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WiCyS

Stage Ready Public Speaking Fellowship

WiCyS Stage Ready Public Speaking Fellowship

The WiCyS Stage Ready Public Speaking Fellowship is a transformative public speaking training program for mid- to senior-career WiCyS members to help prepare them for career advancement. Mastering the art of storytelling and technical communication allows women in cybersecurity to effectively showcase their expertise and enhances their leadership skillset and recognition.  In this three-part program, you’ll learn to clearly communicate your ideas, refine your delivery and develop the confidence you need to command any stage, whether it be your next job interview, a boardroom presentation, negotiation, workshop or keynote. We’re here to support you on your career journey and are ready to get you STAGE READY!

This program has been designed in collaboration with Fearless Communicators, a team of top public speaking coaches for global changemakers, thought leaders, executives, and industry experts from around the world.

Through personalized coaching, you’ll discover how to craft compelling narratives, connect authentically with your audience, and deliver powerful talks as a thought leader in cybersecurity. The WiCyS Stage Ready Public Speaking Fellowship is more than just a training program; it’s an opportunity to unlock your full potential and take your career to new heights.

Available To:

      • 50 WiCyS members 
      • Mid- to senior-level professionals only 
      • Domestic and International members 
      • Members willing to commit fully to attending the 2 workshops 
      • Members willing to attend all 4 of the Virtual Group Rehearsal Sessions 
      • Members ready to participate and engage with cameras on throughout the training

What You Get:
This 5-week training program includes the following: 

      • One 2-hour Virtual Power and Presence Crash Course
        In this workshop, you’ll learn dynamic physical, vocal, and mindset techniques to break through public speaking anxiety and prepare to speak with greater confidence on any stage.
      • One 4-hour Virtual Your Anchor Story Boot Camp
        In this workshop, you’ll create a powerful personal story, which can serve as the focal point for speeches, talks, panels, interviews, and other presentations.
      • Four 90-minute Virtual Group Rehearsal Sessions
        In these group rehearsal sessions, you’ll receive actionable feedback on content and delivery that you can take into your next public appearance.
      • Four professional public speaking coaches will facilitate the training
      • Pre-scheduled Breakout rooms with a dedicated coach and your cohort as audience
      • Resourceful Training materials provided by the coaches
      • All participants of the program will be invited exclusively to participate in the WiCyS Speakers Bureau. If they choose to join the bureau, the participant will create a 2-3 minute video that will be shared on the WiCyS YouTube Channel, where the WiCyS community can request them for speaking opportunities, panel discussions, and more.

Important to know:

      • All of our programs require the full participation of the participants.
      • All of the virtual workshops are done with cameras on, and participants will all be called upon to speak and share.
      • This will not be a lecture on public speaking but a hands-on training experience.
      • Participants must notify the program coordinator at least 24 hours in advance of the need to cancel any scheduled public speaking coaching sessions via email.
      • You’ll be participating in a variety of exercises designed to improve your public speaking skills. These may include vocal and physical warm-ups, body language techniques, developing your content, storytelling technique, the neuroscience of storytelling, stage presence, and delivery technique.
Cohort II

Cohort II Timeline:

June 23 at 8 am CT: Applications open 

July 15 at 5 pm CT: Applications close 

July 16-18: Acceptance selections are made and commitment forms emailed

July 25 at 5 pm CT: Deadline to submit commitment form to secure spot in program

July 28: Participants receive email with digital badge and program instructions 

July 31, 1-2 pm CT: Cohort II Kick-Off Webinar 

August 7, 2025 – September 11, 2025: Cohort II program runs

 

Program Training Schedule for Participants in Cohort II:

August 7, 12-2 pm CT: Power & Presence Crash Course

August 14, 12-4 pm CT: Your Anchor Story Boot Camp

August 21, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 1

August 28, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 2

September 3, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 3

September 11, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 4

Upcoming Stage Ready Cohort:

Cohort III: Applications Open August 27 – (save the date and visit this page to apply)

Cohort III

Cohort III Timeline:

August 27: Applications open 

September 19: Applications close 

September 24: Acceptance selections are made and commitment forms emailed

September 29: Deadline to submit commitment form to secure spot in program

October 2: Participants receive email with digital badge and program instructions 

October 7, 1-2 pm CT: Cohort III Kick-Off Webinar 

October 14, 2025 – November 18, 2025: Cohort III program runs

 

Program Training Schedule for Participants in Cohort III:

October 14, 12-2 pm CT: Power & Presence Crash Course

October 21, 12-4 pm CT: Your Anchor Story Boot Camp

October 28, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 1

November 4, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 2

November 12, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 3

November 18, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 4

Cohort I (Completed)

Cohort I Timeline:

March 19: Applications open 

April 11: Applications close 

April 17: Acceptance selections are made and commitment forms emailed

April 21: Deadline to submit commitment form to secure spot in program

April 22: Participants receive email with digital badge and program instructions 

April 23: Cohort I Kick-Off Webinar at 12:00 PM CT 

April 30, 2025 – June 4, 2025: Cohort I program runs

 

Program Training Schedule for Participants in Cohort I:

April 30, 12-2 pm CT: Power & Presence Crash Course

May 7, 12-4 pm CT: Your Anchor Story Boot Camp

May 14, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 1

May 21, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 2

May 28, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 3

June 4, 12-1:30 pm CT: Rehearsal Hours Session 4