WOMANSPEAK CIRCLE

LEADER CURRICULUM

THEME: THE CHANGE YOU WANT

TO SEE IN THE WORLD

1

WomanSpeak Circle Monthly Theme:

The Change You Want to See in the World

Overview of This Month's Speaking Practices

WEEK ONE

OVERVIEW

The practices for both weeks this month are the same.

The public speaking practice this month is the art of being the hostess of the room. All women

except those giving 5 minute talks will share for 2-3 minutes about the challenge that's going on in

the world that they want to help transform and why.

Video of the Month:

Being the Hostess of the Room

5 Minute Shares:

Up to three women will give 5 minute shares. They each will expand on sharing what the

challenge is that they want to help transform in the world, how they came to care about this, and

why it matters for the world that this situation be transformed.

AUDIO WALK-THROUGH

Audio Walk-Through for the Month:

The Change You Want to See in the World

2

NOTES TO FACILITATOR

- If your Circle is online, you will need to make sure you know how to share your audio through

Zoom (see How to Use Zoom Technology to Lead Your Circle document) in order to play two

songs during the dancing portion of your Circle.

- You decide whether the talk length will be 2 or 3 minutes based on how many women are

present and how much time you have. If there is enough time, plan in time for two rounds so

that every woman can go twice.

- There will be three women doing 5 minute shares this week. Allow 20-25 minutes for this so

there is time for Celebrations and Refinements.

- When calculating time, remember to include time for the applause and standing ovations,

celebrations & refinements after each talk.

- Make sure to keep time for each woman’s talk and let her know when time is up. It’s important

to stick to the time so that it’s fair for all women.

- Before women begin speaking, remind them to do their “Pre Stage Ritual: Feel Their Tail”,

and/or do the “Shake and Pull Down” practice.

- Be sure to clarify for next week who is doing 5 minute shares.

3

Leader’s Talking Points,

Instructions & Time Markers for Class

WELCOME (5 minutes)

1. Introduce yourself.

2. Briefly introduce WomanSpeak.

3. Logistics:

If meeting in person, make sure everyone knows where the bathroom is.

If meeting online, ask Circle Members to:

Silence their phones and turn off notifications on all devices so that they can be

focused and present. (Turning off notifications on the computer can usually be

done through “System Preferences”.)

Lovingly and clearly encourage everyone to set this time aside to really bring

their full attention to the screen without distractions. Request this with clarity

and love.

Invite everyone to sit close to the camera (so that they are taking up most of the

frame rather than sitting far away) and lean in slightly—this creates more

engagement.

4. Agreements:

“We agree to confidentiality so that women feel safe to share openly. Nothing shared

here will be shared outside of this Circle.” Ask each woman to raise their hand to show

they agree.

“We agree to be a stand for each woman in front of you speaking her truth, even if you

do not agree with what she says or share what she believes.” Ask each woman to raise

their hand to show they agree.

“We agree not to disparage anyone or any group based on race, ethnicity, religion,

gender, sexuality, age or ability in our shares or talks.” Ask each woman to raise their

hand to show they agree.

5. Go around and have each woman share her name.

If online, you can choose who goes next and unmute each woman when it’s her turn.

Then, mute her when she is finished sharing (unless she mutes herself first).

NOTE: If a woman previously muted herself, you will not be able to unmute her. She

will need to unmute herself.

4

CULTURE (2 minutes)

Talking points:

WomanSpeak's culture is unique and highly effective. It is based on the philosophy and practice of

Fertile Listening, Celebration and Refinement.

For anyone new here, hopefully you already learned about this from watching the “Start Here

Videos” in your Curriculum Manual.

To recap how we practice this in our circle today: We give wild applause each time a woman gets

up to speak in front of the group. We then give a full standing ovation with loud applause every

time a woman completes speaking on stage.

Yes, a full standing ovation! Really bring it!!

