5 Quiet Strategies for Achieving Success at Work

Have you ever felt like only a few people control the conversation during a meeting, with the louder colleagues speaking first and taking up most of the time, leaving you feeling unheard?

As a global communications expert, I often encounter frustration among skilled and capable professionals who feel overlooked despite their hard work and success. They wonder why they don't receive recognition or promotions for their efforts.

In my new book, "Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons," I guide professionals on how to seize larger opportunities by mastering the art of communication. This approach is not about being pushy, bossy, or confrontational, but rather about being thoughtful and strategic so that when you do speak up, people take notice.

Five phrases that successful individuals employ daily to increase visibility and progress include:

1. 'I hear what you're saying'

Effective communicators understand that in order to get their message across, they must first make others feel heard.

Instead of interrupting in a meeting, wait for others to finish speaking before sharing your thoughts.

Mastering communication and public speaking is the ultimate guide.

I hear what you're saying. Rewritten: I understand your perspective.

I understand your perspective, but I have a different viewpoint on the matter.

2. 'I'm excited about this'

While humans use logic and emotions to make decisions, people are more likely to recall and be swayed by narratives than by facts alone. As the saying goes, people tend to remember the emotions you evoked in them rather than the words you spoke.

To effectively communicate, utilize emotions and narratives in your speech. Utilize words such as "enthusiastic" and "ecstatic" to generate support. When delivering your message, use facial expressions such as smiling or raising eyebrows to intensify its impact. When conveying urgency, use phrases such as "anxious" and "worried" in a low tone to emphasize importance.

Help people understand what you're feeling by using your words, body language, and tone of voice. If you have a relevant story, share it to help them relate to your experience.

3. 'Here's what's new'

Another crucial action at work is to subtly prompt to obtain a reply.

Hi, I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation about X project. Since then, I've discovered some compelling data that aligns with my hypothesis about Y. I'd love to share my findings with you and see if we can further discuss this.

Rewritten sentence: Obtaining the information you require can facilitate your task completion and make it more effortless.

4. 'Back then … '

Despite having talent, it doesn't guarantee that people will recognize your efforts. Working diligently and producing excellent results does not necessarily lead to receiving a desirable project or salary increase.

Discussing your achievements can increase your chances of obtaining new opportunities. However, how can you do so without appearing boastful?

The new marketing strategy we implemented has resulted in a significant increase in sales. While our previous approach generated only a few hundred dollars in revenue per month, our new strategy has already generated over $10,000 in just one quarter.

5. 'Thank you for … '

Expressing gratitude for someone's help at work involves more than just saying "thank you." Smart communicators understand the importance of specifically stating what they are grateful for and why.

Expressing gratitude in a specific way can make the other person feel more appreciated and valued.

It's not just what you say, it's how you say it

As you consider incorporating these five phrases into your work, you may find them useful in various situations.

• Original: The cat sat on the windowsill and watched the birds outside. Rewritten: The feline perched on the ledge and observed the avian activity beyond.
• Use your hands to emphasize your words and convey meaning.

You can distinguish yourself in your career and advance in your profession, even if you're not naturally outgoing or assertive.

Jessica Chen is a renowned communications expert, keynote speaker, and a former Emmy-winning TV journalist. Her new book, "Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons," provides smart professionals with the skills to develop workplace confidence and build a career they love. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn and Instagram.

To become a successful and confident communicator, enroll in CNBC's online course, "Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking." Our program will teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, manage your nerves, choose the right words, and use effective body language to make a great first impression. Sign up now.