How to Speak So You Are Heard: Communicating for Impact

In 1906, Madam C.J. Walker launched Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, becoming a hair care pioneer and one of the world’s first female self-made millionaires.

...In 1946, Estée Lauder founded Estée Lauder Companies, launching an iconic brand and revolutionizing the cosmetics industry.

...In 1959, Ruth Handler invented the Barbie doll, transforming the toy industry and shaping cultural perceptions of femininity and career aspirations for generations to come.

...In 1972, Katherine Graham became the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, The Washington Post Company, setting a new stage for gender diversity in corporate leadership and breaking barriers for women in media and publishing.

...In 1986, Oprah Winfrey launched The Oprah Winfrey Show, forever changing the culture of media, advocacy, leadership, self-improvement, education and societal inspiration. 

...In 1998, Meg Whitman became eBay’s CEO, transforming the online marketplace into a global e-commerce powerhouse and revolutionizing the way people buy and sell goods worldwide.

...In 2008, Sheryl Sandberg joined Facebook as COO, advocating for gender equality in the workplace and launching initiatives like Lean In, inspiring women to pursue leadership roles and navigate professional challenges with confidence.

...In 2009, Ursula Burns became the CEO of Xerox Corporation, shattering racial and gender barriers by becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.

...In 2012, Ginni Rometty began her tenure as the CEO of IBM, leading the company through a transformative period of innovation and technological advancement, setting new standards for inclusivity in the tech industry.

For every woman on this list there are thousands, if not millions, whose voices have gone unheard. Whose stories have gone untold. Whose impact has gone unnoticed.

Now, more than ever—regardless of gender—it's essential to know how to communicate YOUR impact effectively. To advocate for yourself. 

To help you do just that, we've developed a framework designed to showcase your contributions and ensure that your voice is heard. (If you’re in a more privileged position and looking for ways to uplift other’s voices, keep reading, we’ve got a framework for you, too.) 

Communicate Your Impact

Whether you’re getting ready for a 1:1 with your boss, a review with your team leader, or simply want to be prepared for the all-hands meeting, this framework will help you communicate YOUR unique impact. Prepare (and practice) ahead of time!

1. Define Your Actions: 

Begin by articulating the specific actions you've taken that have made a difference. Whether it's leading a strategic initiative, spearheading a new program, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, identify the tangible ways in which you've contributed to positive change.

2. Highlight Your Impact: 

Next, focus on the impact of your actions. How have your efforts influenced outcomes, driven progress, or inspired others? Whether it's fostering collaboration, driving innovation, or enhancing organizational culture, emphasize the meaningful impact your work has had on individuals, teams, and organizations.

3. Demonstrate Your Results: 

Demonstrating your results adds credibility and substantiates the value of your contributions. Utilize data, metrics, and any other measurable outcomes to demonstrate the tangible results of your efforts. Whether it's increased revenue, improved efficiency, or enhanced employee engagement, provide concrete evidence of the outcomes you've achieved. If you’re stuck, try to think out of the box: you might need to look a few steps outside of your typical wheelhouse to find the impact, and don’t be afraid to use qualitative data, too. 

4. Share a Testimonial:

Leverage testimonials to validate your impact and amplify your story. Seek feedback from colleagues, clients, or stakeholders who have directly and indirectly benefited from your contributions. Their testimonials serve as powerful endorsements of your work and provide additional insights into the value you bring to the table. Remember: stories stick. Choose a narrative that another stakeholder (i.e. your boss) can remember when they’re advocating for you to get what you’ve asked for. Find a story that makes them FEEL something.

By embracing this framework, you can effectively communicate your impact, elevate your visibility, and pave the way for future generations of women leaders. Because it’s not just your voice you’re elevating—each time you speak up and advocate for yourself, you teach the other women around you that it is OK for them to speak up. 

Allyship: Supporting Others' Self-Advocacy

Listen Actively: Begin by actively listening to the experiences, concerns, and aspirations of the women around you. 

Amplify Their Voices: Use your platform and influence to amplify the voices of women in meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes. 

Advocate for Inclusivity: Advocate for policies, practices, and initiatives that promote gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace. 

Provide Mentorship and Sponsorship: Offer mentorship and sponsorship opportunities to women within your organization or industry. 

Challenge Biases and Stereotypes: Challenge biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors that may undermine the contributions and credibility of women.

Create Opportunities for Growth: Create opportunities for women to develop their skills, expand their networks, and take on leadership roles. 

Celebrate Their Achievements: Celebrate the achievements, milestones, and successes of the women in your workplace or community.

By actively engaging in allyship and supporting the self-advocacy of women, you can help create a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Pave the way forward. To a world where our daughters don’t have to fight to be heard. Speak up. Uplift others. Create your spot at the table and then… build a bigger table. 

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At Lange International, we work with executives and their teams to approach every high-stakes moment with confidence, curiosity, and poise–and have fun while doing it! We work one-on-one with leaders and also deliver keynotes and workshops for companies around the globe. Looking to level up your communication? We’d love to connect.