Waterford networking event shows true power of language

Words that Work left attendees feeling 'energised and empowered'
Waterford networking event shows true power of language

Network Ireland Waterford Branch gathered at OfficeMaster, Meagher's Quay, Waterford for 'Words that Work', with Derbhile Graham – founder of WriteWords. Pictured are Derbhile Graham, Sinead O’Neill, President Network Ireland Waterford Branch and Dawn Roberts, Business Development Executive OfficeMaster. Photograph: Patrick Browne

The Waterford branch of Network Ireland held an event recently that focused attention on the transformative power of language. The ‘Words that Work’ event was held at OfficeMaster on Meagher’s Quay in the city.

Network Ireland Waterford Branch gathered at OfficeMaster, Meagher's Quay, Waterford for 'Words that Work', with Derbhile Graham – founder of WriteWords. Pictured are Carmel Grant, Anne Marie Shannon, Vice President Network Ireland Waterford Branch and Derbhile Graham. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Network Ireland Waterford Branch gathered at OfficeMaster, Meagher's Quay, Waterford for 'Words that Work', with Derbhile Graham – founder of WriteWords. Pictured are Carmel Grant, Anne Marie Shannon, Vice President Network Ireland Waterford Branch and Derbhile Graham. Photograph: Patrick Browne

The main aim of the initiative, which attracted a large crowd, was to focus attention on the power of language in business but also in people’s lives. The event was led by industry expert Derbhile Graham, who is the founder of WriteWords.

Julie Gaffney and Anne Marie Shannon, Vice President Network Ireland, Waterford Branch. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Julie Gaffney and Anne Marie Shannon, Vice President Network Ireland, Waterford Branch. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Those in attendance at the event learned how to craft a business narrative for their customers using techniques, that are proven to work, from bestselling authors. The attendees also learned how to create a customer profile to identify their needs and develop a story demonstrating how to effectively address problems and challenges they face.

Speaking after the event, Derbhile said: "It's lovely to have the opportunity to help these powerful entrepreneurs turn their brilliant ideas into brilliant words."

Photograph: Patrick Browne
Photograph: Patrick Browne

There was another aspect to the event that was also very beneficial to those in attendance because it served as an ideal networking initiative and in doing so provided excellent networking opportunities for those in attendance.

According to one of the organisers: “Everyone left feeling energised and empowered with strategies to tell their own business stories.”

Lynn Shead and Jayne Cahill. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Lynn Shead and Jayne Cahill. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Many experts are of the opinion that it's not what you say, but what people hear is what makes language effective and the Words that Work initiative highlighted many effective ways of getting a message across in a manner that the majority of listeners would embrace and take on board. The event was a great success and very much enjoyed by those present. 

Sinead O’Neill, President Network Ireland Waterford Branch and Mike Conway, Marketing manager, OfficeMaster. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Sinead O’Neill, President Network Ireland Waterford Branch and Mike Conway, Marketing manager, OfficeMaster. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Anyone interested in such events can find out more by contacting the organisers at waterford@networkireland.ie or check out the national website online at networkireland.ie.

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