Being loud and having something important to say are not prerequisites for being heard. I am sure you’ve realized it but the mostly silent revolution of social media is changing how people interact and how culture changes.
So why is it then that so many people go through life feeling unheard especially when people on the other side of the planet are more accessible? I think it is because listening is so hard to come by.
This is understandable because it takes a lot of emotional and mental energy to truly listen to someone. Their body language, word choice, and reading between the lines all play a part in being a good listener. Good listening isn’t without reward though! When you listen to others you often become better friends and they’ll probably be more willing to listen to you as well. So everybody wins!
It’d be ideal to have someone to listen tentatively and help you sort your problems 24/7. It’d be nice if empathy was that present but I don’t think it will ever be :<. This cannot stop us from fixing things in our lives though! Everyone has an important thing to say or funny story to tell (they might not tell it well but practice makes perfect!) so you be the bigger man and lend an ear.
Another component in being heard is a wandering mind. This doesn’t mean when someone else is talking to zone out like a space cadet. I mean that when you’re alone you can’t be afraid of where your thoughts take you. If you want to know why the sun isn’t burning space then ask someone. If you want to know what someone thinks about you ask them. If you have a question in class, ask the person right next to you, and if they give u a weird look just ask the teacher. I know far too many people who are afraid to ask questions in a high school or college environment. Who cares if that cute girl thinks you’re dumb you probably weren’t gonna talk to her anyway; isn’t passing more important?
The third and most crucial part for volume is health! That’s right! take ur vitami…. No seriously, realize that while being heard is a great way to transfer ideas and make friends interact with the world is important. It is not, however, more important than your soul. If a group of people expects you to sell out for their ideas so you can “be a cool kid” then forget that man.
In regards to health, I think you can usually check the guage by taking a look at your ego. Am I trying to just get attention? Do I want these friends to make myself feel good? Am I beating around the bush of what I actually want to say? All these questions should help you figure out if your communication is truly coming from the heart.
If it is, then don’t give up, you will be heard!
“One voice speaking truth is a greater force than fleets and armies” -Ursula K. Le Guin