The Storied Way Perspective featuring Communications Coach ⁠Suman Kher, Founder Soft Skills Studio⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn Top Voice⁠ Summary This conversation explores the importance of effective communication, particularly for managers and senior leaders. We look at how Storytelling is a powerful tool to improve communication skills. The guest, Suman Kher, shares her journey into communication coaching and highlights the need for communication skills at all stages of a professional's career. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of communication in the workplace, including the impact of different generations and the shift to virtual communication. We put a gendered lens on communication, exploring to see whether men & women communicate differently. Do women face challenges asserting their voice? Suman, tells us the importance of effective communication in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, workplace interactions, and public speaking. While Rituparna highlights the role of conditioning and past experiences in shaping communication styles and barriers. The need to unlock these barriers and develop better communication skills is emphasized. Rituparna explores the challenges of communication in different contexts, such as giving reviews, networking, and impromptu speaking. Suman speaks of the importance of storytelling in communication, along with the need for personalized coaching to improve communication skills. Keywords storytelling, communication skills, senior executives, leaders, comfort zone, education, workplace dynamics, generations, women, assertiveness, communication, conditioning, workplace communication, external communication, impromptu speaking, crafting messages, storytelling, coaching Takeaways Storytelling can enhance communication for senior executives and leaders. Communication skills are important for professionals at all stages of their careers. The lack of structured communication education leads to gaps in communication skills. Communication skills become more crucial as professionals rise in their careers. Different generations and changing workplace dynamics impact communication styles. Women often face challenges in exercising their voice and being assertive in the workplace. Conditioning can impact communication, and individuals need to overcome barriers to unlock their potential for effective communication. Effective workplace communication requires understanding the needs and perspectives of different individuals and tailoring communication accordingly. External communication, such as sales pitches and networking events, can be improved by focusing on the audience's needs and using storytelling techniques. Impromptu speaking is a common challenge, and individuals can enhance their skills by practicing and being prepared to answer questions. Crafting messages involves structuring thoughts, using stories and examples, and engaging the audience through questions. Coaching can play a valuable role in improving communication skills by providing personalized attention and guidance. Storytelling is a powerful tool in communication, as it helps engage the audience, make messages memorable, and build connections. Chapters 02:17 Suman’s Origin Story of how she got into Communication 08:54 The Importance of Communication Skills for Professionals rising at the workplace 15:25 The Spoken Word and the Onus of Communication 17:18 The Lack of Communication Training 21:02 Why are Senior Professionals struggling with Communication Skills 22:20 Intergenerational Workplaces and Communication Challenges 29:05 Challenges Faced by Women in Exercising Their Voice in the Workplace 32:56 Navigating Workplace Communication: Understanding Needs and Tailoring Messages 41:35 Impromptu Speaking: Being Prepared to Answer Questions 51:42 The Role of Coaching in Improving Communication Skills Connect with Rituparna | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Visit ⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠ Write to us at ⁠podcast@yourstorybag.com⁠