5

GETTING INTO OUR BODIES (8 minutes)

Talking points:

Part of what makes WomanSpeak so special and effective is that we focus on getting into our

bodies before we speak, because that is where our power and deepest clarity lives. So, part of our tradition in WomanSpeak is that we dance at the beginning of class. During your

dance, focus on feeling the sensations in your body, rather than the pull of your mind to try to look

okay or good.

Instructions for leader:

Invite everyone to stand up.

If in person, make sure the room is cleared for space for women to be in a circle and move their

bodies.

If online:

Invite members to clear a little space around them if they need to.

Invite members to make sure their Zoom screen is set to GALLERY VIEW (so they

can be interactive during the second song!)

When you play music for your online Circle, it will work best if you either:

Use the “Share Screen” feature on Zoom and play directly from your

computer OR

Play the music directly from a portable speaker (not from your phone

because the sound quality is not as good

Play two songs from the WomanSpeak playlist. You may also choose two songs of your own (if

you do this, please choose songs that are under 3.5 minutes each for time's sake). First song: Invite women to close their eyes and connect with their bodies, connecting with and feeling the

sensations in their bodies, rather than the thoughts in their minds.

Second song: Invite women to open their eyes and connect with others through eye contact while STILL

maintaining connection with the sensation in their bodies.

(If online) Invite Circle Members to get creative and playful about how they interact with each

other through the lens of the camera during the second song. They can get up close, go off screen

and come back, play hide and seek with the camera, lean in, duck out, etc. There is no wrong way

to do it!

6

PRE STAGE RITUAL RECAP (2 minutes)

Instructions for leader:

After the songs, invite everyone to walk around and feel their tail for 30 seconds. (Yes, just 30

seconds!)

Next, you will lead the entire group through the “Shake & Pull Down” practice. (1-minute max!)

Then, ladies can take their seats.

ADDRESS THEME OF THE MONTH (1 minute)

Invite Circle Members to switch to “SPEAKER VIEW.”

Talking points:

This month's theme is: The Change You Want to See in the World

When we get clear on the situation or challenge at hand that we wish to transform – either an

issue at work or a big problem facing the world – we get our audience connected with our

message.

When we connect to the challenge or situation our message revolves around, we can more easily

discover our ideas, solutions and wisdom to address it.

ADDRESS SPEAKING PRACTICE OF THE MONTH (90 seconds)

Talking points:

This month, we're focusing on being the Hostess of the Room.

We are going to practice being warm and welcoming, and being in charge of having our audience

feel at ease.

This will leave us free to connect authentically with the audience and to give our message clearly

and powerfully.

7

INSTRUCTIONS TO GIVE CIRCLE MEMBERS

Based on how many women are in the group and how much time is left (allowing 20-25 minutes

for the women giving 5 minute shares this week and a few minutes for the Closing), decide how

much time each woman will have to speak (either 2 or 3 minutes).

If you have a small group, you can have people repeat this exercise 2-3 times. If you have a large

group, divide the time so you make sure everyone can have an opportunity to practice.

Make sure to add leeway for each woman to do her Pre-Stage Ritual and for her to receive

Celebrations & Refinements afterward.

(If online) Remember to “pin” the speaker’s screen during her share. Then “unpin” her screen once

her turn is finished.

Before each section of shares, remind Circle Members of the following:

Set aside any distractions

Sit close to your camera, so that you are taking up most of the frame (rather than sitting far

away)

Lean in slightly

Stay on mute when it’s not your turn to speak. If you were the one to mute yourself, you’ll

need to unmute yourself when it’s time for celebrations.

2-3 MINUTE SHARES:

Talking points:

You will have X number of minutes for this practice. (If in person) First, stand on the side of the stage and briefly do your Pre Stage Ritual – feel your

tail, walk around, or do your shake and pull down. When you are ready, walk on stage. We will

then give you a standing ovation and big round of applause before you begin to speak.

