Connection and confidence were at the center of the room as shipbuilders attended the latest Professional Development Series session, Present with Purpose: Public Speaking that Connects.
Integrated Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Vice President Kimberly Nastasi and Lisa Bradley, Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, discussed real‑world tools they can use to communicate with clarity, authenticity and confidence.
“I really connected with their focus on being yourself and using natural gestures,” said Natasha Rankins, procurement planning control representative. “Kimberly and Lisa made the session personable and easy to learn from”
Another attendee reflected on stepping outside their comfort zone.
“I’m naturally shy so speaking in front of a crowd isn’t easy for me, but this session helped me understand how to keep an audience’s attention with eye contact, simple notes and confidence,” said Stephanie Perryman, ship fire marshal. “I learned it’s okay not to know everything and to involve someone else when their perspective fits better. Most importantly, I want to understand my audience, so the message resonates.”
The supportive environment made it easy for shipbuilders to open up, share experiences and practice new techniques in real time, as well as learn practical advice, such as avoiding reading directly from slides, using short notes effectively and passing the mic to a subject matter expert when needed.
Each workshop in the Professional Development Series is designed to empower shipbuilders to learn, grow and lead with purpose.
What’s next? Check the IngallsConnect App for upcoming Professional Development opportunities!