Say your name

Mom has come up with an unusual challenge. This summer she is traveling to Spain to attend a women’s conference where she will give a presentation on the human brain. She will have an afternoon to address a complicated topic to women from many different cultures. Most of her material is cutting edge stuff- research made possible in the last decade by brain imaging technology. The research not only challenges ‘truths’ that the medical profession has held sacred for a hundred years, but also challenges sexism that is so ingrained that it is believed true just because it is believed.
So, a few hours to address a complex topic that goes against what most people have lived with all their lives, and for many of them, in English as a second language amid the deluge of information presented by others attending the conference.
Last night while channel surfing, I came across Suzie Orman advising an audience of women about finances. I paused to listen to a segment ‘Say your name.’ The idea was that they should state their own name confidently and with pride. She had them all stand up and practice it. When one woman faltered, Suzie had her go to the microphone, gave her a pep talk about how important she was, how her name mattered, how proud she should be, and finally, the woman proudly said her name.
It was an effective presentation. Although she didn’t give any data or philosophy, she left me with a set of ideas that I will think about in the days to come.
Now, how can that technique be applied to a presentation about the human brain? What can women from different cultures and backgrounds and languages take home with them to empower other women?
Nancy Sherer