Uptalk is taking over the workplace and it’s reaching epidemic proportions. It’s that singsong speech pattern that has a rising inflection at the end of the sentence. It appears that the speaker is asking a question rather than 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 managerial levels and it is destroying their credibility.
Uptalk makes the speaker weak, hesitant, lacking in conviction and authority.
How can a person influence, lead, or command respect if they cannot take a stand and appear to mean it?
I’ve even heard it at networking meetings. It sounds like this: “Good morning. My name is 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 isn’t 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 yes or no with just your tone. They will understand what you meant.
If you apply for 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 will not 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, 10 Ways Women Sabotage Their 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’re 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 listening 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 to the speech patterns they hear on television as in the case of the Clueless program. Many parents are frustrated by their attempts to teach their children to speak properly. 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 an upward inflection, the speaker can easily back off 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.