Training Details

The Power of Voice: Navigating Communication Styles & Speaking Assertively

Purpose:

Everyone brings a unique communication style to the table, and learning to recognize and adapt to those styles is key to building stronger, more effective relationships. This interactive workshop explores four core communication styles—Analytical, Intuitive, Functional, and Personal—through a self-assessment that helps participants identify their own style and understand its strengths and challenges. While engaging in small-group discussions and collaborative activities, participants will build skills in communication flexibility, learning how to connect more effectively with people whose styles differ from their own. The session also emphasizes assertive communication—offering practical techniques to help participants express thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly, confidently, and respectfully.

Learning Objectives:

Objectives:

Discuss four key communication styles.
Identify your preferred style and assess its strengths and growth areas.
Apply techniques for communicating across different styles.
Practice assertive communication to express thoughts, feelings, and needs effectively.

Event Cost:

$45

Event Information:

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Location: TBD

About the Presenter(s):

Kat Cochrane-Yamaguchi

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Kat Cochrane-Yamaguchi has worked at in non-profit program management and leadership since 2006. In May 2020, she joined New Directions as the Programs Director. She builds strategic workforce and educational partnerships, develops relevant, outcomes-focused programs and services, and leads a dedicated and dynamic staff committed to increasing the financial stability of adult participants and their families.

Prior to working in Columbus area nonprofits, Kat worked in Service-Learning at Elon University (Elon, N.C) and Miami University (Oxford, OH) to increase students’ understanding of social justice issues through volunteer, internship, and service-learning experiences. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum Development and Teacher Leadership and a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Urban Geography, Sociology, and Education from Miami University.

Kat is a parent to three amazing kids, one exuberant dog, and one lazy cat. She serves on the boards of Equal UA and Rainbow UA, two community based nonprofits focused on increasing community inclusion and belonging. She also enjoys singing with the Columbus Symphony Chorus.

Ayanna M. Jordan

Ayanna manages recruitment, curriculum instruction, and community partnerships for core career
development courses such as Your Employment Success (YES) and AIM Group Coaching & Goal Setting
Program. She also leads the Center’s marketing and communication initiatives across diverse platforms to
elevate the mission, create awareness, and promote career education and support services. She is committed
to purpose-filled work that provides safe, inclusive and affirming spaces for women to thrive and build
community while working on their goals. Ayanna is a certified personal coach who takes a trauma-informed
approach to learning development and has over 20+ years of professional experience in the higher education
and nonprofit sectors – addressing equal educational access for first-generation college students and
developing quality women-centered resources and programming that sparks personal growth and ignites real
transformational change.

Jami Phillips

Jami Phillips, Employment Specialist, New Directions Career Center, received her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication. She started her career in recruiting with Management Recruiters International where she recruited candidates for employers in central Ohio for 15 years. In 2006 Jami joined New Directions Career Center as a volunteer assisting with outreach activities and classroom programming. After 9 years, in 2015 Jami joined the staff as an employee as the Employment Specialist. Working with clients to assist them in their job search and landing positions to help them achieve economic stability as well as connecting Central Ohio companies to New Directions graduates, something she is passionate about. Jami also coordinates the mentorship program for New Directions program graduates.