Hi, I'm Susan, creator of the Speak Afraid Method, host of the Blossoming Speaker Podcast, author of two books, and someone who has lives through the very thing Blossoming Speaker is built for; to develop a calm and lasting confidence in how you communicate, whether fear shows up or not. I use the Speak Afraid Method because it's a way to communicate with fear still with you in different public settings, so you may achieve meaningful connections and move forward in your journey. Because I've been there, both as the student and the teacher. I enjoy sharing a practical insight each week because lasting communication confidence is built one step at a time. Last few newsletters to read under the Posts tab. This newsletter has been published since 2023. It has been hosted on Kit since 2024.
Speaking Afraid When Part of a Change Enablement Projects.
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When messages do not get through clearly, it leaves any change enablement project wanting. Wanting for less uncertainty, less risk, less tension and pressure, and also wanting a clearer, more relevant vision of direction. But getting a message through is never as easy as you may initially plan out in your mind. This is because you need to take into consideration not only the audience you are delivering this message to, but:
All this in a way that moves them into aligned action and direction. Though never easy and always taking a toll on personal energy, I enjoyed and rose in this challenge of communicating when I led change enablement projects. I knew that the better the communications, the better the project outcome for all involved. I knew the investment of time and effort in this area pays dividends that compound in ways that cannot be initially measured. That was a motivation that got me through the tough conversations and prioritising self care to restore my energy. Witnessing the surprising wins along the way as the project progressed and closed out, that was an added bonus. A bonus that was only realised because this commitment to speak afraid during these types of projects, provides an opening for others to speak afraid to after witnessing your leadership example. There are three areas that I continued to focus on when leading the communication arm of a project. I will share them now with you, along with a few questions to help you target your message in a way that connects and aligns the different people you will need to speak with during these types of change projects. VisionWhat is it your organisation/you want to realise at the end of this project? What do you want the journey of the project to be like? Include processes, technology, ways of thinking, etc. that you may need to say goodbye to so you may truly experience the benefits of the project Describe where you are now, including gaps where the implementation of this project may fill. StructureWhat is the optimal frequency of communication touchpoints? That is the amount of times you inform key stakeholders impacted by this project on its progress. How may you and your team ensure that this frequency is realistic? Is there anything else you may need to de-prioritise to ensure this project’s success? How will you deliver your communications? Please list/brainstorm them all. MessageWho should receive and what messages should be included for the following?
The more preparation you prioritise in your communication when part of any change projects, not only helps those around you understand and connect with you, it helps you reduce unnecessary pressure and volume of work with the clarity and defined boundaries it may provide you. All the best, Susan. P.S. My latest book Speak Afraid. Redirecting Fear Into Courage to Communicate Through Change, is now available as an audio and eBook. The Paperback will be available October 2026. Yay!!!! |
Blossoming Speaker: Courage to Communicate
Hi, I'm Susan, creator of the Speak Afraid Method, host of the Blossoming Speaker Podcast, author of two books, and someone who has lives through the very thing Blossoming Speaker is built for; to develop a calm and lasting confidence in how you communicate, whether fear shows up or not. I use the Speak Afraid Method because it's a way to communicate with fear still with you in different public settings, so you may achieve meaningful connections and move forward in your journey. Because I've been there, both as the student and the teacher. I enjoy sharing a practical insight each week because lasting communication confidence is built one step at a time. Last few newsletters to read under the Posts tab. This newsletter has been published since 2023. It has been hosted on Kit since 2024.
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