Mike Hanson introduced the speaker, Dr. Ivy Buchan, whose presentation was entitled, “How to Speak the Language of Leadership.
Dr. Ivy Buchan fell in love with nonprofit management at New Oxford High School as president of Interact and for the last 21 years she’s worked in the nonprofit space. Five years ago Ivy started Helix Strategies and her team helps organizations develop strategic solutions to fundraising and leadership challenges. Ivy earned her Ph.D. from IUP in Administration and Leadership Studies in the Nonprofit Sector. She is a PANO Licensed Consultant, an AFP Master Trainer, and an Adjunct at West Chester University. Ivy also co-founded two nonprofits, edited three nonprofit textbooks, and serves on several community boards including the Susquehanna Valley Council of Charitable Gift Planners.
She started out by presenting her objectives for the day:
- Review how people take in information;
- Explore best practices for engaging languages;
- Identify language that you can utilize today;
She indicated that we learn:
11% through hearing;
83% through sight.
We remember:
10% of what we read;
20% of what we hear;
30% of what we see;
50 % of what we see and and hear;
80%of what we say;
90% of what we say and act.
She gave some engagement tips for getting people to open up and talk to us:
Listening = Likability
Mimic the other person’s posture and gesture;
Check that facial expressions match words you want to convey;
Use relevant examples;
Put the phone down.
Language tips:
Change the volume and inflection of your voice;
Say their name quite often;
“Ums” are ok;
Be concise;
Paint the picture;
Use relevant examples.
The Power of Words:
Use We/Our/Team when engaging or collaborating;
Use You: when you are praising or thanking someone;
Use I: when taking responsibility;
Use colorful language (lots of adjectives)
Stay Positive;
State Objectives;
Helpful Phrases:
Tell me more about that…
What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?
What are you looking forward to next week?
Thank you for sharing that with me
Thank you for explaining that background;
Thank you for telling me about that;
Thank you for taking the time to come to talk to me;
I can tell you care deeply about this topic;
(Appreciate the behavior shown)
The presentation was widely hailed as useful and very informative. After a good many positive comments from members, Ralph Serpe “humbly” pointed out that he was responsible for recommending the speaker and he should receive some kind of reward for suggesting the program. His request for free parking was denied.
