There’s so much noise in the world. And I don’t just mean metaphorically.

Start with the commute: packed into the Sardine Express, trying not to take up too much space, whispering “excuse me” as you awkwardly squeeze past the herd to avoid missing your stop. By the time you arrive at work, you’ve already used up half your social battery and all your patience.

Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who drives to work — a blissful half-hour in your own little bubble of calm. Until you pull up in the car park, take a deep breath, and brace yourself for the office buzz. And by buzz, I mean full-blown sensory assault: clacking keyboards, overlapping conversations, team meetings, and the inexplicable need for someone to talk loudly on speakerphone.

The open-plan office is a cacophony of sound, and you’re just trying to find a quiet corner to collect your thoughts. But there’s always someone who needs to chat about their weekend plans, or the latest Netflix series, or the weather. And before you know it, you’re drowning in small talk and office chatter.

Of course, not every day is that chaotic (sometimes there are doughnuts, and that helps). But for introverts, even a normal day in the office can be a lot.

On the quiet days, we tune it all out like pros. On the loud ones? We bring out the emergency headphones, put on our “do not disturb” face, and pray no one asks, “Got a sec?”

But all of this raises the question: how can introverts carve out ways to be heard, when all we really want is to be quiet? When we have ideas, insights, or feedback to share? How do we make our voices count in a world that seems to value volume over substance?

The Quiet Ones Have Something to Say

Here’s the thing about introverts: we’re not quiet because we’re shy, timid, or dispassionate. We’re quiet because we’re processing everything — observing, thinking, analysing, editing, and occasionally spiralling — before we speak.

We don’t fill silence for the sake of it. When we do speak, it means we really have something to say, something valuable to add to the conversation.

We’re not afraid to share our thoughts, but we prefer to do it in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to us. We don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. In fact, sometimes the quietest voices have the most profound things to say.

I learned this the slow, anxious way.

Early in my career, I was in a meeting with a new marketing consultant we’d hired — let’s call him Andy (mainly because his name was Andy). The meeting unfolded and ideas were brainstormed.

I didn’t find a natural pause in the conversation to jump in. I didn’t want to compete with my colleagues who were more experienced, confident, and louder than me. I didn’t feel confident taking up space and time with my ideas. So, I stayed quiet.

I sat there, nodding along, mentally drafting my thoughts but never actually sharing them. I thought I was being respectful, waiting for the right moment to speak up. But as the meeting wrapped up, I realised I hadn’t said a word.

Even though I had ideas. Good ones. The kind that bounce around in your head all day until they’re practically begging to be set free.

I felt frustrated, disappointed, and a little embarrassed. I had let my introverted nature hold me back, convinced that my ideas weren’t worth sharing in that moment.

So I caught Andy before he left the office, asked for a quick chat, and finally shared my ideas 1-on-1. I still remember what he said something along the lines of: “I was waiting for you to jump in. I could tell you were holding something great.”

I was surprised. I hadn’t realised he’d noticed me at all, let alone that he was waiting for me to speak.

I thought I was invisible, just another quiet person in a room full of louder voices. But Andy saw me. He listened to me. He valued my input, even if I hadn’t shouted it from the rooftops.

He saw something in me that no one had acknowledged before — that being quiet didn’t mean not performing. That sometimes, the loudest ideas are whispered. Andy showed me that my input is valuable, that people are willing to listen, that being heard doesn’t mean having to shout the loudest.

That conversation changed everything. Andy ended up mentoring me, helping me land my first marketing role. But more than that, he taught me that my voice matters — even if I don’t always use it in the “traditional” way. I am a game changer after all.

Here I am over ten years later, far more comfortable speaking up at work. Happy to speak my mind (although my Boss might wish otherwise some days!) Not because I’ve magically become loud, but because I’ve learned how to be heard — in my own way.

5 Ways to Be Heard (Without Shouting)

Here are a few things that helped me — and might help you too:

1. Use 1-on-1 conversations to your advantage

Not everyone shines in group meetings. If you’re more comfortable sharing your ideas in a quieter setting, do it. Follow up with someone after the meeting, or drop them a message with your thoughts. It still counts.

2. Write it down

Writing is a superpower for introverts. It allows you to express your thoughts without the pressure of speaking up in a crowded room. Whether it’s an email, a message on Teams, or even a Post-it note on a colleague’s monitor — if writing is your strength, lean into it. Some of my best contributions started as a “quick note” that turned into a full-blown project.

3. Prep for meetings

If you know you’ll be in a meeting where you want to contribute, prepare ahead of time. Creating your ‘elevator pitch’ can make it easier to find your moment. Jot down bullet points. Practice your intro. Psych yourself up with a pre-meeting power pose (or coffee. Lots of coffee).

4. Claim your moment

When there’s a natural pause in conversation, jump in. Yes, it feels terrifying. But you’re allowed to speak. Your ideas are valid. The room won’t collapse if you take up space, I promise. No one will judge you for it.

Once you have that down, stop waiting for the perfect moment. It’s okay to interrupt politely if you have something important to add. You’re not being rude; you’re being assertive. If you have an idea, share it. If you have feedback, give it. Your voice is just as valid as anyone else’s in the room.

5. Find your champions

Everyone needs an “Andy” — someone who sees you, listens to you, and supports you. Seek out those people. They’ll help amplify your voice when it feels small.

Surround yourself with people who see your value, even when you don’t. Find colleagues who appreciate your perspective and encourage you to share it. Workplace allies can help you feel more confident and supported, especially in larger group settings.

Embrace Your Quiet Power

Being an introvert in a loud world can be challenging, but it’s also a superpower. You have a unique perspective, a thoughtful approach, and a quiet strength that can make a real impact.

Whether you’re navigating open-plan chaos, dodging small talk, or just trying to make your voice heard without having to shout it from the rooftop — just know: you’re not alone.

You don’t need to change who you are to be valued. The quiet ones? We’ve got something to say. And the world’s finally starting to listen.