5 Ways to Be Heard Without Being the Loudest Voice in the Room

Written By Dawn Sweany

Let’s face it: not everyone walks into a room ready to command it.

In some workplaces, being smart, prepared, or capable still isn’t enough. You might speak up in meetings and get ignored. You might be told to be "more confident" or "more assertive" without any real tools to help you do that. Or maybe you freeze when it’s your turn to talk, even though your ideas are better than half the room.

You’re not alone.

I remember the first time I was invited to an executive meeting. Everyone in the room knew who I was, but no one knew I was supposed to be there. I sat down, opened my notebook, and tried to look ready. I could feel the unspoken question: "Why is she here?"

I said nothing. I scribbled notes I didn’t need. I tried not to shrink.

So yes, I get it. And more importantly, I’ve coached dozens of professionals through this exact experience.

Here are five practical strategies you can use to find and use your voice without pretending to be someone you’re not.

1. Prepare Power Phrases

We spend hours preparing content, but almost no time preparing how we’ll actually say it.

Start building a bank of go-to phrases that help you enter a conversation, redirect, or land your point with clarity.

Examples:

  • "Let me build on that..."

  • "Here’s what I recommend based on the data."

  • "To circle back to the original question..."

  • "I have a different take. Here’s what I’m seeing."

Write down five phrases that feel natural to you and practice saying them aloud like you're in a meeting. When the pressure is on, you'll be ready.

2. Anchor in Data, Land in Impact

Many technical professionals bury their value in too much detail. The result? People miss the point.

Instead, lead with the impact. Then support it with details.

Instead of: "We reviewed six versions of the model and ran three sensitivity analyses."

Try: "The new model reduces client risk by 22%. Here's how we got there."

Women especially tend to soften or downplay results. Flip that.

When prepping for a meeting, write down your main point in one sentence. Lead with it.

3. Use the Pause and Pivot

If you’ve ever been interrupted, talked over, or sidelined in a meeting, this strategy is for you.

Instead of freezing or letting it go, practice lines like:

  • "Hold on. I’d like to finish my point."

  • "Let me wrap this thought, then I’d love to hear your perspective."

Or simply pause and calmly repeat your last sentence.

This isn’t about confrontation. It’s about signaling confidence without raising your voice.

Practice one of these aloud until it feels natural.

4. Make Eye Contact with Purpose

You don’t need to stare anyone down, but you do need to anchor your key points with intentional eye contact.

Tips if you’re nervous:

  • Look between the eyebrows—no one will notice

  • Hold eye contact for one full breath when making an important point

Practice with a friend or a mirror. Say your key idea, hold eye contact, and let it land.

5. End Strong

How you finish matters. Trailing off weakens your presence.

Avoid ending with:

  • "...but that’s just my opinion."

  • "...unless someone has a better idea?"

  • "...so, yeah."

Instead, try:

  • "That’s the recommendation I’m standing behind."

  • "Let me know what questions you have."

Practice ending with strength even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to change who you are. You need to own how you show up.

Voice isn’t about being loud. It’s about being clear, intentional, and present.

Choose one of these strategies and try it in your next meeting. Your ideas are solid. Let’s make sure people hear them.

If you’re ready to build confidence, speak with clarity, and lead with presence, book a free consultation to see how we can support you.

Dawn Sweany