Submitted by 430jan on
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Hi all, I'm having difficulty finding resources to coach on voice modulation for a great worker that escalates volume when she gets enthusiastic. We are in the field independently and I have heard more than once that she comes across as too forceful/bossy because of her vocal volume, not because of the content of her conversation.
Is there a podcast that I can direct her to for improvement? Seems most of the time we have the opposite problem redirecting low energy. She is being given feedback in her O3, I would just like to maximize any resources for improvement of which the forum may be aware. She is high I high S.
Thank you,
Janet
Immediate feedback
I have this issue in my office too, although it is strictly about volume, rather than perception of others. A couple of things that have worked well for me:
- Point it out by being blunt, polite and quiet. I use this phrase "Sue, you are shouting at me". I use shouting in particular because it has a negative connotation. The volume is immediately reduced and the enthusiasm comes back within about 20 seconds. Don't wait until an O3. If Sue is loud, say something. This strategy has really helped and I rarely need to remind her anymore.
- Ask if her hearing is a problem. It turns out my shouter suffers from sinus problems that really affect her hearing. She now lets us know the days she is struggling to hear and asks to be told if she is being too loud. A hand gesture made when only she can see it has also helped. Reduces her anxiety and embarrassment over it.
Best of luck!
Thank you
Thank you, I appreciate you sharing strategies that have worked in a similar situation.
Janet
I had a problem with
I had a problem with employees in a close space getting a little loud, distracting others, etc. It was a challenge because it's a collaborative environment and I wanted to be careful not to make them afraid to talk to each other, but sometimes it started to sound like happy hour down at the corner bar. We take steps to create a positive, comfortable environment, but sometimes it got too comfortable. It was not only frustrating me, I had a complaint about distractions and the struggle to concentrate from one of the employees.
I used this as an opportunity to discuss "Workplace Etiquette." I created a list of things to be aware of while working in a close environment to minimize distractions. Things like being aware that everyone can hear you when you're having a conversation, if you get a cell phone call move to another location if the call is going to last more than 30 seconds, if it's a landline use a quiet voice and try to make it short, use a quiet voice when having conversations, etc.
I'm amazed at how well it worked. It went from loud and a little frenetic to calm and quiet. People still have conversations, they're just quiet about it. No more happy hour. I'm conviced that all it took was for the employees to think about it, to be aware, and now they're policing themselves beautifully. This approach also was a message to the entire team, rather than admonishing two or three who might have been the most vocal. It was a significant pain point for me, but providing the document and discussion about etiquette changed things instantly.