Galway women wishing to ‘enhance their personal brand’ have been invited to an event this November that will help professionals stand out and make an impact in their careers.

The evening, organised by women’s advocacy group, BPW Galway, will feature two expert speakers – Áine Killilea and Sinead Nic Gabhann – who are leaders in the fields of personal branding and vocal communication.

Ms Killilea, founder of Aine Image and Communications, is a personal brand and communications specialist, who will focus on how women present themselves, and their online presence.

Bearna native, Ms Nic Gabhann, a renowned speaking coach and voice teacher, will speak about how women can communicate better.

“People make their first decision when they look at you, they make their final decision when you open your mouth,” explained Ms Nic Gabhann.

“People can have a certain persona online – which everyone on the dating scene knows – and then you meet someone and you’re like, ‘oh, this was not what I expected’ or ‘wow they’re even better than I expected’.”

As well as teaching people how to sing, she is also a superior speaking coach and voice teacher, who helps people to prepare for public speaking or to communicate better.

“Sometimes people don’t like their voice. This is to help them like their voice. Sometimes they don’t like to speak up and this will give them the confidence to do that.

“Maybe they’re not understood because of the way they speak. Maybe they mumble. Maybe they have too many filler words. They speak too quickly. They don’t project enough. They don’t vary the rate they speak. I help people with all these things,” she said.

During the upcoming event, ‘Enhancing Your Personal Brand: Have Your Value Seen and Heard in the Workplace’, both women will impart their knowledge on how women can “communicate and show up better than they currently are”.

“Aine will be talking about how your present yourself and your presence online, and then when you show up, she’ll talk about fashion and dress sense. How do you come across from an online perspective? Then I follow on, what does your voice mean and how do you show up when you start speaking? Because if you show up and you look a certain way, then the way you communicate can let you down,” she said.

As well as advice, Ms Nic Gabhann will give effective breathing techniques to manage nerves and simple vocal exercises to improve tone, clarity, and authority.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 21, at 7pm in The Alcantara Building, Bonham Quay, H91AK1V. Guests will enjoy a selection of canapés, wines, and light refreshments.

BPW Galway members can attend for €25, while non-members are welcome for €40, with a €15 refund if you become a BPW Galway member within a fortnight.

Pictured: Sinead Nic Gabhann…expert advice.