Impactful Communication: Delores Druilhet Morton Of Step Up Women’s Network On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Clarity and Precision: Clear and precise communication eliminates misunderstandings and ensures that your message is easily understood. While preparing a presentation for potential sponsors, I realized that my initial draft was filled with jargon and complex data. I revised it to be clear and concise, focusing on key points and using simple language. This made the presentation more accessible and impactful, resulting in successful sponsorships.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Delores Druilhet Morton.
Delores Morton is the chief executive officer of Step Up, the nonprofit that guides girls, and those who identify with girlhood, to their success. Under Delores’s leadership, Step Up supports high school girls and young women ages 18–29 in becoming confident, connected and career-focused through free mentorship programs.
Learn more about Step Up here: https://www.suwn.org/
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I’m originally from a small town on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. It was in Louisiana that foundation for my career was poured. The values learned growing up as a preacher’s daughter and surrounded by a caring community helped lead me towards a career in the nonprofit sector that started off as an AmeriCorps member in my hometown. The AmeriCorps service launched a career that has been rewarding and exciting.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Having a career that spans nearly 30 years, I have many interesting stories to tell. One that stands out is being honored as a Champion of Change in 2012 by former President Barak Obama. This was interesting because I didn’t do anything special to receive the recognition — I just did my job. I lived my purpose which I think is to help people who are struggling, hurting, dealing with challenges. It was a program that highlighted ordinary Americans doing extraordinary work in their communities and I don’t think you get much more ordinary than a small-town girl from South Louisiana.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resourcefulness is quite possibly the first trait that has been instrumental to my success. I have the ability to find a way when the way is not clear. For example, I had a vision of Step Up offering mentoring supports to young women after they finished high school, but after high school girls can go in so many different directions so it wasn’t clear how we would be able to make this happen. I took what was already a sweet spot for us, flash mentoring and adapted it to a digital environment. Now flash mentoring — impactful, one-time conversations that provide significant guidance and inspiration to mentees — is being adopted by mentoring organizations across the globe.
Authenticity. For example, I am committed to sharing my own non-linear career path and openly discussing the challenges and setbacks I have faced as well as the lessons I have learned along the way. It was more than ten years after I finished high school before I finished my undergraduate studies — and by that time I was a married mother of two. Not pretending that I did everything right or as prescribed, I think resonates with many people and inspires them to embrace their own unique paths and remain resilient in the face of obstacles.
Finally, I would say that I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I am an avid reader, I love data, and I am committed to lifelong learning. I’m curious not only about how things work, but why they work. I want to explore new ideas and approaches and seek to understand history and learn from it as well. This way I am able to adapt and innovate ensuring that Step Up remains effective and relevant.
Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
An effective communicator listens just as much as they communicate. Transparency, precision, and empathy are all characteristics of a good communicator.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
One really needs to consider the audience that they are trying to reach and the message they are trying to convey. My communication style with a toddler is going to differ from my communication style during a fireside chat at a fundraising event. I like to identify the areas where my interests and beliefs overlap with what’s most important to the audience, and tailor the communication in a way that helps the audience feel seen and understood.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
When I stepped into the role of CEO at Step Up, I discovered the profound influence my voice held. Authenticity has always been the bedrock of my communication, but I soon realized that my offhand musings were often perceived as directives. This misalignment between my intent and the impact of my words was a powerful lesson. It taught me the necessity of clarity and intentionality in leadership. Now, I embrace the responsibility to articulate my ideas clearly, ensuring that my words inspire and guide rather than inadvertently direct. This journey has reinforced the power of mindful communication in shaping a cohesive and motivated team.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
Handling difficult or sensitive conversations requires thoughtful preparation and practice. I start by envisioning how I want the conversation to unfold, reflecting on the emotions and outcomes I hope to achieve for both parties. Practicing the conversation helps me fine-tune my tone and delivery, ensuring that my words are empathetic and clear. This rehearsal allows me to anticipate how my message might be received and make necessary adjustments. By doing so, I strive to maintain open and effective communication, fostering a respectful and understanding dialogue.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
In my experience, storytelling is a cornerstone of impactful speaking. With a background in oratory and a love for reading, I deeply appreciate the power of a well-told story. As the saying goes, “It is not what you say, but how you say it.” Storytelling is an art that transforms communication into something memorable and engaging.
