 Dear :
Sadly, too many people confuse powerful language with loud, bullying conversation. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
Powerful language is about removing those components that weaken our message, rather than inserting language that can be confused with bullying, manipulation, or just plain bossy language.
Many times, we don't understand why people aren't listening to us or taking our messages seriously, when in reality we are the ones weakening our message.
Always remember that YOU are 100% responsible for the accurate delivery of your message. You are 100% responsible for ensuring that your message is taken seriously.
In this newsletter, I'm going to give you some tools that will enable you to re-take ownership of your message.
Sarah Zink
P.S. Are you writing a newsletter and need some "snippets" of information? You are welcome to quote anything in this e-zine, provided you give appropriate credit.
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Five Tips on How to be Heard in a Meeting
Speak up
First and foremost, be sure that you are not mumbling or speaking softly. This is a sure way to literally not be heard.
Slow Down
Sometimes in the heat of the moment, you are either so nervous or excited about your idea that you speak too fast to be clearly understood.
Frame Your Comments
"Hear me out on this", or "I'd like to get your feedback on an idea I have" are good ways to clearly put out an idea as your own, while sending the message that you are open for ideas.
Stand Your Ground
Your strong feelings about something aren't enough - remember what I said elsewhere in this newsletter? Facts, figures, being able to justify your position is what matters.
Be Clear
Make clear suggestions about action items, needed follow up projects, etc. If you make clear suggestions, it will be easier to determine if you are being heard.
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Talk about Facts, not Feelings
Weak:"I feel like this is important..."
Powerful: "I believe (I think, I know) this is important because..."
Measurements matter. For the most part, business is run by numbers. So if you can make your case with statistics, it will get a better hearing. If not, case studies, testimonials, etc. are supporting documentation that make your observation less subjective.
Click HERE to schedule Sarah as a speaker
for your next event. |
Weak: "I'm not sure about this, but..."
ˇI'm not sure about this; however...
ˇI may be making a leap here, but...
ˇI don't know if this will work, but...
ˇYou've probably already thought of this, but...
ˇMaybe it's me, but....
Powerful: "This is an idea I've had, and I"m open to suggestions..."
ˇI've seen this idea work in other departments, and I'd like to talk about how effective it might be in ours...
ˇThis a raw idea, and I'd like you help me see the pros and cons..
If you would like Sarah to come and speak
to your group, organization or company,
please click HERE.
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Lose the Fillers and Hedges
Fillers: Um, You Know, Like...
Hedges: Kind of, Sort of, Maybe
Weak: "Um, You know, I'd kind of like you to take a look at this report. Maybe it would be sort of helpful."
Powerful: "I'd like for you to look over this report. I think it will be helpful to you."
Fillers and hedges weaken your message. Fillers make you sound as if you are unsure or confused; hedges make is sound as if you are not confident.
Need help with Leadership, Delegation, Networking or Time Management?
Click HERE to check out Sarah's booklet series! Available in a hard copy or PDF. |
April "Think Zink" Sponsor:
2009 "Powerchick Cruising"
Only $900/pp for a 7-day
Caribbean Cruise!
$250 Deposit due by April 28, 2009!
Click HERE for more information. | |
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