There are moments when you know exactly what you want to say, but the words sit at the back of your throat. In meetings. In relationships. In rooms where everyone seems smarter, more certain, more confident than you are, you tell yourself it is not the right time. You decide it is not that important. Later, you replay the moment and think of the words you should have uttered, the opinions you should have shared. The ideas sit at the back of your throat unexpressed.
Learning how to speak up and be heard is not about becoming the loudest person in the room. It is about learning to express and communicate your ideas clearly.
Clarity of Thought
Be clear with yourself before you try to be clear with anyone else. A lot of hesitation comes from not fully knowing what you think. If your point is fuzzy in your own head, it will sound unsure when you say it. Take a few minutes to outline your thoughts. What exactly is bothering you? What solutions are you proposing? What outcome do you hope for? Clarity reduces rambling, and people listen more closely when you sound focused.
Stop Downplaying Yourself
A hard truth is that sometimes you are not heard because you have a pattern of downplaying yourself. If you constantly preface your thoughts with “This might be silly” or “I could be wrong but,” you are training people not to take you seriously. You do not need to present yourself as infallible, but you can say, “I think we should consider this approach,” and let that be enough.
The Power of Preparation
Preparation matters more than charisma. In professional settings, data and structure will often carry you further than passion alone. If you are presenting an idea, anticipate the obvious questions. If you are raising a concern, bring examples. You do not need to overwhelm people with information, but you should know your ground. Confidence grows when you know you have done your homework.
Presence and Body Language
Your body language speaks before you do. Sit upright stand confidently. Make eye contact without staring someone down. Avoid filling every silence with nervous laughter or extra explanations. Pauses are not your enemy. If you state your point and then stop talking, you give it space to land. Many people undermine themselves by rushing to soften what they just said. Let your words stand.
Volume vs. Authority
Volume is not the same as authority. You do not need to shout to be heard. A steady tone that does not waver communicates more than raised voices. If you are naturally soft spoken, that is not a flaw. Focus on articulation. Slow down slightly. Enunciate your key points. People lean in when someone speaks calmly and eloquently.
Understanding the Room
Assess and understand the room. There are certain questions that need to be answered as you step into a room. Who holds influence? What does this group value? In some workplaces, numbers and performance metrics carry weight. In others, stories and customer feedback resonate more. Tailor your words without changing your core point. Being heard often depends on framing your idea in a way that aligns with what others care about.
The Art of Persistence
Repetition is underrated. If you have raised a valid point and it was brushed aside, it is okay to bring it up again later. You can say, “I want to revisit the idea I mentioned earlier.” Persistence, when you’re calm and respectful, signals conviction. Many strong ideas only gain traction after being repeated. And other times, if a point was shut down, all it needs is a little bit of tweaking. Work on it to better suit the needs it’s meant to meet and then bring it up again.
The Cost of Silence
There will also be times when speaking up carries risk. Maybe you are challenging a superior. Maybe you are setting a boundary with someone who is used to you staying quiet. In those moments, remind yourself what staying silent costs you. Confidence erodes slowly. The discomfort of speaking is often shorter than the regret of silence.
Finally, accept that being heard does not always mean being agreed with. You can communicate clearly, respectfully, and confidently and still face opposition. That does not mean you failed. The goal is not universal approval. The goal is expression without shrinking.
Practice and Progress
The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Start small. Contribute one point in a meeting instead of none. Correct a misunderstanding when it happens instead of letting it slide. Voice a preference about where to eat instead of saying, “Anything is fine,” when it is not.
Speaking up is a skill. It is developed in everyday conversations long before the high stakes moments. When you know your thoughts have weight, you begin to carry yourself differently. And when you carry yourself differently, people notice. They listen.
If you are serious about refining your voice, strengthening your communication, spaces like the ELOY Business Shower/18th ELOY Conference are designed for exactly that. We bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who understand the value of positioning, clarity, and presence. Register for the ELOY Business Shower and 18th ELOY Conference, and place yourself in spaces where your voice is not only welcomed, but expected.
Article Written By Aliyah Olowolayemo