Stories are effective because they provide tangible examples that people can relate to and remember. When I pitch Step Up to new sponsors or recruit mentors for our programs, storytelling is crucial. It humanizes our work, making it more relatable and compelling. By sharing real-life examples and narratives, I can convey the impact of our initiatives in a way that statistics and facts alone cannot. This approach not only captures attention but also fosters a deeper emotional connection with the audience.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”?
1 . Active Listening: Active listening fosters mutual respect and understanding, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. During a team meeting at Step Up, a colleague shared concerns about a new project. Instead of immediately offering solutions, I listened attentively, asked clarifying questions, and paraphrased her points to ensure I understood. This approach made her feel heard and valued, leading to a more productive discussion and better solutions.
2 . Clarity and Precision: Clear and precise communication eliminates misunderstandings and ensures that your message is easily understood. While preparing a presentation for potential sponsors, I realized that my initial draft was filled with jargon and complex data. I revised it to be clear and concise, focusing on key points and using simple language. This made the presentation more accessible and impactful, resulting in successful sponsorships.
3 . Empathy and Consideration: Empathy builds trust and rapport, making it easier to navigate difficult conversations and maintain positive relationships. This is most helpful when addressing a team member’s performance issue, I approached the conversation with empathy. I acknowledged their efforts and challenges before discussing areas for improvement. This considerate approach helped maintain their morale and motivated them to improve.
4 . Storytelling: I mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating. In our work I always say that a good story is about a person with a name helping or supporting another person with a name with a specific result. Storytelling makes your message relatable and memorable, helping to engage and inspire your audience. While recruiting mentors for our programs, I shared a story about a mentee whose life was transformed by their mentor’s guidance. This narrative illustrated the real impact of our work, making the potential mentors feel more connected and inspired to join.
5 . Feedback and Reciprocity: Seeking and giving feedback fosters a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect. After board meetings or public events, I ask board members or team members for feedback on my leadership and communication. I listened to their insights and made adjustments based on their suggestions. This reciprocal approach not only improved my communication but also empowered my team to share their perspectives openly.
How does this align with your vision for effective communication?
Foundational to my vision for effective communication is authenticity. Authenticity builds trust and meaningful connections. I’ve found that being true to myself helps others feel comfortable being themselves too. Empathy allows us to understand and connect with others deeply. I’ve seen firsthand how showing genuine care can transform a conversation and build stronger relationships. Storytelling makes our messages relatable and memorable. Sharing personal stories has helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level, making my messages more impactful. Precision ensures clarity and respect for our audience’s time. I’ve learned that being clear and concise helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page. Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker and responding thoughtfully. It’s amazing how much more you can learn and connect when you truly listen. Feedback fosters growth and mutual respect. Seeking and giving feedback has been crucial in my journey of continuous improvement.
Together, these techniques support authentic communication, enabling us to connect deeply, inspire, and lead with integrity.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Nonverbal cues are important because they help signal emotion, openness, and they deepen the connection between people. You know that expression “a picture is worth a thousand words?” That’s how I think about nonverbal cues — they communicate the rest of the story in an instant.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
Digital communication can be difficult to navigate because so much of communication is conveyed through body language or voice intonations. The advantage of digital communication is that I am able to craft a message that considers how a particular message might be received without the advantage of physical or tonal signals.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
As an introvert, I often feel a wave of nerves when speaking publicly, even with my experience in oratory. If you share this fear, know that you’re not alone. One thing that has helped me is thorough preparation. I make sure to have a well-organized script, understand my audience, and practice as much as possible.
One trick I’ve found particularly useful is recording myself reading the script and then listening to it repeatedly while going about my daily activities. This way, when I stand up in front of a crowd, the words feel more natural and familiar — similar to how we can effortlessly sing along to our favorite song because we’ve heard it so many times.
Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous. With preparation and practice, you can turn that nervous energy into a powerful performance.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
Engage in regular practice by joining speaking clubs, participating in group discussions, or volunteering for presentations. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or coaches to continuously refine your skills. I mentioned that I am an avid reader so there are a few books that I also recommend: “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. This book offers strategies for effective communication in high-stakes situations and “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg. This book focuses on empathetic communication and resolving conflicts peacefully.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I think Step Up is a movement so I would love to expand our work to more communities globally! But outside of Step Up, it would be fun to create local hubs where young people can gather, share experiences and support each other. These hubs would also serve as venues for mentorship meetings and leadership development for girls. In a way that is still an expansion of Step Up.
How can our readers further follow you online?
https://www.instagram.com/deloresdruilhetmorton/
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.
Impactful Communication: Delores Druilhet Morton Of Step Up Women’s Network On 5 Essential… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.