melding of our voices, rich with diverse experiences, that we craft a symphony of truly inclusive conversation.
[Meta Description]
Join Joanne Lockwood in a captivating discussion with Fiona Brennan-Scott as they explore the art of communication, the impact of listening, and the power of inclusion in creating a world where every voice matters. Discover the transformative role of storytelling and the beauty of silence in this journey through diversity and connection.
TikTok Summary
🎙️✨ "Tune into a riveting episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast where our awe-inspiring host Joanne Lockwood stirs a conversation with the charismatic Fiona Brennan-Scott. 🌟 Unpack the nuances of powerful communication and the art of listening in 'Voice For Change'. 🗣️💫 Discover the transformation from words to impactful action, and how embracing diversity in voice can transform our world. 🌍💬 This is more than just a talk—it's a movement! Ready to be part of the change? 🚀
👉 Click the link to dive into the full episode: https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
#InclusionBites #VoiceForChange #Podcast #DiversityAndInclusion #PublicSpeaking #Empowerment #ListenToUnderstand #InclusiveCommunication #EmbraceYourVoice"
Slogans and Image Prompts
Certainly, here are some potential slogans, soundbites, and quotes from the episode "Voice For Change" of The Inclusion Bites Podcast that could be used on merchandise. Alongside each one, I have included a detailed AI image generation prompt to create visuals that could accompany these items.
Slogan: "Listen, Speak, Empower"
AI Image Generation Prompt: Illustrate a group of diverse individuals in a circle, one speaking and the others listening attentively. They are surrounded by abstract icons of sound waves and light bulbs, symbolising ideas and empowerment. The background is warm and welcoming, suggesting inclusivity and understanding. The words "Listen, Speak, Empower" curve over the top of the circle in bold, friendly lettering.Soundbite: "Rubber Ducking Revolution"
AI Image Generation Prompt: Create an image of a cartoon-style rubber duck wearing headphones and a microphone, against a backdrop of speech bubbles containing various symbols like question marks, light bulbs, and gears. The rubber duck looks animated as if it's speaking with enthusiasm, and below it, the words "Rubber Ducking Revolution" appear in a playful, sans-serif font.Quote: "Embrace the Silence, Amplify the Voice"
AI Image Generation Prompt: Visualise a serene scene with a single figure standing on an open stage under a spotlight, with a captivated audience shown in silhouette. The stage is set against a backdrop of a silent, peaceful night sky sprinkled with stars. The quote "Embrace the Silence, Amplify the Voice" is written in elegant, flowing script at the bottom of the image.Hashtag: #AskWhyToUnderstand
AI Image Generation Prompt: Depict a stylised human head in profile, with a maze inside their brain, a key in the center illustrating the solution. At the forefront, a question mark transitions smoothly into a lightbulb, symbolising the spark of understanding. Above the image, the hashtag #AskWhyToUnderstand is written in bold, clear typeface with a slight gradient to draw attention.Slogan: "Inclusive Minds, Engaging Voices"
AI Image Generation Prompt: Generate an image of a tapestry woven with threads of different colours and textures, coming together to form a harmonious and vibrant pattern. Interspersed among the threads are small pictograms representing different voices and perspectives. The slogan "Inclusive Minds, Engaging Voices" is stitched into the border of the tapestry in a complementary font.Quote: "Connection Over Content"
AI Image Generation Prompt: Craft a conceptual image showing two hands reaching towards each other, with a spark of light connect them. The background is composed of blurred out words and numbers, implying the importance of connection over content. The phrase "Connection Over Content" is placed at the top in bold, modern lettering that stands out against the image.Soundbite: "Silence Isn't Empty, It's Full of Answers"
AI Image Generation Prompt: Illustrate an abstract image of a figure sitting in meditation encircled by a speech bubble that's transparent and filled with swirling cosmic imagery, signifying the universe of answers found in silence. The soundbite "Silence Isn't Empty, It's Full of Answers" encircles the figure in a circular, Zen-like font.
