Stop dreading meetings! Discover the A4 Sequence to share your thoughts in meetings confidently and learn how to contribute effectively as an introvert.
If you were raised in an African household, you probably heard the adage, “Empty barrels make the loudest noise,” much more than anything else. Chances are, growing up in a society that frowned upon the naturally loud, you’ve become a bit of an introvert. Being outspoken wasn’t something that was encouraged, and you lived more or less by those laws.
And now, in your fully fledged adulthood, you’re hearing that actions alone won’t do the job for you. You actually have to be loud to get noticed, or else you get passed up for opportunities– that amazing job, a much-needed promotion, heck, even a great partner. Everyone is SPEAKING UP, but the introvert in you just can’t. Not even to save your life
Why does it come so naturally for some other people? Why can’t the words just come out of your mouth as they line up in your head? Why is something as simple as speaking up in a meeting/ presentation such a hard battle?
The hard truth is that the quieter you are at work, the less impactful you may seem. It’s funny how even if you are the most diligent employee at the table, with results to back it up, someone much more vocal could shine better, even if they don’t bring in half of what you do. But enough sulking. Let’s cut through a foolproof plan to get your introvert voice out there so everyone can see just how amazing you are.
It’s called the A4 Sequence, and it’s a nifty little set of tricks from Jessica Chen, an Emmy winner and author of the book Smart, Not Loud. Here we go!
Active Listening Helps Pick Out The Perfect Time
Key Idea: Listen actively to know when to speak.
This is probably one of the most misused concepts ever to exist today. For what it’s worth, while there’s a lot of talk about active listening, it’s safe to say many people don’t actively listen. Or better put, they just do it to counter. Here’s where your skills as an introvert can help you; it’s as simple as ABC.
Since active listening is basically the concept of listening to someone with the sole intent of fully understanding them, and not just so you can respond, you can use this to gauge your timing. In other words, active listening can help you pick the perfect time to respond. Knowing when to speak up is a surefire way to get you talking, as one battle most introverts have is that they don’t know the most appropriate time to do so. Speaking louder shouldn’t mean you talk anyhow, after all.
So here’s what you need to look out for:
- Are they addressing duties for which you or your team are specifically responsible?
- Do they seem more relaxed? Are they looking around the room for feedback? Then it’s a sign for you to speak.
- In general, being attentive to changes in vocal pitch, body language, and the flow of the conversation can help you find the right moment to contribute.
Detail: Active listening helps you stay engaged and ready to speak up at the perfect time, making your input more relevant and impactful.
The Acknowledgment Game = Seamlessness
Key Idea: Want to create seamlessness? Start by acknowledging the previous speaker’s point.
After the when comes the what, that is what you say next. And, more importantly, how they land. A very powerful trick is to ACKNOWLEDGE. Why? Because it helps you create a conversation that flows and is seamless. In return, acknowledging shows you’re attentive and collaborative. It’s a simple way to connect your thoughts with the ongoing discussion.
Example: Begin with phrases like “That’s a great point, and…” or “I’d like to add to that by saying…”
Detail: This technique not only makes your contribution seem less abrupt but also encourages a cooperative atmosphere, encouraging more open dialogue.
Connect the Points With an Anchor
Key Idea: Use keywords from the previous speaker to anchor your point.
Have you ever seen a ship’s anchor before?
If you have, this next tip (closely related to the one before) will be easier to grasp. You are essentially repeating specific terms or ideas mentioned by others, which helps maintain the flow of conversation. It also serves as a reminder of how attentive you can be.
Anchoring is a subtle yet powerful technique. When you can echo specific terms or phrases, you seamlessly weave your ideas into the conversation. For instance, if someone mentions “customer feedback” as a concern, you could anchor your response by saying,
“Regarding customer feedback, I’ve noticed a trend where they seek quicker responses.”
This method keeps the discussion relevant and shows that you’re in sync with the group’s focus.
Detail: Anchoring links your comments directly to the ongoing discussion, making your contributions more coherent and relevant.
Make Your Point With The Art of Answering Like An Expert
Key Idea: Present your point clearly and confidently.
Now it’s time to shine. State your main point, provide supporting examples, and then reiterate to ensure your message is clear and memorable.
When it’s your turn to contribute, clarity is key. Start with a strong statement of your point. Follow this with one or two examples to support your argument. Finally, restate your main point to reinforce your message.
For example, you could say, “Our team should implement a new marketing strategy. For instance, we could focus more on social media engagement. Focusing on this can significantly boost our reach and brand visibility. Therefore, updating our strategy is crucial for our growth.”
Detail: This structured approach helps you communicate effectively, showcasing your expertise and ensuring your ideas are heard.
And that’s it!
Ready to make your voice heard? By implementing the A4 Sequence tips, you can transform your communication skills with ease. Overcome anxiety, ditch the introvert tag and make impactful contributions by using Jessica Chen’s A4 Sequence—Active Listening, Acknowledging, Anchoring, and Answering. This sequence is simple to use and will give you a colossal boost in confidence.
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