Get your ideas heard without shouting
Have you ever sat in a meeting, shared an idea you knew was good… and watched it float into the void like a ghost no one else could see?
It’s frustrating. And honestly? It messes with your confidence, even when you’re talented, thoughtful, and doing all the “right” things.
Here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: Being smart isn’t the same as being heard.
My longtime corporate career taught me visibility isn’t automatic, and influence isn’t a reward for effort. No surprises that it’s a skill, an important one at that.
So let’s reframe how you share your ideas.
Most people rush straight to the solution: “Here’s my idea.”
But leaders—especially busy ones—listen differently. They’re scanning for three things:
1️⃣ Context: Why now? Why this?
2️⃣ Impact: What problem does it solve?
3️⃣ Clarity: Can I understand this in 10 seconds?
When you lead with context, highlight the impact, and land the idea cleanly, you make it easier for leadership to say yes. Not because you’re louder, but because you’re clearer.
Try this simple structure the next time you speak up:
1. Start with the tension.
“Here’s the challenge we’re running into…”
2. Connect it to something they care about.
“This affects our timeline/our customers/our budget…”
3. Give the idea a single sentence home.
“One way to solve this is…”
4. Close with the win.
“This would help us move faster/avoid rework/improve the outcome…”
This works whether you’re in a meeting, writing an email, or pitching a new approach to your manager. You’re guiding people to the “why” and the “so what.”
And the more you do this, the more you’ll notice a shift: people start turning toward you when you speak. Your ideas land, and your voice sticks.
So here’s your reflection question for the week: Where in your work do you need to switch from sharing ideas… to framing ideas?
Until next time…
Mal
Founder, The Ideas Accelerator
Helping you grow your career with strategic insight and smarter tools.