Feeling ignored in meetings?
Meet Jane, a driven professional who recently climbed the ranks to become a manager at her company.
Full of enthusiasm and innovative ideas, she was ready to make her mark.
But as weeks turned into months, Jane faced an unexpected challenge.
Every time she spoke up in meetings, her words seemed to disappear into the void.
Colleagues nodded politely but rarely engaged, and her suggestions seldom led to action.
Frustrated and confused, Jane began to doubt her abilities.
If Jane's story sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Many of us struggle to make our voices heard in professional settings.
But don't worry—there's a way to turn things around.
Let's dive into the three key reasons why no one listens when you speak up and how to change that.
1. Consistency is Key
When Jane first started speaking up, she did so sporadically.
Sometimes she'd voice a strong opinion, other times she'd remain silent, unsure if her thoughts were valuable enough to share.
This inconsistency was part of the problem.
Why It Matters: Trust and credibility aren’t built in a day. Your team needs to see you as a consistent contributor to start valuing your input.
Jane’s Revelation: Jane realised she needed to speak up more regularly, even if she felt a bit unsure. By consistently sharing her thoughts, she began to build a reputation as someone who always had something valuable to say.
Your Action Step: Make it a habit to contribute in every meeting. Even if it’s a small comment or question, regular participation helps build your presence and credibility over time.
2. Body Language Speaks Louder
Jane’s words were often overshadowed by her body language.
She’d speak softly, avoid eye contact and fidget nervously.
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Her colleagues saw her uncertainty and mirrored it, leading them to undervalue her contributions.
Why It Matters: People believe what they see more than what they hear. If your body language doesn’t match your words, your message loses its impact.
Jane’s Transformation: Jane began practising confident body language. She maintained eye contact, used deliberate gestures and spoke with a clear, steady voice. The difference was immediate—people started paying attention.
Your Action Step: Align your body language with your message. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize your points. Practising in front of a mirror can help you become more aware of your non-verbal cues.
3. It’s About Understanding, Not Just Speaking
Jane often found herself frustrated when her well-crafted ideas didn’t lead to action.
She realised that effective communication isn’t just about expressing your thoughts; it’s about ensuring others understand and are motivated to act on them.
Why It Matters: If your message doesn’t inspire action, it’s as if you never spoke at all. Clarity and actionability are crucial for impactful communication.
Jane’s Insight: Jane started focusing on making her messages clear and actionable. She used straightforward language, outlined specific steps, and checked in with her colleagues to ensure they understood her points.
Your Action Step: Make your communication clear and actionable. Use simple language, outline specific actions, and confirm understanding. This ensures your message not only gets heard but also sparks action.
Conclusion
Jane’s journey from being overlooked to being heard and respected wasn’t easy, but it was transformative.
By committing to consistency, mastering her body language, and focusing on clear, actionable communication, she turned the tide.
Her ideas gained traction, and she emerged as a respected voice in her company.
You have the power to do the same.
Remember, it’s not just about having great ideas; it’s about showing up consistently, communicating with confidence, and ensuring your message is understood and actionable.
P.S. Here are two ways we can work together:
Your voice matters, and with these strategies, you can ensure it’s heard loud and clear. You've got this!