We talk about:

• The relationship between our brains and our speech (neurodiversity);

• How to refer to speech impediments;

• When is it OK to change your way of speaking - for example, "sounding less Black" (and the movie neither of us could remember – linked below);

• Why women’s voices are biologically disadvantaged in being perceived as powerful (spoiler alert – women don’t sound like James Earl Jones);

• How understanding yourself and your physiology, helps you own your power and have the influence you want;

• When changing the gender of your voice makes you more authentic;

• What speech-language therapists mean by “articulate”;

• If people can’t understand your “accent” – who needs to change, you or the listener?

• How we can support each other in the workplace;

• The ever-elusive “executive presence”, i.e. “what employers want”;

• Being supportive by providing flexible solutions, not labelling people’s “problems”;

• The importance of flexibility and generosity in being inclusive; remembering that communication is a skill that you never finish learning, and is an evolving journey of self-discovery.