These slogans and soundbites could make memorable and desirable merchandise, communicating the core themes of the podcast and resonating with listeners who wish to carry a piece of "Voice For Change" with them.
Inclusion Bites Spotlight
In the latest enthralling instalment of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, titled "Voice For Change," we had the pleasure of welcoming Fiona Brennan-Scott. Bridging the gap between voice coaching and inclusive communication, Fiona’s journey from a speech and drama teacher to an acclaimed voice and speech coach creates a narrative that resonates with the very ethos of our podcast. Her transition unveils the pivotal role that active listening and empathetic silence play in fostering an environment where every voice can truly be heard and valued.
Fiona brings to light the invaluable practice of "rubber ducking" – a problem-solving technique where verbalizing issues aloud leads to clarity sans the immediate urgency for answers or judgement. Through her personal anecdotes, including those of using her husband as her "rubber duck," Fiona adds a relatable human touch to this powerful communicative strategy.
Moreover, Fiona's insights dive deep into inclusivity in the coaching realm, detailing how a diversity of clientele enriches the coaching experience and promotes a culture of true belonging. Both Fiona and our host, Joanne Lockwood, share their journeys of public speaking, the nuances of creating engaging Q&A sessions, and the art of storytelling with the power to transform an audience’s perspective, all while emphasizing the significance of inclusion in every interaction.
This episode is not merely a discussion but an exploration into the soul of communication – how we can move beyond just talking and start weaving dialogues that are imbued with emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, and compassion. Fiona Brennan-Scott, with her profound expertise, illustrates the importance of a "thinking environment" and the impact it can have on our audience, our message, and the inclusive world we strive to create.
Join us in Episode 105 of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, where Fiona Brennan-Scott's transformative ideas speak volumes, instilling courage and affirmation in our shared quest to give voice to change. Let her narrative guide us in embracing the diversity of voices that surround us and in mastering the art of listening that precedes true communication.
YouTube Description
Title: The Power of Inclusive Communication | Voice for Change | Inclusion Bites Podcast Ep #105
Description:
🎙️ Are you ready to transform the way you communicate? In this pivotal episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, #VoiceForChange, our host, Joanne Lockwood, explores the depths of conversational impact with guest Fiona Brennan-Scott. This isn't just about speaking; it's about revolutionising how we engage with one another. 🚀
💡 Opening with a challenge to the norm, Joanne delves into why our discussions frequently become battlegrounds for opinions, where the aim is to fix rather than to understand. Fiona, transitioning from a speech and drama teacher to a specialised coach, sheds light on the underrated art of listening and the power of simply holding space.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to foster deeper connections in every interaction. Discover the secrets to inclusivity and diversity that Fiona has mastered in reaching an unexpectedly varied clientele. Understand the profound significance of 'rubber ducking' – a problem-solving technique where speaking out loud beats the need for immediate answers.
🌍 We'll navigate through the essentials of knowing your audience and the cultural and emotional intelligence required to truly resonate with them. Recognising the value of Q&As and crafting a think space by embracing pauses, Fiona and Joanne underline the importance of not just what we say but how we say it.
Tune in as they dissect the compelling dynamics of live speeches, the emotional web of storytelling, and the art of delivering value to your audience every time you take the stage. Connect through the narratives you share, like the profound impact of stories from 'The Colour Purple'.
🔑 Closing this masterclass of communication, our speakers share actionable takeaways that will empower you to make every word count, ensuring you leave others enlightened, not just informed. #InclusionMatters, and through #AuthenticCommunication, we can all create a world where every voice finds its place.
What steps will you take to ensure your communication is not just heard but felt and remembered?
#InclusiveLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #Storytelling #PublicSpeaking #DiversityAndInclusion #PersonalBrand #EmotionalIntelligence #CulturalIntelligence #BreathtakingCommunication #InclusionBites
📚 Discover more about Fiona Brennan-Scott's journey in her book "Breathtaking Communication" and stay tuned for more episodes with Joanne Lockwood as she continues to unveil the essentials of inclusive and transformative dialogue.
🌟 Remember, genuine conversation goes beyond words. It's about the emotion, connection, and understanding we foster. Let's become architects of dialogue that builds bridges, not walls. Act now and redefine how you communicate with the world.
👉 For further insights and resources, make sure to visit [Podcast Website] and connect with us on our social platforms.
🎧 Listen, Learn, and Lead: Join the quest for a more inclusive world on The Inclusion Bites Podcast – where every conversation counts.
[Podcast Website Link]
[Connect with Joanne Lockwood: jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk]
[Subscribe to our Podcast]
[Follow us on Social Media]
#TheInclusionBitesPodcast #ChangeMakers #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorldOfPossibilities
10 Question Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz:
What concept does Joanne Lockwood discuss as a method for solving problems by speaking aloud?
A) Echo reasoning
B) Sound boarding
C) Rubber ducking
D) Mirror talkingWhat book does Joanne mention which explores the idea of asking 'why' to understand the essence of a belief or idea?
A) 'Find Your Why' by Peter Docker
B) 'Drive' by Daniel H. Pink
C) 'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek
D) 'Leaders Eat Last' by Simon SinekWhich public speaking organisation did Joanne Lockwood mention her experience with?
A) Rotary Club
B) Toastmasters
C) Ted Talks
D) Lions Club InternationalWhat percentage of time does Fiona Brennan-Scott suggest should be left empty during speaking engagements?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 15%
D) 20%What does Joanne Lockwood consider important to focus on for audience engagement and retention when delivering a message?
A) Offering prizes
B) One key takeaway
C) Visual aids
D) Multiple case studiesAccording to the discussion, what kind of intelligences are essential in conversations for respecting individuals?
A) Artificial and spatial intelligence
B) Logical and mathematical intelligence
C) Emotional and cultural intelligence
D) Naturalistic and existential intelligenceWhat aspect of communication did Fiona Brennan-Scott discuss using the example of watching a play like 'The Colour Purple'?
A) Argumentative skills
B) Storytelling
C) Grammatical precision
D) Technical jargonWhat type of language did Joanne Lockwood share her experience of using in her career?
A) Persuasive language
B) Binary language
C) Poetic language
D) Sign languageWhat is the name of the annual competition for emerging speakers mentioned in the podcast?
A) Speaker's Corner
B) Speaker Star
C) Speaker Factor
D) Speaker ChallengeWhat is the professional title of Fiona Brennan-Scott, the guest on this episode?
A) Actor and Director
B) Speech and Drama Teacher
C) Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and Author
D) Sound Engineer
Answer Key:
C) Rubber ducking - Joanne introduces the term "rubber ducking" while discussing problem-solving techniques.
C) 'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek - This book is mentioned when discussing the significance of understanding underlying beliefs.
B) Toastmasters - Joanne recounts her experiences at Toastmasters and the speaking challenges faced there.
D) 20% - Fiona suggests allowing 20% of the time to be empty during speeches to facilitate audience processing.
B) One key takeaway - Joanne emphasizes the importance of one key takeaway to keep the audience engaged and enhance message retention.
C) Emotional and cultural intelligence - These intelligences are highlighted as crucial in conversations for understanding diverse perspectives.
B) Storytelling - Fiona discusses the power of storytelling and references the emotional impact of plays like 'The Colour Purple'.
B) Binary language - Joanne talks about her past use of binary language and adapting communication styles.
C) Speaker Factor - They discuss the difficulty of delivering content in a limited time at the annual competition "speaker factor".
C) Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and Author - Fiona Brennan-Scott is introduced with this professional title, which encompasses her diverse roles.