(If online) First, turn off your camera and briefly do your Pre Stage Ritual – feel your tail, walk

around, or do your shake and pull down. When you are ready, turn your camera back on. We will

then give you a huge round of applause before you begin to speak.

(NOTE: As the Leader, make sure that you enthusiastically lead the applause!) As the speaker, you will focus on being the hostess of the room and welcoming us into your space

and your message.

Then share with us about the challenge in the world you want to help transform and why.

8

Everyone in the audience – let’s give cheers and a huge round of applause to each of our speakers

when they come on stage (if in person) or on camera (if online)!

5 MINUTE SHARES:

(20-25 minutes total – 5 minutes each but giving time for celebration/refinements for each speaker)

Talking points:

We will now have our 5 minute ladies this week come up and speak. Ladies, you will follow the same directions as the others, but elaborate further on how you came

to care about this challenge in the world and what your vision is for how it can be different. You

have 5 minutes to speak. Everyone in the audience – let’s give cheers and a huge round of

applause to each of our speakers when they come on stage (if in person) or on camera (if online)!

CELEBRATIONS & REFINEMENTS

WEEK 1 CELEBRATIONS:

Notes for online celebrations:

When online, make sure to UNMUTE all participants during applause and celebrations

and MUTE them again after the celebration is over.

IMPORTANT: If any participants previously muted themselves, you will not be able to

unmute them—they will need to click “unmute” themselves.

After a woman finishes speaking and she receives a standing ovation, invite 2-3 women to briefly

share what they loved about what she shared or how she shared it.

(If online) Unmute each woman when it’s her turn to share a celebration. If she previously muted

herself, she will need to unmute herself. Mute each woman again after she is finished sharing.

You, as the leader, can also share a celebration too.

Talking points:

What did you love about what she said or did? What really worked? What moved or impacted

you? How did you feel her being the hostess of the room?

9

WEEK 1 REFINEMENTS:

(If online) Unmute each woman when it’s her turn to share a refinement. If she previously muted

herself, she will need to unmute herself. Mute each woman again after she is finished sharing.

Talking points:

Let's have two women briefly share what they noticed about her connection with the audience

and if there was more opportunity for her to welcome us with her energy.

Another big round of applause for each speaker after the Refinements!!

10

CLOSING

Instructions for leader:

Thank the women for coming! Do a round of Favorite frames: Depending on how much time remains, invite 1-3 shares

(or more) of a favorite moment from the evening. Ask them to very briefly name the

moment and the impact it had on them. (If online) Unmute each woman when it’s her turn to share. If she previously muted herself,

she will need to unmute herself. Mute each woman again after she is finished sharing. Talking points: Let's have a couple women share a "favorite frame" from today's circle. A "frame" is a

moment in time (like if you were to pause a movie) that deeply touched or impacted

you or that you appreciated in some way. Who wants to share? Remind your members of the next Circle date and the theme for that week/month. Also remind them to do their Social Media Share of the Month in the Members Facebook

group if they haven't done it yet. The following instructions for them are also in their

members curriculum for this month: Talking points:

Share the challenge you wish to change in the world in the WomanSpeak

Facebook group! To do this, either use Facebook Live or record a video on your phone or

computer and then upload it directly to the WomanSpeak Circle Members

group. Practice being the Hostess of the Room by being warm and welcoming, as if

you're inviting us into your virtual living room and you are in charge of putting

as at ease.

In 2-3 minutes, share with us about the challenge in the world you want to help

transform and why.

Comment on other women's videos and share what you LOVED and what

impacted you the most. Celebrate one another!!

You may also offer refinements that are specific to the corresponding public

speaking practice of the month only: Being the Hostess of the Room.

(If online) Unmute everyone at the end to say goodbye before signing off! If anyone

previously muted themselves, they will need to unmute themselves.

