A post on Olivia Mitchell's blog, Speaking About Presenting, presents the findings of a research study done with 68 students to determine if speaking up (speaking in meetings, answering questions, etc.) enhances or detracts from others perception of you. What they found was that those who spoke up were rated most highly for such qualities as "general intelligence" as well as being "dependable and self-disciplined." Those who didn't speak up were deemed "conventional and uncreative." In addition, it didn't seem to matter what type of speaking you did, just as long as you spoke.
This is interesting, indeed. I too find that those who will engage in the conversation, whatever the topic, are those that people look to. I also know people who just like to hear themselves talk and you know that where two or more are gathered, they will be pontificating. Yet, those folks are the minority.
I agree with the basic premise of the study. Speaking up is important. Be heard. What you say doesn't have to be perfect (just look at what others around you say). Olivia gives those quiet people 5 tips to get started.
Just remember, once you've learned to speak your piece, don't hog the floor. Brevity is truly the soul of wit.
Comments