 ondra’s
Diversity and Speaking Philosophy
Sondra’s philosophy of both diversity
and speaking grow out of three principles.
 Principle
# 1: We each have individual responsibility for fixing life’s
ills.
This principle is manifested in Sondra’s
diversity work in that she…
…
emphasizes that we must take individual action to diffuse biases
within our organizations. There is, as she puts it in her book, “no room for complaining about the
system, your neighbor, your boss, your insensitive friends, affirmative
action—pro or con—or the political climate.
There is also no time to lose.”
…provides audiences with specific
skills and, therefore, individual power for diffusing bias
in themselves and others.
…emphasizes that bias is found
within every ethnic and racial group and that everybody,
regardless of background, needs
to take responsibility for making diversity work.
This principle is manifested in her
speaking in that she…
… feels a personal responsibility
for bringing the audience to life and getting her point across.
Although she recognizes that
external elements such as room set up and time of day can
influence success, she feels it is her job to make the presentation
succeed.
…challenges her audiences to
immediately apply the material provided back in the workplace.
Principle # 2: We can't make progress unless we are
honest with ourselves and others.
This principle is manifested in Sondra’s
diversity work in that she…
… feels that we need to take a
tough and honest look at the sometimes difficult issues of
workplace diversity
and cultural difference.
…believes that the only way
we will reduce bias and discrimination is to look honestly
at how we really feel about diversity and
what we may be doing to contribute to workplace tension and
conflict.
This principle is manifested in her
speaking in that she…
… works hard to bring only real-world
and honest factual material to her presentations.
…is honest with her audiences
about her own biases and diversity foibles.
Principle # 3: The serious issues of life can often be best solved
with just a little bit of humor.
This principle is manifested in Sondra’s
diversity work in that she…
…
believes there are times when a willingness to laugh at oneself
and one’s mistakes is the best answer for diffusing
tension and misunderstanding.
…believes that it is possible to “lighten up” about
some diversity and cross-cultural issues while continuing to communicate respect
and sensitivity.
This principle is manifested in her
speaking in that she…
… brings respectful humor to all
her presentations.
…believes that even a serious
message is more apt to be heard if it is cushioned in humor
and the perspective that humor
can bring.
Contact Sondra’s office if you have other
questions about her diversity or speaking philosophy.
To check on Sondra’s availability or to receive additional information including a demonstration tape and references, please contact the bureau who sent you to this site or:
Joan Pierce
Marketing Director
Cross-Cultural Communications
4585 48th Street
San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: 619-583-4478 / 800-858-4478
Fax: 619-583-0304
E-mail: STPhD@Thiederman.com
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