*Before leaving, make sure to connect with and remind the women who will be doing their 5

minute and/or 12 minute talks at your next circle. If no one has signed up yet, ask women to sign

up.

That's a wrap!! Beautiful work!!!

11

WEEK TWO

OVERVIEW

The practices for both weeks this month are the same.

The public speaking practice this month is the art of being the hostess of the room. All women

except those giving 5 minute talks will share for 2-3 minutes about the challenge that's going on in

the world that they want to help transform and why.

Video of the Month:

Being the Hostess of the Room

5 Minute Shares:

Up to three women will give 5 minute shares. They each will expand on sharing what the

challenge is that they want to help transform in the world, how they came to care about this, and

why it matters for the world that this situation be transformed.

GUIDED AUDIO WALK-THROUGH

Audio Walk-Through for the Month:

The Change You Want to See in the World

12

NOTES TO FACILITATOR

- If your Circle is online, you will need to make sure you know how to share your audio through

Zoom (see How to Use Zoom Technology to Lead Your Circle document) in order to play two

songs during the dancing portion of your Circle

- You decide whether the talk length will be 2 or 3 minutes based on how many women are

present and how much time you have. If there is enough time, plan in time for two rounds so

that every woman can go twice.

- There will be three women doing 5 minute shares this week. Allow 20-25 minutes for this so

there is time for Celebrations and Refinements.

- When calculating time, remember to include time for the applause and standing ovations,

celebrations & refinements after each talk.

- Make sure to keep time for each woman’s talk and let her know when time is up. It’s important

to stick to the time so that it’s fair for all women.

- Before women begin speaking, remind them to do their “Pre Stage Ritual: Feel Their Tail”,

and/or do the “Shake and Pull Down” practice.

- Be sure to clarify for next week who is doing 5 minute shares.

13

Leader’s Talking Points,

Instructions & Time Markers for Class

WELCOME (5 minutes)

1. Introduce yourself.

2. Briefly introduce WomanSpeak.

3. Logistics:

If meeting in person, make sure everyone knows where the bathroom is.

If meeting online, ask Circle Members to:

Silence their phones and turn off notifications on all devices so that they can be

focused and present. (Turning off notifications on the computer can usually be

done through “System Preferences”.)

Lovingly and clearly encourage everyone to set this time aside to really bring

their full attention to the screen without distractions. Request this with clarity

and love.

Invite everyone to sit close to the camera (so that they are taking up most of the

frame rather than sitting far away) and lean in slightly—this creates more

engagement.

4. Agreements:

“We agree to confidentiality so that women feel safe to share openly. Nothing shared

here will be shared outside of this Circle.” Ask each woman to raise their hand to show

they agree.

“We agree to be a stand for each woman in front of you speaking her truth, even if you

do not agree with what she says or share what she believes.” Ask each woman to raise

their hand to show they agree.

“We agree not to disparage anyone or any group based on race, ethnicity, religion,

gender, sexuality, age or ability in our shares or talks.” Ask each woman to raise their

hand to show they agree.

5. Go around and have each woman share her name.

If online, you can choose who goes next and unmute each woman when it’s her turn.

Then, mute her when she is finished sharing (unless she mutes herself first).

NOTE: If a woman previously muted herself, you will not be able to unmute her. She

will need to unmute herself.

14

CULTURE (2 minutes)

Talking points:

WomanSpeak's culture is unique and highly effective. It is based on the philosophy and practice of

Fertile Listening, Celebration and Refinement.

For anyone new here, hopefully you already learned about this from watching the “Start Here

Videos” in your Curriculum Manual.

To recap how we practice this in our circle today: We give wild applause each time a woman gets

up to speak in front of the group. We then give a full standing ovation with loud applause every

time a woman completes speaking on stage.

Yes, a full standing ovation! Really bring it!!

15

GETTING INTO OUR BODIES (8 minutes)

Talking points:

Part of what makes WomanSpeak so special and effective is that we focus on getting into our

bodies before we speak, because that is where our power and deepest clarity lives.

