"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously." ~ Hubert H. Humphrey

How do we feel when people don't take our opinions, ideas or input seriously? Frustrating, isn't it? And why do they do it? Well, unfortunately, many people believe that the only ideas worth hearing are the ones that come out of their own mouths. And others just don't feel that listening to us is going to benefit them in some way. So for others to take us seriously, we need to give them a reason to listen. We need to earn their attention. So how do we do it?

Well there is a formula to making people want to listen to you, learn from you, and open up to you. I call it the PRECISE Selling Formula. And the best thing about it is that it is easy to remember, easy to use and easy to continue long after the frustrated communicator goes back to wondering why nobody will take him seriously. This formula consists of three key elements:

1. Posture. Consciously smile (not a big cheesy one), be enthusiastic, and be confident when communicating. And make it a habit. Messages delivered with a positive posture are taken more seriously than ones delivered in a whining and negative tone.
2. PIC Knowledge (Product, Industry, Competition). Be smart by taking at least 30 minutes each week to learn something new. If you have something in your brain that can make someone a better employee, leader, coach or human, others will take you seriously. Spew a bunch of words that mean nothing, and it's a sure bet that the next time you communicate, you won't be taken seriously.
3. PRECISE Actions. Plan out what you are going to say and deliver your message in as few words as possible. Err on the side of saying too little. If the other party is taking your message seriously, they will ask for more.

So this week, focus on these three PRECISE elements. And you'll find that you not only will you have the right to be heard, but your ideas will be taken more seriously than ever. With more people listening, you can make a bigger impact on everybody around you.

Brian Sullivan is the author of the book, 20 Days to the TOP- How the PRECISE Selling Formula Will Make You Your Company's Top Sales Performer in 20 Days or Less. To learn more about the PRECISE Selling Formula, go to www.preciseselling.com.