How not to sound weird when talking to authority?

For someone like me- a person who often overthinks what I say- the best way to talk to a figure of authority is to first, plan what you will discuss. I like to have a base plan on what to initially speak about, and usually, the conversation will run smoothly once it's off the ground. Additionally, include someone you know in the conversation if you have the ability. For example, when I often talk to people from my parent's work, having said parent there will always help if the conversation falters. Make sure to include proper titles such as Sir or Ma'am. Furthermore, if you are able, try to maintain a friendly, humorous, yet respectable manner of speaking. Speak slowly, yet surely, and be confident in your responses. Shake their hand if they're someone you'll be working with, or if they're a family friend. Hopefully, all of these tips can help you with creating a good, not-too-weird impression with authority.

I find that when talking to authority you should go into the conversation knowing exactly what you want to talk about. I think when you have an idea about what your end goal is it makes you feel more confident. It is also useful to come prepared with notes and to take deep breaths. There is no need to rush through the conversation. It is also useful to make it more of a discussion then a presentation, so try and ask questions to make that authority figure more engaged in the conversation. I think that will help a lot in not sounding so weird.

When talking to authority, always be honest in every conversation. It's okay to be afraid, that's normal, but answer every question with all honesty to the best of your ability. This assures you that by being honest, you are at peace. Respect the authority figure you are talking to. Be courteous and polite in answering questions and giving out information. The keys to not sounding weird when talking to authority is, honesty, politeness and respect. When you lack these keys you may sound defensive, as if you're hiding something. Or you may be put under suspicious circumstances. If you're not comfortable with the question or situation, say it.

Having been young in the workforce I often deal with a lot of older more authority figures. I have found that standing tall and acting with confidence and strength comes across well to other people. its Important to speak with full sentences and avoid slang. Keep the conversation straightforward, nodding and showing that you know just as much as they do works well. but also keeping the boundaries of the authority making sure to not disrespect the other person while making sure you also look well spoken. also weirdly enough I've noticed that smiling less works better to be seen as more serious.

Hello there. This is a topic that I have a lot of knowledge on because I have had a lot of experience talking to people in high positions not only at work and school, but in our government in my country. One tip I have is to always sound confident in your tone. If you sound assertive and don't have a lot of "uhms" and "uhhs" in your speech you will sound better when speaking to people in roles of authority. Another tip is to fully think about that you are going to say before saying it out-loud. Hope this helps!

Try and create a talking bond between you and the authority member. Try and talk professional and kind, but also as a friend so that it is not weird and scary. This ensures that you are kind, respectful, but also seem mature and not timid when talking to authority figures. Try and identify pattern that you do when talking to authority such as stuttering and then make it a goal to work on that one specific thing that you are struggling with. Then notice how you talk to a friends, and try to incorporate that into how you talk to authority.

You can sound less awkward and weird by just talking in a calm and collective voice, and addressing them by “sir” or “ma'am”. It could also help if you don't look like you've seen a ghost, and look at them with a calm look, not looking intimidated.

It's important to remember that you are a person and deserve basic decency and respect. I find it hard to be confident especially in front of people who are respected or in positions of power, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Even a country's leader was a child once. As long as you remember your worth, facing authority will be easier. You will make mistakes, so learning to forgive yourself will help you acknowledge them and brush them off, instead of internalizing them and growing more fearful or upset (which, in my experience, makes me cringe down and forget how to talk at all - not what we want!) Listen attentively and use respectful language. You don't have to thank them or apologize repeatedly, because that gets tiring and distracts you from the conversation. Most importantly, it takes practice. It's okay if you get it wrong the first couple of times.

Remember that everyone is human. Even authority figures were once children, teenagers, and might have gone through similar experiences as you! This simple reminder can help you not "sound weird". For example, if you are scared to ask your teacher for a better grade for fear of sounding too anxious or stressed, remind yourself that your teacher was once in your position. Your teacher once asked for help or for extra credit, too. Pretend you are asking an older friend, rather than someone who has authority over you. Also, make sure to take a deep breath and approach them with confidence.

Some people have anxiety or concerns about speaking to authority or about how they sound when they speak to authority. This is a common, though thoroughly unpleasant experience. How you act in such a scenario certainly depends upon your goals and what you hope to come (or not come) of the interaction. One potential solution is to try to remain calm and respectful, like you might in any other conversation. Metaphorically, put your best foot forward, but also remember you are speaking to a person, and grant them the same dignity and respect you would grant any person. You're not required to treat them as anything more than a person simply because of whatever job they've taken, but you're not expected to treat them as anything less, either. At the end of the day, you are two people speaking to one another, and both sides of that equation should strive to recognize the humanity in the other. Granted, that may or may not happen, and sometimes we must hold ourselves to the higher standard so as not to stoop the low behavior of others.