Why Don't People Listen When I Speak?
Joe McBreen
Assistant Superintendent of Innovation. Transforming education one algorithm at a time. Explores leadership, change, growth, and exponential technologies.
It can be frustrating when you feel like people aren't listening to you when you speak. There are many reasons why someone may not be fully engaged when you are talking.
Here are three common ones:
1. You lack confidence. If you sound timid or unsure of yourself, it can be hard for others to focus on what you're saying. People are drawn to speakers who are confident and self-assured. Work on speaking up, maintaining eye contact, and using a steady tone of voice. The more confidence you exude, the more likely people will be to pay attention.
2. You mumble or speak unclearly. Slurred or mumbled speech is difficult for listeners to understand. Make sure you enunciate your words and speak at an audible volume. Don't cover your mouth or look down - keep your head up and focus on speaking slowly and clearly. The easier you make it for people to hear you, the more they will tune in.
3. You lack engaging delivery. Monotone and dull speaking styles bore listeners and cause their attention to drift. Bring energy and passion into your voice. Use vocal variety, inflection, pauses, and enthusiasm. Tell stories and use examples to illustrate your points. The more dynamic and lively your delivery, the more likely people will be riveted by what you say.
"If you don't capture people's attention, you won't capture their hearts and minds." - John C. Maxwell
Making yourself heard and connecting with your audience takes effort. But by working on your confidence, clarity, and delivery, you can get people to start listening when you speak up.
Don't give up - your voice and ideas are worth being heard!
IT Leader | Educator | Social Entrepreneur | Mindfulness Coach | Board Member
1 年Joe, always good to see your posts - very enlightening, provoking and engaging! What has helped me to speak from my heart each time I open my mouth before a large group is the desire to serve them. It is not about impressing them, or converting them to my ideas. It is simply a desire to serve them that helps me get past any nervousness or doubt I might have. We are a civilization of story tellers. People respond well to humor, they respond well to questions and open ended invitations, instead of being presented by lots of facts and opinions all at once. People want to hear something that brings that talk down to the practical level, how it might apply to their life, and generally people respond best to optimism, hope and possibility. Facts are super important, but the perspective that we share with regard to interpretation of facts, is vitally important. Stay strong and have a beautiful week my friend!
Passionate SEL Leader | Chair SEL4CO | CASEL Fellow Alum| Researcher
1 年And also…there can be cultural and gender issues that hinder one’s ability to be heard and seen.