Why We Need the RSAWSN

Since my initial newsletter insert about the need to develop a RSA Women Speaker Network I have been delighted by a response of nearly two hundred emails in support of the initiative from the Fellowship and beyond. Many have asked ‘what is your vision?’

I suppose it could be summed up with the following : To `Hear women’s voice’ – to inspire and encourage more women speakers who have something of value to contribute to society.

Despite the fact we come out with around 20,000 words a day general, beating men by 13,000, we switch brains straight away when it comes to talking in public.

Is it that we have nothing of deep interest to convey? Surely not. There’s no disputing women’s wisdom based on real life experience; nor that we are natural communication— and behavioural— experts and more particularly when it comes to understanding the complex female culture. As we make up more than fifty percent of global population, that surely totals some vital knowledge in today’s world with its pressing issues.

`Women speak two languages, one of which is verbal'. William Shakespeare

A different sylt of verbal is what is needed on a podium, coupled with the charisma gained by experience and self confidence.

In the workplace, it appears from your comments that women are still much underrepresented at conferences and on panels; that is so across a wide range of industries.

One Fellow social affairs journalist from a national wrote to me `I know from my own reporting experience, everything from political conference season to charity events and corporate seminars) that is still quite unusual l to see a woman speaker on the stage.’

Another, a consultant from the Oil and Gas industry ‘I recently attended a conference with twelve speakers, all male and all the audience questions were asked by men. Women actually made up at least a quarter of the audience , but were not visible.’

From a Fellow MD , `I am often the only female speaker on stage at conferences (on leadership matters) which is ridiculous and needs to be improved.’

Not only is it important to promote women speakers to provide more female role models in industries such as manufacturing, science and technology, but also to progress: To add sparkle and interest to the topical ‘conversations’ of the day.

In the community, and at schools and universities, it is apparent women lack the self assurance and general public communication skills to promote their clever ideas. Of course this diffidence could be some cultural or social pressure, or a plain and simple lack of understanding from both sides i.e. Delivering to or being received by male audiences.

Women’s speaking in public is a special skill, which needs a moderate touch. If we are too passionate, or prickly, emotional about our subject, we understandably arouse concern in the manner of Hillary Clinton’s famous `My husband is not the Secretary of State, I am!’ outburst. If women present too shyly or smiley, our content runs the risk of being trivialised.

As the RSA is publicly considered one of the most eclectic communities of society-changes as well as the spiritual centre for debate in the country, with a proud history of accomplishment, the RSA Women Speaker Network has untold potential. With your support it can develop into a leading brand and an inspiration for all women looking to find their voice in the world. And one by which Shakespeare would be drolly observant.