Communicating for Connection

Membership professionals communicate constantly — with members, volunteers, sponsors, and boards — but rarely get the chance to sharpen how they communicate. This session introduces easy-to-use tools for recognizing communication styles, adapting your approach, and transforming everyday conversations into opportunities for connection.

Through real-world scenarios and hands-on practice, participants learn how to communicate with members rather than at them, improving clarity, reducing friction, and strengthening relationships.

What you'll take away

• Identify their own communication style and understand how it shapes their default
  approach in member interactions.
• Recognize the communication styles of others using observable cues.
• Adjust their communication approach to better connect with people who
  communicate differently.
• Use the 3C Framework (Curiosity, Clarity, Connection) to shift from transactional
  communication to more relational, member-centered conversations.

Who Should Attend

• Membership and comms team professionals
• Member services and engagement staff
• Education and events teams
• Anyone who interacts with members or prospective members

Session Format

• 75-minute virtual session featuring practical insights, real-world examples, audience discussion, and immediately applicable takeaways.
  
  

About the Presenter

Dawn Gates is a seasoned association professional known for helping organizations strengthen member engagement through practical, people-first strategies. With extensive experience in membership, leadership development, and organizational growth, she brings a relatable, real-world perspective to improving how teams connect with the people they serve. Dawn's sessions are energetic, interactive, and focused on actionable takeaways, equipping participants with tools they can immediately use to build trust, communicate more effectively, and create stronger, more meaningful member relationships.

Learn more about Dawn and connect on LinkedIN