Decoding Dialogue
Build confidence, clarity, and connection through human-centered communication.
Decoding Dialogue
Decoding Dialogue is a WiCyS learning series designed to help members communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and connection in professional settings. Created in partnership with Fearless Communicators, the program focuses on practical, human-centered communication skills that support visibility, leadership, and authentic connection at every career stage.
Through interactive, live workshops, participants learn how to navigate networking spaces with ease, access presence under pressure, and translate complex ideas into messages that resonate. Each session is tailored to a specific career stage and emphasizes real-world application, reflection, and practice. Decoding Dialogue equips members with tools they can immediately use at conferences, in meetings, and across their careers to show up with intention and impact.
What You’ll Gain
Participants in Decoding Dialogue will walk away with:
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- Greater confidence in professional communication settings
- Practical tools for connection, presence, and clarity
- Techniques grounded in authenticity, not performance
- Skills that transfer directly to conferences, meetings, and leadership moments
Who Should Apply
- WiCyS members seeking to strengthen communication skills
- Early-career professionals preparing for conferences and networking
- Mid-career professionals looking to increase clarity, presence, and influence
- Members who value practical, human-centered skill building
Application & Participation Details
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- Applications are required for each session
- Participation is limited to 30 members per session
- Selected participants must complete a commitment form by the deadline to obtain full access
- Live attendance with cameras on, where participants can speak and share when called upon, is required
Informational Webinar
January 26, 2026 | 1:00 to 1:45 pm CT
Interested in learning more before applying? Join WiCyS and Fearless Communicators for a live informational webinar introducing the Decoding Dialogue series. We’ll walk through the sessions, who they’re best suited for, and what to expect, with time for questions at the end.
Registration coming soon!
2026 Sessions
Pt 1: Networking for Introverts
Open to: Early-Career Members
February 24, 2026 | 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT
Networking does not have to mean working the room or forcing yourself to be someone you are not. This interactive session is designed to help early-career professionals build meaningful professional connections in a way that feels authentic, grounded, and sustainable.
Participants will learn practical tools to start conversations with ease, navigate networking environments with confidence, and shift their mindset from self-promotion to curiosity and generosity. Through guided exercises and real-world scenarios, attendees will walk away feeling more prepared to connect with others at conferences, events, and professional gatherings, while staying true to themselves.
Decoding Dialogue | Networking for Introverts Timeline
For early-career members
January 26, 2026, at 8:00 am CT: Applications open
February 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT: Applications close
February 10, 2026, by end of day: Acceptance notifications are sent
February 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT: Commitment form deadline
February 19, 2026, by end of day: Welcome email sent
February 24, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 pm CT: Decoding Dialogue | Networking for Introverts Session
Pt 2: Power & Presence: Public Speaking Learning Sprint
Open to: Mid-Career Members
March 24, 2026 | 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT
This interactive learning sprint is designed to help mid-career professionals access confidence and presence in moments that matter most. Whether speaking in meetings, presenting ideas, or navigating high-pressure conversations, participants will learn how to show up grounded, clear, and confident.
Through practical, body-based techniques and voice exercises, attendees will explore how to regulate nerves, project authority with warmth, and transform anxiety into authenticity. By the end of the session, participants will leave with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen their presence and communicate with greater impact.
Decoding Dialogue | Power & Presence: Public Speaking Learning Sprint Timeline
For mid-career members
February 24, 2026, at 8:00 am CT: Applications open
March 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT: Applications close
March 10, 2026, by end of day: Acceptance notifications are sent
March 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT: Commitment form deadline
March 19, 2026, by end of day: Welcome email sent
March 24, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT: Decoding Dialogue | Power & Presence: Public Speaking Learning Sprint Session
Pt 3: Translating Tech: Speaking So They'll Get It
Open to: Mid-Career Members
April 21, 2026 | 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT
This session is designed for mid-career professionals who want to communicate complex technical ideas with clarity, confidence, and influence. As cybersecurity professionals advance, the ability to explain technical work to non-technical audiences becomes essential for leadership, collaboration, and visibility.
Participants will learn practical frameworks to simplify jargon without losing credibility, structure explanations that hold attention, and adapt their message for executives, clients, and broader audiences. Through guided examples and exercises, attendees will leave better equipped to advocate for their work, influence decision-makers, and ensure their expertise is clearly understood and valued.
Decoding Dialogue | Translating Tech: Speaking So They’ll Get It Timeline
For mid-career members
March 24, 2026, at 8:00 am CT: Applications open
April 3, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT: Applications close
April 7, 2026, by end of day: Acceptance notifications are sent
April 14, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT: Commitment form deadline
April 16, 2026, by end of day: Welcome email sent
April 21, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT: Decoding Dialogue | Translating Tech: Speaking So They’ll Get It Session