How not to sound weird when talking to authority?

Stay calm and collected, sometimes even a smile or a laugh can turn an awkward moment into a funny memory :) Try to talk to them as casual as possible without taking away from respect, so you don't feel so unnatural using words you normally wouldn't. Thinking of them as a friend that you look up to, especially if they are nice and treat you well, can help you get rid of the weirdness you feel around them. If you don't know them well, maybe talking to them a bit more can help you understand what they expect from you as an authority so you can act accordingly.

Talk to them like they are just another person, just as you are. You’re talking to them for a good reason and probably need help. It’s their job to help. No one should ever make you feel bad or guilty for seeking an authority figure. Focus on what you need instead of how it may sound. Usually people are trained to help those in need, they understand that people are nervous when speaking to authority figures. They were once in the same position that you were in, so if they treat you badly it’s not your fault and they shouldn’t.

Firstly make eye contact. Automatically it gives you a sense of purpose and direction. It increases your authority too. You feel more confident and you can project that. You need to talk slow and enunciate every word clearly, dont rush. The moment you rush it is like you're trying to get all your words out and that you think you're not worthy of listening so you need to be slow. Being sure of what you are going to say and know what points you are going to bring up in front of authority is another sure shot way of establishing ground rules and respect.

First, you must try to figure out what might be the reason that you feel this way while talking to them? Do they make you feel inferior by their words or gestures? Do they make you uncomfortable in some way that you start feeling weird? Try to label this weird feeling that you get, that will be the first step to overcome this problem. You can also try some breathing exercises before going in for conversation. That tend to calm you down and your racing thoughts become slower. Also, you can practice the conversation before it actually happens. Planning gives you a sense of control over an unfamiliar situation. So that might help.

Be authentic, professional, respectful, and courteous. If you put your best foot forward and perform your duties while keeping a good attitude, it's alright to be yourself. Just let your own unique self shine through! Not need to get overly focused on others' perceptions of you, though, because you cannot control how others will perceive you, and what they will deem to be weird or not. Just do your best, be open to constructive feedback so you can improve, but do to second-guess your personality and quirks, what makes you unique, the very core of you. That is precious, and can be a delight to others to watch you be you! :-)

Without knowing what is meant by "weird," I'll respond by saying that weird is okay. So long as you communicate what you need to communicate, it's okay. You can be formal or informal, brief or a little bit more expounding. You can "be yourself," or act out a persona like how introverts do when making phone calls. Just remember this: getting the job done is more important than looking professional. Getting the job done is professional. Don't mind how weird it feels. It only seems weird because you know how you talk when you aren't around authority. But these authority figures, they don't know you. They don't know how you usually are. And if you feel self-conscious appearing not as who you are, well, these authorities don't know your coworkers, either. You blend right in.

I'm not sure what constitutes sounding weird, but I think it is best when talking to authority if you present your opinions and situation/ overall topic in a polite and formal manner. Try to understand what the authority is looking and asking for to properly communicate, and this will help with the politeful aspect of conversing. I think it is also best to try and be friendly with authority, where you are happy to talk to them rather than seeming intimidated. After all, they are in positions of authority in order to help manage and help people such as you and I.

Think about your words/answer first and to have confidence in what you are saying. Assert yourself and others will feel your confidence shining through as well. Often we don't believe in ourselves or feel that we may say the wrong thing- especially when we're talking to authority figures. However, self confidence and being assured can help you to realise you can be empowered to say what you are thinking. Sounding "weird" in your view may be nervousness or fear of making a mistake. If you practice speaking clearly out loud, collect your thoughts, and have confidence, you will be great!

Show respect and be well spoken. Stand up for yourself and don't let your human rights be trumped over. Always try your best to be concise, coherent, and talk in a manner that shows literacy, knowledge and general familiarity with societal norms. Say things like "Thank you. No, thank you. Mr/Mrs/Prof/Dr" etc. Ask questions in a polite manner and take turns in speaking in an appropriate timing. Listen carefully and think before responding. Stand up straight, look polished and professional, try your best to speak in a non-agressive way if there's no need for it. Show respect to others and expect the same in return.

This one's tough! I also struggle with talking to authority a lot. Whenever I try my best to be as casual and calm as possible, I sometimes feel like it makes me look more incriminating! What I try to do is view authority as someone like a cashier. I do my best to show them respect, out of both safety and admiration, but I try not to make a lot of small talk or unnecessary actions; they're quite busy! It's a hard line to tread between being open and kind while holding back enough without making it awkward, but I'm sure they'll appreciate the effort!