There’s a clear line between being a pushover and making your voice heard, especially around dominant individuals.

It all boils down to habits. Being a wallflower isn’t about lacking the right words, but more about not knowing when and how to say them.

Around alpha personalities, adopting certain habits can help you get your point across without feeling overshadowed or overpowered.

Perfecting these habits can make you feel like you’re finally being heard, even in a room full of strong-willed people.

Here are 9 habits you should cultivate to make sure your voice rings out, loud and clear, even when surrounded by dominant individuals.

1) Practice active listening

Feeling unheard often stems from a lack of genuine communication. And in the world of communication, listening is just as crucial as speaking.

Active Listening is a communication technique that requires you to fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said. It’s a two-way street that ensures that the speaker knows their words are being valued.

In the presence of dominant individuals, it’s easy to feel overshadowed and unheard. However, by honing your active listening skills, you not only gain a deeper understanding of what is being communicated but also create a space where your responses are valued.

Remember, when you listen effectively, you encourage others to do the same. This can lead to open, honest exchanges where your voice can be truly heard.

But remember, active listening is about more than just hearing words – it’s about understanding the intent behind them. So listen with your ears, but more importantly, listen with your heart and mind.

2) Assert your presence

There was this one time when I found myself in a meeting with some of the most dominant personalities in our organization. I noticed that my input was often overlooked, and it felt as though my voice was drowned out by the louder ones in the room.

This realization led me to adopt a new habit – asserting my presence.

Asserting your presence isn’t about being the loudest or most dominant. It’s about making your presence known and respected.

The next time I was in such a meeting, instead of shrinking back, I made a conscious effort to sit up straight, maintain eye contact with the speaker, and respond confidently when addressed. These simple actions communicated that I was engaged and had valuable contributions to make.

And guess what happened? They started paying attention. My voice began to be heard and valued. And all it took was asserting my presence in an assertive, yet respectful manner.

Asserting your presence is about being comfortable in your own skin and confident in your abilities. It’s about knowing that you have a place at the table and that your voice matters. And trust me, once you start believing it, others will too.

3) Use the power of silence

Silence, often overlooked, is one of the most potent tools one can use to make their voice heard. It might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true.

Silence can create suspense, draw attention, and allow your words to sink in. A study conducted by Harvard Business School found that strategic use of silence can shift the dynamics of a conversation and give the silent party more control.

In a conversation with dominant individuals, using silence effectively can make your words carry more weight. Instead of rushing to fill in every pause, allow for moments of silence after you speak. This gives others the chance to digest your words and indicates that you are confident in what you’ve said.

Remember, silence isn’t a sign of weakness or uncertainty. It’s a strategic tool that you can use to ensure that your voice is truly heard.

4) Stay calm and composed

Expressing your thoughts and opinions around dominant individuals can sometimes feel like walking on eggshells. It’s easy to get flustered, lose your train of thought, or even end up saying something you didn’t intend to.

That’s where the power of calmness comes into play.

Staying calm and composed in such situations does two things. First, it allows you to think clearly and express your ideas effectively. Second, it communicates to others that you are confident and in control.

So the next time you find yourself in a conversation with dominant personalities, take a deep breath, slow down your speech, and maintain a steady tone. Your calm demeanor will not only help you articulate your points better but also command respect from others.

Remember, being calm doesn’t mean being passive. It’s about maintaining control over your emotions and communication style, regardless of the personalities you’re dealing with.

5) Know your worth

Believing in your worth is a game-changer when it comes to making yourself heard. When you are confident in the value you bring to the table, it shines through in your interactions and conversations.

Remember, not all ideas are born equal, and that’s okay. Some of your ideas will be home runs, others might not be. What’s important is that you know your worth and don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts, regardless of how they might be received.

In the presence of dominant individuals, it’s easy to second-guess yourself or downplay your contributions. But that’s where knowing your worth comes in handy. When you truly believe in your value, others will start to see it too.

So take a moment to acknowledge your strengths, experiences, and unique perspectives. The more you believe in your worth, the easier it will be for others to hear and appreciate your voice.

6) Stay authentic

In a world where we’re often encouraged to blend in, staying true to who you are can be a daunting task. But authenticity has a unique power – the power to make you heard.

When you’re authentic, you speak and act from a place of truth. This resonates with people and makes them want to listen.

I’ve seen plenty of situations where individuals try to mold their thoughts and opinions to match those of the dominant figures around them. But let me tell you, your unique voice is your superpower.

Being genuine in your thoughts and expressions might make you feel vulnerable at times, but it also creates a connection with others that is hard to ignore.

So don’t hide or change your true self to fit into someone else’s mold. Let your authenticity shine through, and your voice will naturally command attention.

7) Prepare and practice

I remember a time when I was asked to present my ideas in front of a group of high-level executives. The thought alone was enough to make my palms sweat and heart race. I considered backing out and letting someone else take the lead.

But instead, I took a different approach – I prepared and practiced.

I went over my ideas again and again, refining them until I was confident they were the best they could be. I practiced presenting them in front of a mirror, to my friends, even to my cat.

When the day came, I was nervous but prepared. And to my surprise, not only did I manage to get through the presentation, but my ideas were well-received.

Preparation and practice are key when it comes to making yourself heard. Knowing your material inside out gives you confidence. And confidence, my friend, is contagious.

So the next time you have something important to say, prepare and practice. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.

8) Be resilient

Dealing with dominant individuals isn’t always a walk in the park. There will be times when your ideas are dismissed, your opinions are challenged, or your contributions are overlooked. But that’s where resilience comes into play.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. In this context, it means not letting setbacks stop you from making your voice heard. It’s about learning from these experiences and using them to strengthen your resolve.

When you demonstrate resilience, you show others that you are committed to your ideas and willing to stand up for them, even in the face of opposition. This can earn you respect and make others more likely to listen to what you have to say.

So remember, don’t let setbacks silence you. Be resilient, keep voicing your ideas and opinions, and sooner or later, people will start listening.

9) Speak with conviction

The power of your voice lies not in its volume but in the conviction with which you use it. When you believe in what you’re saying, others are more likely to take note and listen.

Speaking with conviction means standing by your ideas, expressing them confidently, and backing them up with solid reasoning. It’s about sending a clear message that you believe in what you’re saying and that it’s worth listening to.

So, whether you’re voicing a new idea, sharing a different perspective, or challenging an existing viewpoint, do it with conviction. Your confidence in your words will inspire others to believe in them too.

Final thoughts: The power within

When it comes to being heard in a world filled with dominant personalities, the journey isn’t always easy. The road is often littered with challenges, and at times, you may feel like giving up.

But always remember this: The power to make your voice heard isn’t something that lies outside of you. It’s within you.

Renowned author and speaker, Brene Brown once said, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”. When you choose to show up, assert your presence, and let your authentic self be seen, you begin to step into your power.

Each of these habits is a step towards amplifying your voice, not by shouting louder, but by speaking with intention, authenticity, and conviction.

So the next time you find yourself surrounded by dominant individuals, remember that your voice matters. You have something valuable to contribute. And most importantly, you have the power to make yourself heard.

And that power lies within you.