Have you faced obstacles when speaking up as a Woman of Colour? Do you want to build your confidence but exhausted by the imposter syndrome, microaggressions, bias, stereotypes and double-standards?

The world has changed dramatically in the last couple of months. With virtual teams, flatter organisations and digital disruption, the ability to influence and connect with others have become even more critical. But as women of colour, sometimes it may feel like you’ve hit a ‘concrete ceiling’ — but we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

No matter what your background, expertise or industry is, using your voice to its full potential will open doors to career and business opportunities. Speaking up enhances your credibility and establishes you as an expert in your field. Yes, speaking can be intimidating sometimes, but as women of colour, we need to show our presence and by doing so we liberate ourselves in the process.

If you want to improve your leadership and communication skills to speak up with conviction and confidence, we invite you to express your interest in the Woc Speakership Program.

Who the program is for?

The program is specifically designed for Women of Colour by Women of Colour and is open to all abilities, genders, non-binary people and allies.

While Women of Colour have always been determined, strong and resistant, we also recognise the systemic factors that prevent us from advancing at work are quite different from those holding white women and even men of colour back.

To ensure you get the most out of this class, you will need to show a little vulnerability and fully participate — whether that's sharing your story, delivering a talk or providing feedback to your sisters. But don’t worry, you’ll be fully supported in this incredible program — Cathy, Winitha and a community of sisters who will be all on the same journey as you (in this program) will be cheering you on every step in the way.

What you get

Participants will have the opportunity to practice public speaking, and give and receive invaluable feedback. You will be part of a dynamic, supportive and safe environment to freely ask any questions.

You will also have access to a private Facebook WoC Speakership group, so you can continue sharing your stories and exchange communication tips with your fellow sisters.

Benefits of joining the WoC Speakership program

Increase your confidence and comfort while speaking in front of groups
Improve your listening skills and ability to give constructive feedback
Learn to respond with ease and grace when put on the spot
Grow your self-assurance while selling, pitching and negotiating
Enhance your skills for podcasting, webinars and interviews
Develop the ability to initiate and navigate difficult conversations
Improve your speaking skills to advance your career and in business
Build leadership skills
Network with other sisters in a small and supportive environment

And along the way, you’ll learn key skills such as….

How to plan a great talk or story
How to avoid fillers such as “um” and “like”
How to think on your feet
How to speak without the use of notes

Are you ready? Mark your diaries

The program commences on Tuesday 23rd February and is run over two months on a fortnightly basis. The session dates are 23 February, 9 March, 23 March & 6 April with a Speaker Showcase (graduation) on 20 April.

Timeline:

Expression of Interest open 22 November 2020
EOI close Friday 19 February 2021
Sessions: Fortnightly Tuesdays between 6-7.30pm AEDT

How much does it cost?

Early bird $250 (until 5 pm, Friday 12 February 2021). After that, the investment is $350.

FAQ

I’m not available during these dates, will you have more classes?

Yes, we plan to continue running the program again in May 2021.

If we cannot make it to a class, do you offer a makeup class?

The program requires your commitment to your development. We understand things arise out of control, so if you do miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up in your own time.

Why Women of Colour?

Research shows many WoC don’t feel they can be themselves at work and often feel they need to downplay their ethnicity or race to succeed. The truth is women of colour who speak up have to work harder than our white female counterparts to prove our intelligence. This is why we have intentionally designed this program for WoC, to allow a safe environment to share ideas and practice speaking.

How different is your program to Toastmasters?

The WoC Speakership program is a bespoke program designed for women of colour by women of colour. We have the lived experience and professional expertise to understand the barriers to speaking.

I don’t want to be a public speaker. Is the WoC Speakership program for me?

People join for a variety of reasons — to sharpen their public speaking skills, to boost confidence to share their voice or to simply be part of a supportive community. Communication skills and influencing skills are necessary skills in both career and life.

About your facilitators

Your facilitators, Cathy and Winitha come with almost 40-years of combined lived experiences and expertise.

Cathy Ngo, Founder & CEO Keynoteworthy

Frustrated with seeing the 'usual suspects' at events and conferences, Cathy Ngo founded Keynoteworthy as a way to amplify the voices of the ‘everyday speaker’. She believes there is no shortage of talent out there and wanted to make it more accessible for event managers to find amazing and diverse speakers. Cathy believes representation on stage matters because impact does not end on stage – it’s where it begins. Before founding Keynoteworthy, Cathy has spent more than a decade in corporate HR and communication roles implementing transformational change programs for top ASX listed companies.

Winitha Bonney, Thought Leader in the Advancement of Women of Colour

Winitha Bonney is Australia's first and foremost Thought Leader in the advancement of Women of Colour. She has over 21 years of experience in executive roles, has founded several businesses and is a person with multiple 'lived experiences'. This has provided Winitha with an incredible amount of unique insights, experiences and expertise to help women of colour become leaders and successful entrepreneurs.

Winitha is also the founder of two Australian firsts - Amina of Zaria, a digital platform for Women of Colour and #ColourFULL Conference, a leadership and entrepreneurship conference by and for Women of Colour, She also regularly speaks and presents on inclusion, leadership and entrepreneurship and coaches and mentors Women of Colour to become speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs.

Through her programs, workshops and events, Winitha helps Women of Colour get unstuck, halve the time it takes for them to achieve their goals and experience the freedom, joy and peace that comes with unleashing the person they always knew they were meant to be.

Contact the host of Speakership for Women of Colour (Feb intake)