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It can be disappointing when you’re in your element, lost on cloud nine, only to realise in the end that you were speaking to yourself. Ever experienced the feeling of being “invisible”? Hugh, me too! This feels like your words bouncing off a wall instead of people soaking them up like gari soakings đ. Well, I have good news for you! There’s a solution for you here. Stay with me. Let’s dig into these 2 solid reasons why no one cares to listen to you when you talk.
Let’s Delve into Why No One Cares to Listen to You
Reason 1: Youâre Not Connecting with Your Audience
No one cares to listen to you if you’re always talking about yourself. It’s only a matter of time. What about them?
Do you ask questions as the conversation progresses? Do you pause intermittently to hear if they have anything to say or to clarify their thoughts? Do you check their body language from time to time? Are they nodding or giving eye contact?
Being able to pick up these signs helps you know whether or not you’re getting to your audience.
Are you the only one who keeps speaking the whole time? Is your message tailored for the specific audience, or are you teaching Calculus to 3-year-olds? What is your mode of communication? Are you mindful of your language, the tone of voice and diction? Do you have to visually appealing aids?
Without emotional intelligence, you risk preaching a message with no audience. Your audience could easily zone out in no time.
Reason 2: Your Message Isnât Compelling Enough
Lack of Structure or Clarity
Does your conversation have some structure or build on a story or statement? Does it flow, or are your thoughts all over the place? Not following any order easily throws people off because they cannot focus on what you’re saying.
You’d find that the most effective communicators are people who use language anyone can understand: simple, precise, concise, and unambiguous. Even if there are technicalities, it speaks to the right audience. At the end of the day, the audience should be able to decode the message being passed across, understand it and give the necessary feedback if need be.
Read Also: 6 Important Guidelines for Excelling in Project Presentations
Again, what many lose sight of is that authenticity can easily be spotted. It’s only a matter of time. People connect easily when you’re real, honest, and true.
How to Make Anyone Listen to You
1. Pause and Ask Questions
2. Use Relevant and Practical Examples to Explain Your Point
Everyone loves good stories. Storytelling is in our DNA; it’s ingrained in us as humans. Telling a story might help your point become clearer and easier to remember. That’s how you drive your point into the minds and hearts of your audience. A narrative possesses a considerably higher recall value than a dry list of facts.
3. Be Present and Active in the Conversation
Participate fully and actively in the conversation.
Your level of engagement is conveyed through your body language. Don’t be shocked if someone isn’t listening to you if you’re slouching or averting your gaze while speaking. Being present means making eye contact, using gestures, and speaking with energy to convey your interest in the topic.
There you have it…..two good explanations for why nobody seems to listen to you when you talk. Well, not everyone is a good conversationalist. However, these learnt skills will come in handy, from informal chit-chats to PowerPoint presentations. Drive your message home seamlessly!
Giving a listening ear to your children can greatly boost their self-esteem and help them become emotionally intelligent.
Read More: Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence; Why It Matters More than IQ
Conclusion
Point blank! If you think no one cares to listen to you, know this. Communication is a skill that should be mastered, and an art when you get the hang of it. Anyway, be present and active. Read the room. Cut to the chase; unless it’s some girly chit-chat, they request detailed information, or it is necessary. Know who you’re speaking to, and engage them somehow in what they are also likely to be interested in.
