At a recent national leadership conference, I was excited to see a woman listed as one of the keynote speakers. She seemed fascinating! Her diverse background included an expertise in management and marketing, a published book and a passion for working against human trafficking. As she stepped onto the stage, I was further captivated by her colorful sweater dress, pink jacket and nude stilettos.
I was so excited that I exclaimed, “Wow! I want to be her!” Ten minutes later, I was wishing I had never uttered those words.
While the speaker had some legitimate and thoughtful advice regarding transparent leadership and emotional honesty, I was overwhelmingly shocked by her presentation.
Before I continue, I want to emphasize that the purpose of this opinion is NOT to unabashedly and harshly criticize this woman (whose name will remain undisclosed). Her presentation served to remind me of simple mistakes that can redefine, for better or for worse, how one is perceived. For women in public roles, sensitivity to this reality is crucial.
As the aforementioned presenter began to speak, I was surprised that her PowerPoint presentation was comprised of only “Word Art” type images. Worse yet, the images had not been properly cropped and seemed to awkwardly overlap.
I decided to look past this to her exuberant speech. In attempting to focus, however, I was distracted by her posture. She seemed somehow attached to the side of the podium.
She clung to the wooden structure, sometimes only resting her arm on it, and other times hanging most of her body from it. On a large stage, to remain only on the right side next to the podium, seemed to reflect insecurity.
As she continued, the anecdotes that she disclosed to the audience revealed inappropriately personal information. She shared the challenge of remaining single into your 40s and later of having a miscarriage. Furthermore, her language was imprecise, as she spoke of “new innovations” and “anecdotal stories.” As the presentation persisted, I was feeling increasingly uncomfortable and appalled.
While commenting about femininity and openness in a professional setting, the speaker had solidified the ways in which these qualities can be negative.
Yet, I was startled by my nearly violent reaction to her presentation. Why had I reacted that way? Another female student from a leading national business program, however, had responded similarly. What had perturbed us so?
I could not help but think that the keynote speech embodied the reasons women are stereotyped in the workplace. As a strong advocate of women in leadership positions, I was disappointed that the caliber of her presentation had been so much lower than that of the others, which had been given by men. I realized that I am intensely demanding of women, requiring near perfection in the public arena.
Yet, I have known women who have not only met my standards, but even far exceeded them. I look up to these women with admiration. It is they who have reinforced my belief that feminine elegance can be a tremendous asset. They embraced their personalities and gender, thereby enhancing their work.
Despite the frustration I felt after this substandard presentation, my conclusion was encouraging. And it also prescribed a task. I too have a high standard to reach and a duty to promote and encourage other women striving towards that end. That we are capable there is no doubt; it is simply a matter of practice, perseverance and passion.
Adriana is a senior majoring in history, political science, French and public policy.
