Paula Stone Williams

Everyone is talking, but is anyone really listening? In a world increasingly divided by walls of fear, multiple-time TED speaker Paula Stone Williams offers a powerful message of hope and connection. As a transgender woman, national leader, and former pastor, Paula draws on her unique experiences in partisan spaces, giving you the tools to truly listen to those from backgrounds different than yours.

A journey of self-discovery and empathy through sharing her own story of living as both a man and a woman, Paula sheds light on the complexities of identity and the importance of listening and understanding differences in perspective.

In this presentation, Paula provides audiences with actionable steps for effective communications:

• The problem with assumptions: Assumptions are based on our perspective, not on the truth. Be open to the possibilities of your own bias, look at the facts, and continue to educate yourself for a broader worldview.

• It's not about you: Recognize that humans work from different moral standards. Coming together and hearing each other's stories, proximity and narrative, can explain those differences and narrow the divide between people and groups.

• Use words without blame and judgment, toward yourself and others: Listen with grace and understanding. Be clear with intentions.

• Do your best: Speak with integrity, and bring your whole self to the conversation.

Whether your audience is grappling with issues of diversity and inclusion, seeking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of communicating better across genders or generations, or simply yearning for a deeper understanding of the human experience, Paula's message will foster empathy and better communication across lines of difference.