Summary Paragraph:
In the enlightening 'Voice For Change' episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, host Joanne Lockwood discusses pivotal communication techniques and personal experiences that shape our understanding of effective public speaking and inclusion. She introduces the 'rubber ducking' method, a critical problem-solving technique that involves articulating thoughts aloud. The importance of asking 'why', derived from Simon Sinek's book 'Start with Why', reveals the profound underlying beliefs behind ideas and conversations. Joanne's engagement with Toastmasters underlines varied experiences in public speaking while embracing emotional and cultural intelligence becomes imperative in conversations where respect and dialogue reign. Fiona Brennan-Scott's transition to a Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and Author is marked by her emphasis on storytelling's impact, as seen in emotional mediums like 'The Colour Purple' and her advice on the necessity of including a 20% silent pause in speeches to provide audiences with reflection time. Joanne's mention of the significance of one key takeaway demonstrates her knowledge of audience retention strategies, and her past use of binary language reflects evolving inclusive communication styles. Furthermore, the annual Speaker Factor event is recognised as an exciting platform for emerging speakers to showcase their oratory skills. All these elements combine to highlight the nuanced power of voice in creating an inclusive and engaging space for every individual to be heard.
Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm Podcast Poetry
Title: Voices from the Heart, a Harmonious Art
In discourse realms where sharing means to mend,
We seek not to break but to be the friend.
With ears wide open, and mouths oft shut tight,
We understand, reflect, and hold thoughts in the light.
A teacher once guided speech and enacted scenes grand,
Now listens and coaches with a gentle hand.
Rubber duck soliloquies, solutions in air,
Streaming forth ideas, for a listener rare.
In loyalty to Why, our essences unfurl,
As stories swirl and philosophies twirl.
Inclusion's embrace in tones divergent,
Shows the unexpected paths to a crowd emergent.
A speaker's craft timed, rehearsed with precision,
Yet the space in the span holds the audience's vision.
Flowing dialogues, Q&A's dance,
Where minds meet and thoughts advance.
With voice and pause, creating a sphere,
A thinking environment, all too clear.
Silence's impact, we must not underestimate,
For in quietude lies a chance to contemplatively relate.
One key takeaway, crafted with care,
Speaking to hearts, our messages bear.
Value the listeners, in time do invest,
Focusing outcomes that truly manifest.
With tales as our sail in the communicative sea,
We navigate channels of emotion, free.
Avoiding binary anchors, spectral tongues we employ,
To speak to all minds, in inclusive decry.
Introverts and orators, each with their place,
In the spotlight or shadows, with equal grace.
A cerebral challenge, yet emotionally dense,
Is the art of speaking with eloquence.
So, let's embrace the vast theater of the mind,
Where empathy and understanding are intertwined.
For every soul harbors a unique light,
Diverse in its spectrum, yet equally bright.
Engage not just in words, but with presence full,
For it's the felt that pierces the logical lull.
Embrace culture, authenticity, in our communal quest,
Communing without fear, in confidence, we invest.
For a narrative spun resounds longer than fact,
It's the emotion in delivery that makes the impact.
Subscribe, uphold this collective affection,
Join the orchestra of voices, in harmonious reflection.
With thanks to Fiona Brennan-Scott for a fascinating podcast episode.
Key Learnings
Key Learning:
Communication is a multifaceted tool that serves not only to convey our messages but also to build meaningful connections and foster inclusivity. By honing our ability to listen actively, embracing silence, and being mindful of our audience's diverse needs and perspectives, we create an environment that encourages genuine understanding and exchange. Storytelling emerges as a powerful technique to evoke emotions and ensure our messages are not just heard, but felt and remembered, thereby making our verbal interactions both impactful and inclusive.
Blurb 1:
Discover the transformative power of listening in this week's episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast. Joanne Lockwood and Fiona Brennan-Scott delve into how truly hearing others can lead to deeper connections and more inclusive conversations.
