Women too often experience the challenge of not being heard and recognized. At work, in the community.
Here are a few tips on speaking tips women can make to be heard and recognized more often:
- Speak often, speak first. Those who speak often and speak first are recognized for having ideas.
- Speak in the first person. Own what you say, get acknowledged that an idea is yours rather than just some vague suggestion that arose from some general location.
- Speak in an active rather than passive voice. An active voice is taken seriously.
- Make declarative statements. This generates the perception that you are a person with ideas that should be acted upon.
- Make recommendations. This sets you up as a person who creates a plan of action.
- Offer steps to take when hearing about something that requires action. You are a person who creates a plan of action (an active rather than passive participant).
- Acknowledge others. They’ll remember you.