The Minerva ACT "Elevate Your Voice" workshop, presented by Catherine McGrath and hosted by the ACT Meteors on 9 July was results focused and impactful, bringing together a diverse group of Minerva athletes from various sports to enhance their public speaking and networking skills.
The workshop, led by the esteemed Catherine McGrath, focused on empowering athletes to find and use their voices effectively in both sports performance and professional settings. McGrath, a seasoned journalist and communication expert, shared her insights and practical tips on how to communicate with confidence, clarity and impact. Her engaging presentation covered key aspects such as using the microphone, tips for nerves, your elevator pitch and structuring your introduction for maximum effect.
Minerva athletes were engaged in interactive exercises designed to build their confidence and refine their public speaking abilities. The hands-on approach allowed athletes to practice speaking in front of a supportive audience, receive constructive feedback and implement real-time improvements. These practical tips will help athletes overcome common fears associated with public speaking.
In addition to the workshop, the event provided opportunities for Minerva athletes and mentors to connect, share experiences and build valuable professional relationships.
Key to the success of the event was hearing from Gold Medalist Chloe Hosking OLY on her experiences with the Minerva Network, and some of the advice she sought, with a number of ‘out of the box’ experiences she has had working with the network of Minerva mentors. Chloe was interviewed by ACT Co-Chair Liesel Wett OAM as part of the workshop.
“It was great to interview Chloe on her Minerva experiences and the value a Mentor has brought to her career, having just graduated from her Law degree” said Liesel Wett, ACT Co-Chapter Lead of Minerva.
“Chloe is a great advocate for the Minerva Network, and it was fabulous to see other Minerva athletes listen to her experiences as she shoots for the stars in her chosen profession – Law!” she said.
ACT Co-Chapter Lead Gabrielle Curtin summed things up practically when she implemented key advice from facilitator Catherine McGrath by stopping, pausing and looking around at the audience before speaking.
“What great advice for us all in holding a room and having presence before we even start our presentation” said Gabrielle Curtin.
“Our Minerva Athletes and Mentors here tonight have certainly benefited from the tips and tricks we will take home with us, for our next presentation. Tonight’s workshop was full of learnings. A great evening for Minerva athletes and mentors” she said.
The ACT Meteors, a prominent women’s cricket team, played a vital role in hosting the event. Their involvement underscored the importance of supporting women’s empowerment initiatives, both on and off the field. The team’s commitment to fostering a strong community of empowered athletes was evident throughout the event.
The Minerva ACT Elevate Your Voice workshop and networking event was a testament to the power of community and the impact of effective communication. With the continued support of organisations like the ACT Meteors and the expertise of professionals like Catherine McGrath, we are poised to further empower our professional sportswomen and amplify their voices.
Together we soar.
