First WIT Session from RMOUG, 4/18/2013

1. Women and
Communication
in the Work
Place
RMOUG WIT Session
April 18th, 2013

2. Communication Women’s
Zen?
 52%- Stated communication held women
back.
 Communication Style is Vitally Important
 Developing a style that is still true to one
self, yet comfortable in a male oriented
career

3. How do Women Weaken Their
Image in Communication?

4. 1. Too Much Head Nodding
 Nodding to women says, “I hear you.”
 Nodding to men says, “I agree with you.”
 Can be perceived as weakness or end up
in miscommunication.
 Do not assume, lessen nodding.
 Often men stop listening when repeating
info. Ask and clarify instead.

5. 2. Uptalk
 RisingInflection at the end of a sentence.
 Appears as a question instead of a
statement or opinion.
 Vocal pattern is not taken seriously.
 Practicebringing voice down at end of
sentence.

6. 3. Be Assertive
 “Do you think you could get me the data by
tomorrow?”
 “We are a great team, right?”
 Unintentionally sends a weak message vs. one
of strength.
 Minimizes the message.
 Remove taglines from communication with
others. Be convinced of your own
communication before you speak to others.
 Use statements instead of questions.

7. 4. Allowing to be Interrupted
 Men easily jump in and say what they are
thinking.
 Women often hold back.
 Women more often allow themselves to
be interrupted or cut off.
 Say-“I’m not finished” or “Please, wait, I’m
not done.” Do not hesitate to jump in
when you should.

8. 5. Speak up!
 Oftenhear, “thought a fool or speak and
remove all doubt”.
 Women often wait to be called on
 Have difficulty taking the floor.
 Committo making one contribution at
every meeting or other event.

9. 6. Losing Credit for Ideas
 Always one that will take credit for other’s
ideas happily.
 Impedes the other’s professional progress.
 Speak up and claim contributions,
“Excuse me, I just said that a minute ago.
How is that different from what I just
proposed.” Take credit for what you do!

10. 7. Problem Solving
 Problems are thoroughly reviewed before a
woman overcomes it.
 Discussion is an obstacle to the solution for
many men, as the same for decisions.
 Ensure that when wanting discussion with
male colleagues, get to point quickly unless
specifically clear about the agenda.
 Ensure deadlines are clear for both parties.

11. 8. Avoid Public Speaking
 Considered one of the biggest mistakes in
women’s careers today.
 Public speaking is an opportunity to offer
visibility and equal exposure to men in the
technical arena.
 Confrontfear, find mentors, get coaching
and get out there to shine. Women often
speak twice as well as they think they do!

12. 9. The Bully
 Avoid Bully type
communicators/communications “winning
through intimidation”
 This type of communication undercust
productivity, harmony and creativity in any
workplace.
 Document all interactions and ask for
everything in writing, (excuse that you are
busy and would appreciate it, always be
gracious to bullying behavior…)

13. 10. Goal Oriented
Communication
 Remember what your goal was for the
communication. What did you want to
accomplish and keep on that path.
 This will often require you to keep other’s
goals within your own. Without their
agendas included in your own outcome,
you won’t come far, (team goals.)

14. 11. Additional Tips
 Say what will be effective for the situation.
 Choose words and behavior based on what
your goal is, not on what will make you
popular.
 Learn that doing what is right is more
important in communication than “being
right”.
 Criticism- Men learned to criticize each other
early, women supported. This should be
recognized.

15. References
Top Ten Ways Women Sabotage Communication in the
Workplace: http://www.diresta.com/in-the-media/top-ten-
lists/top-ten-ways-women-sabotage-their-communication-in-the-
workplace/
Men, Women and Workplace Communication, The Interpersonal
Edge: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-tribu-skube-
communication-at-work,0,233811.column
How a Woman Can Improve Gender Workplace Communication,
Chron: http://work.chron.com/woman-can-improve-gender-
workplace-communication-6587.html