Wayne College Professor Helps Women Find Their Voice

Dr. Debra Johanyak, professor of English at The University of Akron Wayne College, wants to help women learn how to speak more directly. Her new book does just that.

Johanyak is the author of the recently published Say What You Really Mean (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2014) which draws upon research, personal experience and observation, and news media to explain why women do not always speak directly - but often should.

About her book Johanyak states, “Despite the success of feminism on many fronts, some women don’t know how to say what they really mean, or feel uncomfortable doing so. This book explores reasons for their uncertainty and offers suggestions for speaking up in a forthright way.” She goes on to explain how it may be important to be honest with a spouse about an irritating behavior, or be able to say no to an employer’s request for last-minute overtime. “Some women’s empathic natures get in the way of their being direct in uncomfortable situations,” she says.

The book has been featured in recent news media, including the Michael Dresser radio show and a November 2014 Marie Claire article on how to say no (nicely).

Johanyak earned her doctorate at Kent State University before coming to The University of Akron Wayne College. Her previous books are Behind the Veil (University of Akron Press), a memoir about her sojourn in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, and Shakespeare’s World published by Prentice Hall. Several of her short stories and articles have appeared in various literary publications and journals. She also wrote and directed the film, More Than Chance.