Blurb 2:
Learn the art of 'rubber ducking' and the importance of introspection in communication. Our latest episode with Fiona Brennan-Scott highlights how speaking your thoughts aloud can be a tool for clarity and problem-solving.
Blurb 3:
Uncover the emotional depth of storytelling with Fiona Brennan-Scott, and understand its role in effective communication. This episode demonstrates how narratives can transcend mere words, resonating on a profound level with diverse audiences.
Blurb 4:
Fiona Brennan-Scott shares compelling insights into respecting audience diversity and crafting messages with emotional intelligence. Tune in to explore how embracing these principles can enhance engagement and drive change.
Book Outline
Book Outline: "The Essence of Inclusive Communication"
Introduction
Reflect on the shift from speech and drama teaching to becoming a voice and speech coach.
Discuss the importance of creating spaces where voices can be truly heard.
Chapter 1: The Art of Listening
Segregate the art of listening from the usual act of awaiting one's turn to speak.
Detail experiences of coaching practices on active listening and holding space.
Chapter 2: Solving Problems Aloud
Introduce the "rubber ducking" method as a problem-solving technique.
Share anecdotes about overcoming challenges through this particular strategy.
Chapter 3: Discovering the 'Why'
Discuss the transformational process of delving into the purpose behind ideas and beliefs.
Analyze the implications of Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" in terms of communication.
Chapter 4: Inclusivity in Coaching
Elucidate on the journey towards embracing a more diverse client base.
Express the influence of diversity and inclusion in modern coaching.
Chapter 5: The Dynamics of Public Speaking
Explore the nuances of time management and audience engagement during speeches.
Reflect on experiences within Toastmasters and other speaking engagements.
Chapter 6: The Power of Silence
Delve into the impact of silence and pauses within communication.
Discuss the audience's response to reflective spaces in public speaking.
Chapter 7: Distilling the Message
Highlight the significance of focusing on key takeaways for audience retention.
Illustrate how to gauge audience engagement and manage speaking content.
Chapter 8: Emotional and Cultural Intelligence in Communication
Emphasize the need for emotional empathy and cultural understanding in conversations.
Share stories that illustrate the integration of intelligence types in dialogue.
Chapter 9: Storytelling as Communication
Discuss the efficiency of storytelling in relaying complex messages powerfully.
Provide examples, such as the play "The Colour Purple," to show storytelling impact.
Chapter 10: Adaptive Language and Expression
Narrate experiences with binary language and adapting communication styles.
Articulate the importance of non-binary language in inclusive communication.
Chapter 11: Misconceptions and Introversion in Public Speaking
Bust myths around introverts and public speaking, leveraging personal anecdotes.
Explain the character inhabiting as an alternative strategy for introverted speakers.
Chapter 12: Empowering Versus Being in the Spotlight
Argue the preference for empowering others to speak rather than seeking personal limelight.
Share insights on transitioning from speaker to coach and the value it brings to others.
Chapter 13: The Role of Personal Brand in Communication
Delve into the concept of personal brand and its implications on attracting clients.
Discuss the relationship between authenticity, value alignment, and communication.
Chapter 14: Beyond Words: The Full Spectrum of Communication
Analyze the roles of body language, eye contact, and audience engagement in delivering messages.
Assert that emotional appeal often takes precedence over logical explanation.
Chapter 15: Holistic Storytelling
Elaborate on the importance of cultural and personal narratives in effective communication.
Share strategies like the use of analogies, metaphors, and personal stories to enhance understanding.
Conclusion: Unleashing the Voice Within
Sum up the transformative power of inclusive communication.
Encourage readers to harness their unique voice with confidence and empathy.
Appendices
Supplementary exercises for practicing techniques discussed in the book.
A repository of additional resources to delve deeper into topics touched upon in the narrative.
Final Touches
Propose potential titles that encapsulate the book's essence.
Provide chapter summaries that outline the primary focus and learning points of each section.
Call to Action
Encourage readers to apply the principles in their daily communication.
