How not to sound weird when talking to authority?
151 Answers
Last Updated: 04/29/2022 at 3:27pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 30th, 2017 5:34am
Try to relax a little bit and realize that if you haven't done anything wrong you have nothing to worry about. Authorities can be intimidating sometimes and its okay to feel nervous even if you haven't done anything that might've gotten you in trouble. Just let loose and relax imagine that you're talking to a friend but in a formal way
Always remember to remain respectful! Respect is the key when talking and addressingredients anyone in your life, but especially authority figures! Remember your tone and body language are key, hold yourself well and you'll be fine! :)
Anonymous
May 18th, 2017 11:16am
Try at first getting a clear idea of what you wish to say. Once you have an idea of what you are going to say, approach the situation with confidence. Say what you need to say, be willing to listen to any feedback, but most of all don't panic. At the end of a day you are just talking to another person. Treat it that way and just speak the way you like being spoken to!!
When you are talking to an authority, I would make sure that you are very respectful towards the authority, Do not slur words because they will assume you are drinking when your not. Make sure whatever gender they are you say "yes sir" and "yes Ma'am". Tell nothing but the truth! They appreciate someone that can tolerate them.
The most effective method is to remember that you're talking to another person, regardless of the authority that they may have. People are focused on what they're going to say next rather than focusing on the mannerisms of the person they are talking to. Remembering this will potentially help you feel less awkward and less focused on your vocal tones or body stance. Remember to breathe normally- trying diaphragmatic breathing (breathing from the abdomen) may help keep calm in the moment.
Anonymous
July 20th, 2017 7:00pm
Speak respectfully using words like sir, ma'am etc. Speak to them only when it is needed. Unnecessary chat can sound really weird and discomforting.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2017 12:15am
Be affirmative and bold! Be hoest about what you are saying, and enjoy it! Always share you thoughts and ideas.
Just be polite and most importantly, yourself. If you pretend to be someone you aren't it's just going to make yourself feel more stressed and anxious. Listen carefully to what the other person is saying and respond in a respectful way (i.e welcoming tone of voice).
Anonymous
August 25th, 2017 5:40pm
First of all not worrying about sounding "weird". Be confident. If the people care and love about you (Which I'm sure they do) they'll understand eventually whatever issues you're having. Maybe planning it out in advance might help or anything that makes you comfortable. Start at the bottom with friends, work your way up. Maybe even have a friend with you. The choice is yours. Whatever might help
Weird is mostly only the way you are feeling yourself about the situation when talking to authorities. Calm down before your talk with them and keep telling yourself that they are only people too. They might have been in the same situation you are in right now and can understand where you are coming from. If it's a teacher you are feeling uncomfortable talking about, remember they have been a student at one point in their lives. Bosses at work also haven't been bosses all their life.
To not sound weird you can talk to an authority figure like you talk to anyone else. Just remember to be respectful.
just remember people in authority are still regular people like you and i. its natural to be nervous around people your not familiar with. just be yourself.
Speak with confidence and believe the truth in what you are speaking. Be proud of the words you are willing to share.
Anonymous
November 12th, 2017 6:51am
Don't talk too much and be careful with your wording. It's not a problem to show you're nervous, so don't worry about it and just try your best to look them in the eye, and express all you have to say with the best confidence you can show.
Talking to authority may be a challenge sometimes, particularly if you're nervous, either because you did something you should not have done or you just aren't certain of that. Take a deep breath and calm down, relax. Also talk slow, avoiding thus to say things that may be unecessary or unhelpful to yourself.
It is important ti be humble while talking to authority, but at the same time we need to be confident. Whatever that it is we are talking about, we should have as much information on that topic as possible, which can boost up our confidence.
Be very factual with authority, try not to stutter or look like your scared. Give them a look of the best you.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2017 3:50pm
Relax. If you get anxious and try to rehearse everything you are trying to say before you say it to them it will not sound genuine. Get out of your head and just be your charming self because they may have some authority but they are still a person.
Anonymous
December 29th, 2017 12:36am
If you mean the way your voice changes when talking to strangers/when you uncomfortable, calm yourself down and think about what you would say if they asked a certain question. Speak clearly and slower than usual. They should not mind so long you are respectful and cooperative.
When speaking to an authority, remember that they are trained to serve a diverse community. No issue is too small or too big. Stay calm and collected. Be as articulate as possible.
Be confident. When talking with someone’s who older than you, they often come to respect you more if you speak to them as if you were a peer. Don’t be cocky, though. Stay polite and respectful.
When talking to authority, make sure you stand tall and be mature. It goes a long way when an adult is able to have a conversation and they think that you are acting professional and mature. It's always a good thing to do.
When talking to authorities it can feel a bit overwhelming. I think the best way to not sound "weird" is to remember they are just like you and I! Also, a lot of times we judge ourselves on conversations and although we feel they didn't go so well, usually they did! Try to just take a few breaths and keep in mind that we are all just human :)
Realise ta that authority is a person too, that wants people to like them and treat them as a fiend. If it doesn't seem so it's because they are too scared tat they won't be in control because they know deep down there is no reason you should obey them, other than whatever consequences they can impose on you.
Anonymous
April 1st, 2018 5:47pm
It helps to remain calm, even if you disagree with what they may be saying. Depending on how you feel about authority, whether irritated, frightened, etc., it can help to remember they are people, too, and will appreciate civility and an honest connection. Being respectful, regardless of what you may feel in the situation, is always a good way to get your point across or pass the situation.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2018 9:13am
First thing is to keep it simple, don't compensate for nervousness or ramble on. Don't try to act smart, if a question was asked answer the question in precise detail and fact
Smiling not only makes your voice more pleasant to listen to, it also conveys confidence... You will appear friendly, approachable, and composed.
Anonymous
April 26th, 2018 3:57pm
Prepare beforehand. This reduces the anxious feeling because you'll know exactly what you need and want to say. Confidence is also key. If you're confident, it will feel better.
Anonymous
April 27th, 2018 10:32pm
Talk confidently, just say it. If you can't, you'll need to work on your self-confidence first. Otherwise you'll keep feeling that way.
Anonymous
April 29th, 2018 11:58am
It can be helpful if you plan in advance what you want to say to them and practice, whether that be saying what you want to say in front of a mirror a few times or practicing some role play scenarios with someone who you are comfortable with talking to.
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