Conversation 201: what stuttering can teach you about connecting with people

Abstract:

Developers are trained to communicate to things with a goal in mind. When you're talking to something like, say a computer, you type in your code and it responds by giving you back what you want. Nine times out of ten, it works perfectly. Why, then, is it so difficult to do this same thing when talking to a client about a project, updating a superior on your progress, or pitching an investor your million-dollar idea? Because talking to people requires a special set of skills - namely, empathy and a little bit of storytelling. In an industry filled with brilliant minds, great ideas and mass disruption, so few of the best and brightest know how to tell their compelling story. The takeaways from this workshop will be learning how to value the listener and use vulnerability to improve your social connection.

Speaker: Sharon Steed

Sharon is a communications consultant with over a decade of experience creating and managing content. A life-long stutterer, she helps companies communicate better with their audience as well as their fellow team members by utilizing her experience with her speech impediment in combination with her marketing savvy. She has spoken to universities about stuttering, at Ignite Chicago about patience, Madison+ Ruby about branding and to a host of other audiences.