Invite readers to join a community of inclusive communicators, furthering their journey.
🔖 Titles
Harnessing the Power of Voice: Diverse Communication for Inclusion
Speaking to Include: Transforming Communication in a Diverse World
Finding Your Unique Voice: Inclusivity in the Art of Communication
Voices for Change: Inclusive Speech and the Art of Listening
Communicating with Courage: Embracing Diversity through Dialogue
The Fearless Speaker: Empowerment through Inclusive Expression
The Inclusive Communicator’s Journey: Speaking, Listening, Connecting
Silence and Storytelling: Building Bridges with Words
Voicing Identity: The Role of Speech in Inclusion
Beyond Words: Fostering Inclusivity in Public Speaking
Key Learnings
Key Learning:
The most important key learning from the episode "Voice for Change" is the power and necessity of intentional communication and listening in fostering inclusion, understanding, and meaningful connections. The conversation between Joanne Lockwood and guest Fiona Brennan-Scott underscores that effective communication isn't just about speaking but also involves active listening, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence to truly engage with an audience's diverse perspectives, leading to an inclusive environment where every voice matters.
Point #1:
Fiona Brennan-Scott's transition from a speech and drama teacher to a voice and speech coach highlights the importance of not only expressing oneself but also creating spaces for others to be heard. Emphasising listening without interruption, she demonstrates how open dialogue can lead to better mutual understanding and inclusivity.
Point #2:
The episode introduces the concept of "rubber ducking" - discussing problems aloud to oneself or a non-interactive listener as a problem-solving technique. This approach can help individuals process their thoughts without the necessity for feedback, suggesting that sometimes the act of verbalising is a powerful tool for clarity.
Point #3:
Understanding your audience is critical in effective communication. Joanne Lockwood and Fiona Brennan-Scott discuss the value of pausing to allow the audience to reflect, and the importance of delivering one key takeaway tailored to the audience's needs, ensuring that the message has a meaningful impact and resonates strongly with them.
Point #4:
The episode explores the underestimated skill of silence in conversations - the ability to hold space without the rush to fill it with words. This reflects a depth of emotional and cultural intelligence, and the power to cultivate an environment where every contribution is valued, and diverse viewpoints are respected.
Key Learnings
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.
Maxims to live by…
Absolutely, here are a series of maxims gleaned from the recording's concepts for the Inclusion Bites Podcast, "Voice For Change":
Let conversations be dialogues, not monologues – listen without planning your response.
Be a 'rubber duck' to someone; allow them to express thoughts aloud without interjecting.
Pursue understanding by asking 'why' – uncover the essence of beliefs and ideas.
Embrace diversity and inclusivity in your professional endeavours and personal interactions.
Allocate time for silence and reflection – they are powerful tools for communication.
When delivering a message, focus on one key takeaway for stronger audience engagement.
Respect your audience's time by delivering a message that adds genuine value.
Strive for emotional and cultural intelligence to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives.
Master the art of listening as an active, empathetic participant in conversations.
Harness the power of storytelling – it’s an efficient and effective mode of sharing experiences.
Avoid binary language; be inclusive and adapt communication to engage all minds.
Recognise that public speaking is a skill introverts can excel at by channeling their innate qualities.
Aim to empower others through your expertise, shining the spotlight on collective growth.
Value authenticity and acknowledge the personal brand you project to attract like-minded individuals.
Convey complexity simply – make your communication accessible and understandable.
Cultivate self-awareness; alignment between behaviour and values fosters genuine connections.
Use body language, eye contact, and full engagement to complement verbal communication.
Believe in the transformative power of emotions – people remember how you made them feel.
Lean on metaphor, analogy, and personal stories to aid comprehension and recall.
Each maxim translates essential teachings from the episode into actionable wisdom for listeners, supporting the overarching goal of The Inclusion Bites Podcast to advocate for inclusion, belonging, and the betterment of society for all individuals.
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