How to Make People Listen to You?
Photo Courtesy: Unhindered by Talent
Talking and listening are two inevitable aspects to a conversation and have their unyielding space in every personal or professional discussion. However, many times we may have stumbled upon the situation where we find it difficult to get people to listen to what we have to say. Such occasions are frustrating especially when you have something significant, urgent or useful to share. Talking to a group or addressing an audience is an even more complex task since the aim is to ensure every individual in the crowd listens and takes home the message. Following certain simple rules helps to increase the chances of getting people to listen to you either in a one-on-one conversation or while addressing a group.
1. Understand your Audience
The person or group you are talking to play an important role in an conversation. Often, when you want to have a message delivered across, it is essential to determine the nature of this opponent and package the message in such a way that appeals to them. This is a golden rule in every public speaking tutorial. When you do these frequently, the audience is likely to expect the same and listen to you subsequently.
2. Clarity of Speech
Always pay a lot of attention on the words you use. Using exceptional vocabulary may bring immense satisfaction to the self but may not be comprehensible by your audience. There is a lot of correlation between the first and this point. Understanding your audience will help you in choosing the right kind of words. Ensure you get your point across without mumbling or fumbling or hesitating. People may not take you seriously if you resort to such acts.
3. Length of Message
Attaining the right balance in the length of speech is often tricky. A very lengthy conversation or dialog may lose its importance and the magnitude of the situation or the message may be lost. Similarly, a short message may not encompass all the necessary ingredients and your audience may not be able to capture the essentials.
4. Check your Speed
The rule of balance is applicable on the speed of speech as well. Talking too fast or too slow is equally risk prone. Pause and stress wherever necessary. Dynamics and modulation of voice at appropriate times help to engage your audience effectively.
5. Body Language
Your body language is of importance. People listen to you when you show signs of interest, passion and commitment. When your body language does not exhibit any of these signs, people are not going to take you or your message seriously. Eye contact is an important area in body language to consider.
6. Be an Active and Good Listener
Your audience will never listen to you if you do not show signs of having listened to them. It is always better to involve participation of your audience and hear them out before you begin to talk. Demonstrate patience and a genuine willingness to know what the other person has to say.
While these are the most important points to note during a conversation, the elements of confidence, language and appearance are also important and should be effectively worked upon to get people to listen to you.