So, part of our tradition in WomanSpeak is that we dance at the beginning of class. During your

dance, focus on feeling the sensations in your body, rather than the pull of your mind to try to look

okay or good.

Instructions for leader:

Invite everyone to stand up.

If in person, make sure the room is cleared for space for women to be in a circle and move their

bodies.

If online:

Invite members to clear a little space around them if they need to.

Invite members to make sure their Zoom screen is set to GALLERY VIEW (so they

can be interactive during the second song!)

When you play music for your online Circle, it will work best if you either:

Use the “Share Screen” feature on Zoom and play directly from your

computer OR

Play the music directly from a portable speaker (not from your phone

because the sound quality is not as good

Play two songs from the WomanSpeak playlist. You may also choose two songs of your own (if

you do this, please choose songs that are under 3.5 minutes each for time's sake). First song: Invite women to close their eyes and connect with their bodies, connecting with and feeling the

sensations in their bodies, rather than the thoughts in their minds.

Second song: Invite women to open their eyes and connect with others through eye contact while STILL

maintaining connection with the sensation in their bodies.

(If online) Invite Circle Members to get creative and playful about how they interact with each

other through the lens of the camera during the second song. They can get up close, go off screen

and come back, play hide and seek with the camera, lean in, duck out, etc. There is no wrong way

to do it!

16

PRE STAGE RITUAL RECAP (2 minutes)

Instructions for leader:

After the songs, invite everyone to walk around and feel their tail for 30 seconds. (Yes, just 30

seconds!)

Next, you will lead the entire group through the “Shake & Pull Down” practice. (1-minute max!)

Then, ladies can take their seats.

ADDRESS THEME OF THE MONTH (1 minute)

Invite Circle Members to switch to “SPEAKER VIEW.”

Talking points:

This month's theme is: The Change You Want to See in the World.

When we get clear on the situation or challenge at hand that we wish to transform – either an

issue at work or a big problem facing the world – we get our audience connected with our

message.

When we connect to the challenge or situation our message revolves around, we can more easily

discover our ideas, solutions and wisdom to address it.

ADDRESS SPEAKING PRACTICE OF THE MONTH (90 seconds)

Talking points:

Again, we're focusing on being the Hostess of the Room.

We are going to practice being warm and welcoming, and being in charge of having our audience

feel at ease.

This will leave us free to connect authentically with the audience and to give our message clearly

and powerfully.

17

INSTRUCTIONS TO GIVE CIRCLE MEMBERS

Based on how many women are in the group and how much time is left (allowing 20-25 minutes

for the women giving 5 minute shares this week and a few minutes for the Closing), decide how

much time each woman will have to speak (either 2 or 3 minutes).

If you have a small group, you can have people repeat this exercise 2-3 times. If you have a large

group, divide the time so you make sure everyone can have an opportunity to practice.

Make sure to add leeway for each woman to do her Pre-Stage Ritual and for her to receive

Celebrations & Refinements afterward.

(If online) Remember to “pin” the speaker’s screen during her share. Then “unpin” her screen once

her turn is finished.

Before each section of shares, remind Circle Members of the following:

Set aside any distractions

Sit close to your camera, so that you are taking up most of the frame (rather than sitting far

away)

Lean in slightly

Stay on mute when it’s not your turn to speak. If you were the one to mute yourself, you’ll

need to unmute yourself when it’s time for celebrations.

2-3 MINUTE SHARES:

Talking points:

You will have X number of minutes for this practice. (If in person) First, stand on the side of the stage and briefly do your Pre Stage Ritual – feel your

tail, walk around, or do your shake and pull down. When you are ready, walk on stage. We will

then give you a standing ovation and big round of applause before you begin to speak.

