How to Speak So People Will Listen - 3 Simple Strategies

Most people think that if they talk more, others will understand or listen better. It’s quite the opposite.

In the next few minutes, I’ll show you how to get people to pay attention, remember what you say, and have more influence. Let’s get into it.

Long-windedness is a key enemy of good communication. 

I'm always surprised when people think being talkative means they're good at communicating. It often leads to misunderstandings and leaves a bad impression, especially at work.

Think about a time in a meeting when someone kept talking, and you wondered, "Are they ever going to get to the point?" 

You're trying your best to focus...

As minutes tick by...

Still, no clear information available. 

In professional settings, where time is precious and understanding is crucial, long-winded communication frustrates everyone.

Imagine a team meeting where someone goes on and on, diving into unnecessary details. As they ramble, people lose interest; they start checking their phones or daydreaming, missing the main ideas. This lack of engagement causes misunderstandings and delays key decisions.

It’s crucial to pick up on cues during conversations. When someone talks too much without regard for these cues, it disrupts the flow. They seem incompetent, struggle to organize their thoughts and fail to share key information quickly. 

Studies show that people remember things better when they're clear and to the point. But when someone talks too much, it makes it hard to remember key details, catching bits and pieces but missing the main message needed for action.

In workplaces, effective communication is vital for success. Long-winded talking slows progress, confuses people, and makes it difficult to trust what's being said. It creates barriers to understanding and makes teamwork less efficient.

Instead, aim to be concise, clear, and confident in every conversation, meeting, or presentation.

Strategy #1: Resolve why you sometimes talk too much.

Begin by noticing when you tend to talk excessively. Is it just at work or in social situations too? What are your in-the-moment thought processes that trigger it? Is it due to insecurity, a desire to impress, or a need for control in conversations?

Let's say you're a doctor or a scientist - you might (without realizing it) talk too much to show your expertise.

Understanding these reasons is crucial. All the tips in the world will not fix an unspoken belief that drives the long-windedness. By recognizing these triggers, you can work towards overcoming them. Then, you can tailor your communication style to suit the situation.

Strategy #2: Rate and Gauge Your Communication.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. 

If you're concise, give yourself a one. If you're in the middle, it's a five. If you're long-winded, it's a 10. Set a goal to speak in every conversation within the 1 to 5 range. 

Strategy #3: Commit to Conciseness.

As F.D.R. once said… 

"Be sincere, be brief, be seated." 

Being concise sets the stage for that clarity and confidence we're all after.

Practice speaking clearly. Use simple words. Say exactly what you mean.

Start using these tips. Watch how people will start to listen to you; they will be more engaged in the conversation. See how influential you can be.