How to speak louder at work – Photo: http://pausingoutloud.wordpress.com
As women at work, our biggest sin is often that we don’t make ourselves heard. From speaking up to close the pay gap to simply sharing some of our best ideas, we just fail to make our voices heard.
According to a 2012 study conducted by partners at Flynn Heath Holt Leadership in North Carolina, it turns out while men argue women are not loud enough at work, women complained about “being outnumbered” and “uncomfortable with conflict”, as reported by Fast Company. Sounds familiar?
As a woman in general, and a minority woman in particular, I still struggle with speaking up, especially at work. Most of it, I have to admit, stems from fear. Fear to be singled out, fear to be wrong, fear to be perceived as being “too loud” or just loud. Yet, I’m the first advocate of making our voices heard at work. So how does one speak louder without raising their voices?
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Don’t get fooled, all those great remarks and observations shared during important meetings? They’ve all been prepared, rehearsed and polished before final delivery. I’ve learnt along the way that an un-prepared meeting is a failed meeting! Always reserve some time ahead of a meeting to prepare, jot down some notes and talking points, and watch your confidence soar!
2. Watch that delivery! Unfortunately, women tend to be perceived as emotional and irrational way more than men do. This is reflected at work especially where women’s delivery is scrutinized for dooming signs of emotional ineffectiveness. Prepare ahead of time, and strive to deliver your ideas in a concise, calm and composed manner!
3. It’s not personal, it’s business! Keep in mind meetings are one of the major success battlegrounds at work. Be prepared for the sting of harsh opposition and scrutiny as you speak up and defy stereotypes. Whatever you do, don’t take it personal, don’t give in, and stand your ground, calmly, with an even, steady tone of voice. It’s business!
As women, we can, and ought to, speak up at work. And while popular beliefs and stereotypes may have it a different way, we gain most by speaking louder without ever raising our voice…
The Corporate Sis.
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