(If online) First, turn off your camera and briefly do your Pre Stage Ritual – feel your tail, walk

around, or do your shake and pull down. When you are ready, turn your camera back on. We will

then give you a huge round of applause before you begin to speak.

(NOTE: As the Leader, make sure that you enthusiastically lead the applause!) As the speaker, you will focus on being the hostess of the room and welcoming us into your space

and your message.

Then share with us about the challenge in the world you want to help transform and why.

18

Everyone in the audience – let’s give cheers and a huge round of applause to each of our speakers

when they come on stage (if in person) or on camera (if online)!

5 MINUTE SHARES:

(20-25 minutes total – 5 minutes each but giving time for celebration/refinements for each speaker)

Talking points:

We will now have our 5 minute ladies this week come up and speak. Ladies, you will follow the same directions as the others, but elaborate further on how you came

to care about this challenge in the world and what your vision is for how it can be different. You

have 5 minutes to speak. Everyone in the audience – let’s give cheers and a huge round of

applause to each of our speakers when they come on stage (if in person) or on camera (if online)!

19

CELEBRATIONS & REFINEMENTS

WEEK 2 CELEBRATIONS:

Notes for online celebrations:

When online, make sure to UNMUTE all participants during applause and celebrations

and MUTE them again after the celebration is over.

IMPORTANT: If any participants previously muted themselves, you will not be able to

unmute them—they will need to click “unmute” themselves.

After a woman finishes speaking and she receive a standing ovation, invite 2-3 women to briefly

share what they loved about what she said or how she shared it.

(If online) Unmute each woman when it’s her turn to share a celebration. If she previously muted

herself, she will need to unmute herself. Mute each woman again after she is finished sharing.

You, as the leader, can share a celebration too.

Talking points:

What did you love about what she said or did? What really worked? How did she put the audience

at ease?

WEEK 2 REFINEMENTS:

(If online) Unmute each woman when it’s her turn to share a refinement. If she previously muted

herself, she will need to unmute herself. Mute each woman again after she is finished sharing.

Talking points:

Let's have two women briefly share what they noticed about her connection with the audience

and if there was more opportunity for her to welcome us with her energy.

Another big round of applause for each speaker after the Refinements!!

20

CLOSING

Instructions for leader:

Thank the women for coming! Do a round of Favorite frames: Depending on how much time remains, invite 1-3 shares

(or more) of a favorite moment from the evening. Ask them to very briefly name the

moment and the impact it had on them. (If online) Unmute each woman when it’s her turn to share. If she previously muted herself,

she will need to unmute herself. Mute each woman again after she is finished sharing.

Talking points: Let's have a couple women share a "favorite frame" from today's Circle. A "frame" is a

moment in time (like if you were to pause a movie) that deeply touched or impacted

you or that you appreciated in some way. Who wants to share? Remind your members of the next Circle date and the theme for that week/month. Also remind them to do their Social Media Share of the Month in the Members Facebook

group if they haven't done it yet. The following instructions for them are also in their

members curriculum for this month: Talking points:

Share the challenge you wish to change in the world in the WomanSpeak

Facebook group! To do this, either use Facebook Live or record a video on your phone or

computer and then upload it directly to the WomanSpeak Circle Members

group. Practice being the Hostess of the Room by being warm and welcoming, as if

you're inviting us into your virtual living room and you are in charge of putting

as at ease.

In 2-3 minutes, share with us about the challenge in the world you want to help

transform and why.

Comment on other women's videos and share what you LOVED and what

impacted you the most. Celebrate one another!! You may also offer refinements that are specific to the corresponding public

speaking practice of the month only: Being the Hostess of the Room.

(If online) Unmute everyone at the end to say goodbye before signing off! If anyone

previously muted themselves, they will need to unmute themselves.

*Before leaving, make sure to connect with and remind the women who will be doing their 5

minute and/or 12 minute talks at your next Circle. If no one has signed up yet, ask women to sign

up. That's a wrap!! Beautiful job!!!