Dear Readers:

Recently a few people approached me on the subject of how to properly address audiences and how and when to express ideas, in formal or social settings.  Some had difficulty finding the right time to express opinions, some found themselves occasionally compromising friendly dinners taking strong stands, others were simply unsure about whether or not they had good ideas to share. 

A very thought-provoking topic indeed.  And the  basis for this newsletter titled "I Can't Hear You!".

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I Can't Hear You!

"Most people go to their graves with their music still inside them." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

A rare few of us just seem to have a way with words. These are those eloquent acquaintances and loved ones who always have the right words at the right time. However, most of us at least occasionally struggle to fully express ourselves.

Even when ideas are abundant and there is the potential for great reward, doubts (and the lame rationalizations that follow them) lurk around every nook and corner. Common reasons for reluctance to speak up include shyness, lack of proficiency, and fear of critical consequences (destructive criticism and labeling).

Keeping your ideas to yourself may comfort you in the short run. Moreover, it seems harmless. These were your ideas, and you chose not to express them - so what? However, this habit is destructive. Do you "owe" your ideas to the world? No. But you owe them to yourself.

Sure, maybe your idea really isn't any good. But more than likely, you had that idea because it was an opportunity for growth: emotionally, psychologically, financially, or socially.

Now is the time to speak up! Share, present your ideas, and influence others around you with your claims and opinions. This way, you can become a catalyst to change and enterprising endeavors. Others may like your ideas, expand, even adopt and adapt them. Hence, knowledge is not limited to your own realm of influence, but it spreads and benefits others as well.

Speaking your minds can be promising in several ways: 
 

• an opportunity to tell people about your wonderful and critical interpretations of issues 
• a platform for you to gather a receptive audience to support your opinion 
• a convenient means of publicity for yourself

 Speaking up is indeed a kick start to persuasive communication, which can be used as a means to inform, persuade and influence others to support your stance. It also promotes critical thinking and healthy debate on issues of interests. Persuasive communication is a valuable tool for undergraduates in their academic oral presentations, graduates in their selection interviews, CEOs during contract negotiations, and even political leaders during their election campaigns.

There's no time (or reason) to wait. Speak your mind and share your ideas and opinions with others around you. You won't see the magic it creates until you try to speak up. As the saying goes, "No man is an island". What better way to cherish rapport with other human beings than to passionately communicate your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs via conversations, discussions, and debates? Listen, think, and then SPEAK UP!