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by Sharon Steed Developers are trained to communicate to things with a goal in mind. When you're talking to something like, say a computer, you type in your code and it responds by giving you back what you want. Simple and straight-forward. Talking to humans? That's more of a challenge. Why? Because communicating with people requires a special set of skills - namely, empathy and a little bit of storytelling. In an industry filled with brilliant minds, great ideas and mass disruption, so few of the best and brightest know how to tell their compelling story. This workshop will teach you how.
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In the workshop titled 'How to Talk to Humans: a Different Approach to Soft Skills,' presented by Sharon Steed at RailsConf 2015, the focus is on improving communication skills in the tech industry, where technical proficiency often overshadows soft skills. Steed emphasizes the importance of empathy and storytelling in connecting with others, highlighting that effective communication requires acknowledging and leveraging personal vulnerabilities. Key points discussed include: - The contrast between communicating with machines and with humans, noting that the latter demands deeper interpersonal skills. - Steed shares her personal struggles with stuttering and anxiety, advocating for embracing weaknesses as potential strengths in communication. - She encourages attendees to explore their vulnerabilities, asserting that openness can lead to stronger connections and meaningful interactions. - Examples of effective communicators, such as Richard Branson, are provided, illustrating that empathy and relatability can enhance engagement. - Pair exercises prompt participants to share personal experiences regarding their perceived weaknesses, fostering deeper conversations. - The distinction between intelligent informers, who aim to impress, and social relators, who seek to connect, is made clear, underlining that valuing others fosters better communication. - Steed draws parallels between marketing and storytelling, stressing the need to communicate ideas compellingly to resonate with audiences. - She concludes with encouragement to practice authenticity in professional relationships, leveraging personal narratives as powerful tools for engagement. The main takeaway from the workshop is that vulnerability can be a powerful asset in communication and that storytelling and empathy should be integral in interactions, particularly in the tech sphere where soft skills often take a backseat to technical expertise.
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