Does Uptalk make you throw up?
Uptalk is invading the workplace and reaching epidemic proportions. It’s that sing-song speech pattern that has a rising inflection at the end of the sentence. It sounds like the speaker is asking a question instead of making a statement.
Once the exclusive domain of teenagers, it is now a regular part of the adult world. And I don’t mean Generation X. It’s everywhere. It can be heard even at management levels and it is destroying your credibility.
Uptalk makes the speaker weak, hesitant, lacking in conviction and authority.
How can a person influence, lead or command respect if they can’t take a stand and look like they mean it?
I’ve even heard it in networking meetings. It sounds like this: “Good morning. Is my name Jane Doe?” Well, is that your name or not?
It takes seven seconds or less to make a first impression. Would you do business with someone who is not sure of their own name?
According to a study, the voice is almost 40% of the message. You can convey a message with just your intonation! The next time someone asks a question, answer with a yes or no using just your tone. They will understand what you meant.
If you request a raise using Uptalk, you will stay at your current salary. If you try to sell a product, you will fail. If you lead your staff, they won’t follow you. Why? Because uptalk makes you sound like there are other options!
What makes a communicator choose this pattern of speaking?
Habit. We don’t always listen to the way we speak and the effect it has on others. When I was invited to participate in a chat on ivillage.com, I posted my article, Ten Ways Women Sabotage Your Communication in the Workplace. Thinking these tips didn’t apply to her personally, one woman emailed the tips to her friend. Her friend returned them saying, “You have a positive conversation.”
Foreign/regional accent.
If you are from the southern United States or a country like Canada, India, or China, you may have an upward inflection as part of your cultural speech pattern. This is more difficult to change, but can be conquered with ear training, practice, and professional coaching.
Peer identity. This is often the case with adolescents and children. They tend to identify with the group and will adapt the speech patterns they hear on television as in the case of the Clueless show. Many parents are frustrated by their attempts to teach their children to speak correctly. Uptalk is a way to sound like your peers and not like your family.
Unsafety. The voice is the greatest barometer of emotions. When you lack confidence, it will show in your voice. In our politically correct environment, people are less and less willing to take a stand. By using “safe words” and a rising inflection, the speaker can easily backtrack or soften the true intent of the message. In selling, the fear of rejection can manifest itself in the form of optimistic comments.
There is no value in using uptalk. When you lower your voice at the end of an award, you’ll automatically sound more authoritative and confident. People will hear the conviction in your voice and take you seriously. Your credibility will improve and you will be more persuasive.
Copyright Diane DiResta 2001. All rights reserved.