How to Be Heard and Make Your Point Stick | Blog

Edit Template

Edit Template

How to Be Heard and Make Your Point Stick: A Simple Strategy

May 21, 2025

Do you ever feel like your ideas get lost in the noise at work? Maybe you’ve shared a thought in a meeting, only for someone else to repeat it later and get all the credit. It’s frustrating, right? You’re left wondering, “What am I doing wrong?”

Here’s the truth: You’re not alone. This challenge isn’t just yours—it’s one that rising professionals face all the time, especially when they’re still finding their voice in corporate settings. Let me share a story to put this in perspective.

Kirstin, a talented young leader at a global manufacturing company, came to me recently, frustrated and looking for answers. She said,

By Bill Hoogterp

“I feel like I have to make the same point over and over in meetings, and I don’t get credit. Like, someone else will say what I said already, and people say, ‘Yes, let’s do that,’ and I’m thinking, ‘Hey, really? Did you not hear me?’”

I get it—it’s not just about power dynamics or being overlooked. It’s also about how you’re delivering your message. The good news? There’s a simple fix. You’ve just got to master two things: slowing down and simplifying. Let me break it down for you.

The Technique: Pause and Be Concise

1. Pause Before Speaking: Take a brief moment to gather your thoughts (around 6–10 seconds). This short pause not only helps you collect your ideas but also draws attention when you do speak.

2. Use Fewer Words: Once you have your thoughts in order, express them in half the words you would normally use. This makes your message clearer and more impactful.

Kirstin practiced this during the session. Instead of her initial long and rushed explanation, she paused and delivered a powerful, concise statement: “I want to be heard.” The difference was striking. The pause gave her presence, and the simplicity made her message resonate.

Why It Works

Pausing before speaking creates a natural sense of authority and calm. It makes people lean in, curious about what you’re about to say. And when you simplify your message, it sticks. You sound more confident, more intentional, and way more impactful.

Try These Tips to Make Your Voice Heard

• Practice Silence: Before jumping in, take a few seconds to ground yourself. That calm before the storm makes all the difference.

• Edit Your Thoughts: In your mind, cut out unnecessary words before they leave your mouth.

• Speak with Purpose: Make every word count. Don’t fill silence with noise—fill it with meaning.

You’ve got ideas worth sharing. You just need to package them right. Master the pause. Master simplicity. Your voice matters—make sure it’s heard.

Bill Hoogterp is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of the world’s leading executive coaches. He is also a contributor to Fortune, where he answers real questions from executives striving to become better leaders.

If you’re ready to take your communication skills to the next level, consider personalized 1:1 coaching. Whether it’s mastering your presence in meetings or making your ideas resonate, we’ll work together to make sure your voice leaves an impact.

Our Coaches Are Experts In Unleashing Potential

©2025 Blue Planet Training, Inc. DBA LifeHikes. All rights reserved.