Breaking the Silence: Why Speaking Up Matters More Than Listening in Today's World
Communication experts around the globe often tout the mantra that listening trumps speaking. However, this traditional view overlooks a crucial aspect of effective communication: the power of speaking up.
To truly make an impact, command attention, and achieve desired outcomes, it's essential to voice your opinions and ideas. I believe this is especially true in today’s fast-paced and quickly changing world.
Remaining passive and merely listening won't propel you forward. Instead, taking charge, being assertive, and confidently articulating your thoughts is what leads to success.
Let’s dive a bit deeper with these three reasons why I believe, in the real world, speaking up is the key to closing more deals.
Building Understanding vs. Asserting Influence
Listening: Experts argue that listening helps build a deeper understanding of others' perspectives, leading to more effective communication and problem-solving.
Speaking: Contrarily, speaking up allows you to assert your influence and ensure your ideas are heard. Being vocal can lead to leadership opportunities and the ability to steer discussions and decisions.
Example: In a team meeting, while listening helps you grasp the team's overall mood and concerns, speaking up about your innovative approach could be the decisive factor that shapes the project's direction.
Creating Rapport vs. Establishing Authority
Listening: Active listening fosters trust and rapport, which are crucial for long-term professional relationships. It shows respect for others' opinions and encourages open dialogue.
Speaking: On the flip side, speaking confidently about your ideas and insights establishes your authority and expertise. People are more likely to follow and respect someone who clearly articulates their thoughts and stands firm on their convictions.
Example: In a sales pitch, while listening to a client's needs helps tailor your approach, confidently presenting your product and its unique benefits demonstrates your expertise and can be more persuasive in closing a deal.
Avoiding Misunderstandings vs. Clarifying Intentions
Listening: Good listening can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, as it ensures you fully comprehend the other party's point of view before responding.
Speaking: However, clearly articulating your thoughts and intentions is even more important when it comes to avoiding ambiguity. Speaking up can provide clarity and direction, especially in situations where decisive action is needed.
Example: In a crisis situation, while it's important to listen to team members' concerns and suggestions, taking charge and verbally outlining a clear plan of action can be more effective in quickly resolving the issue.
Conclusion
Indeed, listening plays a role in understanding the crux of issues and gauging perspectives. However, this is just the initial step. What truly drives a conversation towards resolution and success is speaking up and assertively guiding the dialogue.
The results I’ve gotten for my clients over the last three decades as a litigator and private mediator stand testament to this approach. While I recognize the importance of listening, it's the art of speaking that has been instrumental in building respect, rapport, and closing deals.
Speaking, more than listening, holds the key to commanding influence and steering outcomes. It's not just important; it's essential for achieving desired results and fostering meaningful connections.
Mitch Jackson | Lawyer and Private Mediator
https://mitchjackson.com