A guide to getting your opinion heard at the workplace

Sometimes, you might find it really hard to get people to Listen to your ideas and opinions at the workplace. This is especially true for women in the Middle East. This is why it is very important to find ways to make our voices heard and be part of the change.

But what can you do to encourage people to listen to what you have to say? How can you get your opinion across to the right people? What tips can help you effectively communicate, pitch ideas and make your voice heard?

Let’s discuss this very important topic together.

Tips for getting your opinion across:

No matter what your role is, sooner or later you will have to speak up. So how can you do that effectively?

• Talk with conviction

First and foremost, you need to talk with conviction. Don’t downplay your idea and make it seem like it is merely a suggestion. Instead, show confidence by ditching disclaimer statements such as “I think..”and “this might“, and use strong phrases such as “I know this will work“.

See Also: How to Handle Passive Aggressive People at the Workplace

• Speak with intention

Make it a point to be straightforward, speak clearly and emphasize key points. Maintain eye contact at all times to establish trust and credibility. Moreover, try to be assertive and not aggressive in your tone and delivery. While you speak, take some pauses to give people time to reflect on what you have shared with them.

• Be conversational

If you want your opinion to be heard, avoid spilling out long monologues. No one wants to sit and listen to those! So turn your speech into a conversation and phrase your opinion in a way that makes people want to ask questions and learn more. When people can engage you with questions, they will be more attentive and show more interest in your idea/pitch.

• Prepare yourself in advance

Before you enter the battlefield, you need to arm yourself with the right tools. In this case, it is knowledge as knowledge is power! Take time to organize your thoughts into talking points. Also, take the time to practice what you have to say and get yourself ready to the possible reactions you might get.

See Also: 8 Tips for Being A Stronger Woman at the Workplace

• Don’t beat around the bush

When sharing an opinion or an idea with a colleague or even your boss, start off with your main points and then dive into the details. If you fail to start strong, people might lose interest in what follows. So be considerate of their busy schedules and mindful of their short attention spans.

•  Use the right tone

Many people assume that if they raise their voice, others will listen to them more carefully. However, this is not the case. There is a power in being quiet and a quiet voice can speak in volumes. So do your best to speak quietly, calmly and evenly.

• Pay attention to your body language

Your body language is as important as the words you use. Be mindful of how you choose to stand or sit. Moreover, Pay Attention to your hand gestures and be sure to maintain eye contact at all times. Also, avoid fidgeting as it reflects anxiety and lack of self-confidence.

• Learn to listen carefully

Listening is a lost art! In order to get people to listen to your opinion and what you have to say, you need to practice doing so yourself. The more you listen to people and pay attention to their opinions and ideas, the more they will be inclined to do the same for you.

How do you get your ideas across at your workplace? What tips and insights can you share with our readers? We look forward to hearing form you in the comment section below. 

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