Cynthia Lockrey

We all want to have our voice heard and create a positive connection with others. In this interactive presentation/workshop, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen your communications skills at work as well as with friends and family.

It starts with understanding how to adjust your communications style to meet the needs of your audience (based on their personality, interest and ability to process what you’re saying). From there, we’ll look at how to clear on your message, understand the role of emotions and facts, have a clear call to action and finally, the importance of body language.

This presentation will help participants feel more confident, prepared and focused when presenting. We will discuss how to create presentations that connect with your audience, how much information is too much and the role of storytelling. Other areas covered include an understanding of body language, best use of power point, as well as active listening skills.

Raising a child with disabilities can be challenging, rewarding, frustrating and isolating. As a mother of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and advocate living this journey, I will share some practical tips to help participants be their child’s voice.

In this presentation, participants will learn advocacy skills to help them:
• Get clear on their child’s diagnosis and needs
• Access support at school
• Navigate the medical system
• Deal with roadblocks
• Learn the importance of building a community of support
• Know when to take a break
• Be their child’s voice (when young) or megaphone (as they age)

We all want what is best for the individuals we support. However, there are a number of barriers that can block clear communications - including personalities, emotions and understanding of the information being conveyed.

We will unpack how to be clear in your communications to avoid confusion and make a personal connection. Participants will feel more confident, prepared and focused when communicating with families.

Topics covered include:
• The power of storytelling – how our brain processes information through stories (why storytelling is a powerful way to communicate with families)
• Key messaging – being clear on the essential information you want to convey
• Audience – understanding your audience, how they receive information, what information they need and their ability to act upon what you are saying
• Emotions – role of emotions and valued based communications
• Facts – getting clear on the relevant facts, finding common ground
• Call to action