How to speak at work so that people listen to you?
The secret of social and successful people, those who communicate well, lies in how they speak. Tone of voice, volume, intonation, and attention to what we say are the most influential factors in this regard.
Business leaders pay great attention to communication. If you want to master this skill, you need to know that what you say and how you say it are very important factors in establishing an effective relationship.
Speaking in the workplace
You may have heard voices that are welcoming and warm, soft and gentle, or even fake and pretended. Some people’s speaking can be so unpleasant that listeners completely miss their words.
Act quickly and learn how to engage others in what you say. No matter your role in the workplace, you sometimes need to speak more clearly.
Effective communication methods, presenting ideas, and conveying your message to others in meetings are techniques that allow you to express your thoughts and opinions confidently. Speak deliberately and pay attention to how you can transfer your idea to others. This way, you can be sure they are listening.
In this article, we present 10 tips that you can follow to improve your communication skills and make people listen to you.
1. Speak firmly
If you have a great idea, don’t present it as if it’s just a simple suggestion. Doing so may make others dismiss it as trivial or worthless. Avoid phrases like “I think…” or “This is just my opinion, but…”. Don’t use words like “Um,” “Like,” or “You know…”. Instead, use phrases like “Do you think you can do it by tomorrow?” and “Please get it done by tomorrow.”
How to talk to coworkers
2. Speak in an understandable way
Speak clearly and emphasize key points. If you’re addressing a group, look at the entire audience instead of just one person. Maintaining eye contact is crucial. Speak decisively, but don’t be aggressive. Pause occasionally for emphasis. A short pause helps you gather your thoughts and gives the audience time to reflect on what you’ve said.
3. Make your speech conversational
People generally don’t want to listen to long lectures. When you introduce your idea, invite them to participate in the conversation. Speak in a way that encourages others to ask you questions and learn more about your idea. By giving them time to ask questions, they’ll become more interested in what you’re saying and listen more attentively. Engage them as much as you can, allowing them to share their thoughts and participate in the discussion.
4. Be prepared in advance
Before presenting your idea, plan out some key points and topics. Get help from a trusted coworker to practice and prepare. Record yourself speaking or practice in front of a mirror. Imagine possible reactions to your idea. What are the key points to introduce your idea? What questions might arise in response? How will you answer those questions?
How to speak at work?
5. Get straight to the point
First, present the main points to others, then delve into the details. When you start with strength, they will have a reason to listen to your continuation. Everyone’s time is valuable. People are already busy with deadlines, endless meetings, and countless demands, so don’t waste their time on trivial matters. You might think that the eight-second attention span is a myth (Microsoft published a study suggesting that human attention span dropped to 8 seconds in 2015, even shorter than that of a goldfish), but the reality is that people today don’t focus as needed and value brevity more than ever. Stick to the essential points and avoid going off-topic.Goldfish6. Don’t shout while speaking
If you think you need to shout to be heard, you’re mistaken. There is power in a calm voice that isn’t present in yelling. Whispers tend to draw more attention. Speaking softly forces others to quiet down to hear you. Just be careful to not speak so softly that they struggle to hear you. Being clear while remaining calm is very important.
7. Listen more
The art of listening is almost fading. Many of us are so focused on getting our voices heard that we forget to pause and listen to what others are saying. Take time to listen to others and see how they respond. Listen as much as you speak.
8. Pay attention to your body language
Your body language can convey your message just like, or perhaps even better than, your words. Be aware of your gestures. Stand or sit up straight, avoid crossing your arms, and maintain eye contact. Use open-handed gestures and aim to eliminate any restlessness or anxiety. This way, you present yourself confidently and create a positive image. Model the body language of the person you are speaking with, as this can create a sense of trust in your audience. Just ensure that you don’t mimic them in a way that seems unnatural or make them realize you’re copying their movements.
9. Be mindful of timing
When you present your idea is very important. Early Monday mornings, just before lunch, or at the end of the workday are typically not good times to introduce ideas. Every workplace has peak and quiet hours during the day. Use quiet times to introduce your ideas effectively.
10. Trust yourself
This is the most important point. The more you believe in yourself, the more confident you will appear when presenting your idea. Don’t think that others won’t notice; when you speak, they will hear your confidence in your voice and see it in your body language. If you think you’re nervous, that feeling will manifest. To combat this, stand in a power posture for a moment. Psychologically, this places you in the right mental framework, helps calm your mind, and allows you to regain your focus.
