We’ve been told that speaking up is the key to success. That being visible is the secret ingredient to leadership, influence, and making an impact. But what if I told you that being seen and heard isn’t just about having the loudest voice in the room or showing up everywhere online? The truth is, real visibility starts from within. And until you master this, all the strategies and techniques in the world won’t make you feel fully expressed.
In this post, we’ll uncover what it truly means to be seen and heard, why so many struggle with it, and how to step into your voice with confidence and authenticity.
The Misconception: Visibility Equals Volume
Many people believe that visibility is about how often you speak or how much you share. We see influencers posting daily, leaders giving speeches, and extroverts taking center stage. Naturally, it seems like the louder you are, the more seen and heard you become.
But here’s the truth: visibility is not about volume. It’s about presence. You can say very little and still captivate a room. You can post less often and still make a profound impact. What truly matters is the energetic quality behind your words.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re speaking, but no one is listening, it’s likely because something deeper is at play.
Why Speaking Up Feels Hard (Even When You Have Something to Say)
There are a few key reasons why people struggle with feeling seen and heard:
- Nervous System Responses – If your body perceives visibility as unsafe, you may unconsciously shrink, second-guess, or avoid speaking up.
- Old Conditioning – Many of us were taught to be “polite,” “not too much,” or “not too emotional,” which conditions us to suppress our full expression.
- Lack of Embodied Confidence – When you don’t trust your own voice, others won’t either. Confidence isn’t just mental; it’s physical and emotional.
- Fear of Judgment – The more visible you are, the more exposed you feel. The fear of criticism or rejection can keep people from stepping into their full expression.
Understanding these barriers is the first step in overcoming them.
How to Be Truly Seen and Heard (Without Forcing It)
If visibility isn’t about volume, then what is it about? The answer lies in authentic energetic presence—the ability to fully own your space, your words, and your message.
1. Regulate Your Nervous System
If being visible triggers anxiety, it’s not just a mindset issue; it’s a body issue. Practices like deep breathing, grounding techniques, and nervous system regulation help you feel safe enough to express yourself fully.
2. Speak with Embodied Confidence
Confidence isn’t about faking it; it’s about feeling it. Before you speak, connect to your breath, stand tall, and let your voice resonate from a place of inner power. People respond to energy more than words.
3. Own Your Truth (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
Being truly heard means saying what needs to be said—even if it ruffles feathers. The most powerful voices in history weren’t afraid of discomfort. Trust that your voice matters and speak from a place of integrity.
4. Set Boundaries Around Your Visibility
Not every space deserves your voice, and not every conversation requires your input. Being seen and heard is about being intentional with where you share your energy.
5. Use Intentional Silence
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause. When you speak with clarity and intentionality, people lean in. Silence is just as much a tool as words are.
Final Thoughts: Your Presence Is the Key
Being seen and heard isn’t about shouting over the noise. It’s about owning your space, trusting your message, and embodying your voice with confidence. When you do this, people don’t just hear you—they feel you.
So the next time you find yourself struggling to be noticed, ask yourself: Am I truly present? Am I speaking from my body, not just my head? Am I allowing myself to take up space?
Because the moment you start showing up this way, your voice will naturally carry weight—and the world will listen.
— If you’ve ever struggled to speak up, felt your voice shake in high-stakes moments, or questioned if your words truly mattered, this practice is for you! —
Click HERE for immediate access to the FREE “Find Your Voice” Guided Audio Training.
Take 11 minutes to activate the power of your voice with this guided practice. Includes: Grounding, breath-work and voice-work exercises to help you regulate your nervous system and build a confident voice.
Hi, I’m Elise Besler! I’m a Somatic Voice Coach specializing in helping women leaders, creatives, and visionaries find their authentic voice, build secure relationships, and set boundaries with confidence. If past experiences have made you feel like you couldn’t have these things, I’m here to show you that you can.
Through a blend of somatic voice coaching, nervous system wisdom, embodied confidence, and powerful communication strategies, I’ll help you show up fully—both in your life and your work. Ready to be heard—fully and unapologetically? Let’s connect. 💌 hello@elisebesler.com
Leave a comment