Do you have this habit?

Have you ever met someone who sounds unsure of even the most basic facts?

“Hi, I’m Ben? I’m from Chicago? I’m in cancer research?”

There’s a word for this kind of speech pattern – it’s called upspeak. 

Upspeak is very common, so if you find yourself relating to Ben, you are not alone!

That said, it’s important to be aware of the effect that upspeak can have on your credibility, your career, and your audience.

Let’s start with your credibility. 

I know you’re an expert. You know you’re an expert. But if your audience is meeting you for the first time, or hearing about a new project you’re working on, they need to believe you’re a trustworthy solid resource. 

While your ideas and your work are excellent, the way you communicate them does a lot of the talking. 

Meaning, even if you’ve discovered the cure for a debilitating illness, the moment your sentences start to sound like questions, you may have lost a good portion of your audience.

It’s worthwhile to put in the work to rid your presentation of upspeak so that your ideas speak for themselves and your credibility grows.

Let’s move onto your career. 

Gone are the days when we have one job for thirty years and call it a day. Careers nowadays are dynamic and full of possibility. One idea can lead to one pitch, which can lead to a thriving new business, a successful new endeavor, or a promotion that puts you in the driver’s seat. 

Learning how to give an engaging, memorable presentation without upspeak can significantly increase your chances of moving into the next phase of your career. That could mean more money, more flexible time, or more passion projects.

Ever think slightly changing the way your words come out could have that much power?

Last, let’s talk about your audience.

Maybe your audience is required to be there. Maybe they signed up for your presentation. Either way, you have the power to make them lean closer in their seats and wish they could stay longer. 

A compelling presentation is comprised of great work and savvy speaking skills. And, you have the capacity for both. 

Learning to use assertive, declarative sentences will position you as a thought leader, and connect you with your audience.

So, don’t give your audience a reason to question whether you’re the best source for your topic. Speaking in rising tones can suggest that you’re asking them for the answers instead of providing the answers yourself.

So, own your sentences! Land them like a gymnast!

You know your stuff. Now you can sound like it.

Click here to let go of upspeak and welcome in better speaking habits.