GET /Speaking Cohort #6 starting 24 Mar 2-3.30pm NYT, 7-8.30pm CET

"I learnt we all have a unique story : I may know the same subject as somebody else, but nobody else has the same life and work experience as me and will tell the story the same way" - GET /Speaking participant, 2020

Background

Technical conference organisers are actively encouraging greater balance in conference participation, while exploring new ways for technologists to deliver and receive virtual conference experiences.

We seek to broaden the number of talented API professionals with experience, credibility and confidence to share more of their (and their teams') successes and stories through public speaking at virtual events.

"I have a responsibility to use my voice to help others who can’t; and this program is a great platform to do this" - GET /Speaking participant, 2020

Objectives

Our primary objective is to help members of the Women In APIs community to speak about, or author, API-related and/or technical content for sharing in the public domain.

Secondary objectives are to:

• explore what is holding people back from finding topics and stories to tell
• provide access to peers and a coach with speaking interest and/or experience to provide feedback and support
• meet and connect with like-minded members of the API community.

What's involved?

The program is run in four steps:

• Steps 1 to 3 : 3 x1.5 hr facilitated small group peer-to-peer 'coaching circle' sessions for up to 7 participants

• Step 4 : a 1-on-1 coaching session with a volunteer coach from our wider group of experienced speakers

All sessions are delivered virtually and scheduled at the same time each fortnight. Participants expect to put up to an hour's additional work between sessions.

Who expects to get the most from this initiative?

Primarily, the initiative will benefit members who:

• work in API design, engineering, implementation and/or deployment
• manage or work in API product teams or API-related projects
• promote, market or advocate for APIs
• implement and/or support API tooling and API management solutions
• lead or facilitate API-enabled change

Assumptions for participants are that they:

• have joined Women In APIs at https://www.apidays.global/initiatives-women-in-apis/
• have the potential of a ‘story to tell’ about their activities and experiences, but may not yet have found it
• are looking for a ‘safe space’ to explore and discuss issues for women in tech as they relate to speaking and/or writing in the public domain
• have minimal access to similar professional development opportunities in their normal line of work
• may not be native English speakers

Currently, participants, facilitators and coaches are involved in a volunteer capacity. The program is run in English, while many of our facilitators and coaches have English as a second or third language.

"It’s important of focusing on the human side to connect to our audience when delivering a talk." - GET /Speaking participant, 2020

Who are Women In APIs?

We are a global community of API professionals at over 85 organisations and in 20 countries. We are about:

• building a pipeline of future speaking talent
• building people's confidence, brand and profile
• building community