Sinead Kane – A Skilled Communicator

Sinead Kane is an articulate and motivational speaker who will share with you the motto of: ‘Believe in yourself … anything is possible.’

• I only have 5% vision in each eye but sometimes go temporarily blind when going from a bright area to a shaded area. When trying to adjust in the different light my eyes can become extremely watery and a stinging sensation.
• Sometimes I have people say to me that: ‘You don’t look disabled.’ This can be frustrating at times.
• Daily tasks can become frustrating but I just get on with it.
• Growing up I always felt ashamed about my disability because this is how society made me feel. But now I am proud of who I am and openly talk about my visual impairment.
• Equality Advocate – I have encountered many times in the past where I have been denied simply rights. Yet, I didn’t give up. I kept on going.

Sinead proves how those who persist in spite of a disability can develop determination, motivation, and creativity, Due to her disability and achievements to date Sinead has been in national newspapers and has been on TV3 news.

“The key to success is believing you can make a difference.” Sinead believes in the possible. She believes that everyone in our society can make a difference – if we only just motivate ourselves enough.

Sinead’s presentations are normally thought provoking, deeply moving, educational, and inspiring. Sinead is using her journey through life to carry an inspirational message of determination and hope to people with all types of disabilities and to the general public.

Sinead has no degree in communication yet it is through her personal experience which has polished her communication skills. Having a visual impairment has given Sinead the benefit of having great hearing. Having good listening skills is a must to be an effective communicator. Most of us are pretty good at talking. We talk like crazy. Yet, sadly most people are terrible at listening. But through listening to Sinead you can learn how to develop your listening skills like she did. You have the choice to develop your listening skill Sinead didn’t have that choice. Due to having a visual impairment Sinead had no choice but to rely on her other senses such as her hearing.

Sinead finds it very interesting the fact that most people, even when they appear to be listening intently to someone else, are actually lost in their own thoughts, often thinking about what they will say next. Really hearing what others have to say, what matters to them, what they want, what they fear, what they hope for, will ultimately make you better able to connect with them, and help them to understand your message. Being an effective listener is probably the single most important quality of a great communicator.

Sinead’s Advice

Train yourself to really listen. When you’re attempting to connect with someone, really focus on them. Consciously try to block everything else out – your thoughts, distractions around you, etc. Make a point of not speaking yourself until the other person has expressed a complete thought. Effective communication is always a two-way street. It’s not just about talking it’s about listening as well.

We hope you enjoy your time at this website and will take time to learn more about Sinead and consider her for your corporate event. While you’re here, please visit our Media Gallery to see a video and pictures of Sinead.