The Downside of “Upspeak” as a Professional

Do you use upspeak? Do you go up in tone at the end of every sentence? Does everything you say sound like a question? Is reading all these questions getting annoying? (Get my drift?)

YES!

This common vocal habit called “upspeak” is as pervasive as the Kardashians (upspeak super users themselves); but sadly, not as successful for the rest of us who want to be taken seriously in professional settings.  

In my role as the leader of Padilla’s communications coaching practice, I’ve helped hundreds of professionals break this career-curbing habit (just like I did many years ago thanks to a very patient and creative speech coach). Step one is awareness: where it came from, how it impacts our careers, and how to break the habit. So, let’s get started.  

Where It Came From  

The Kardashians can’t take credit for creating upspeak. Its first mention goes back to the 19^th century in Australia and New Zealand. One theory is it evolved from the regional dialects of the British settlers who colonized the two nations. From there, it likely spread to other English-speaking countries.  

It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that upspeak became a thing here in North America, thanks to the “Valley Girl” stereotype of young women in California popularized by the media. But unlike big hair, shoulder pads and parachute pants, upspeak never went out of style.  

How It Impacts Our Careers

Upspeak was enough of a thing by the mid 70’s to attract the attention of linguists and other researchers who studied its use and its implications for those who used it. (SPOILER ALERT: They’re cringey).  

• In his 1975 book, “Language and a Woman’s Place,” U.C. Berkley linguistic professor Robin Lakoff concluded that upspeak renders women’s speech tentative and powerless and disqualifies them from positions of authority.

• In 1982, Professor Marvin Ching studied how upspeak is used by females to avoid a strong commitment to an idea or an opinion and to prevent conflict with men by showing deference to male addressees.

• Ten years later, research by linguistics professor David Britain (University of Bern) demonstrated that upspeak can make us seem uncertain and less confident, impacting our professional image.  

And the list goes on. Now I’m not saying that all upspeak is bad. Cynthia McLemore’s study on “Sorority Speech” showed how upspeak can be a way foster social cohesion and group identity. The rising intonation can serve as a way to keep the listener engaged and indicate that the speaker is open to feedback or confirmation, which can be important in building social bonds and a sense of community.  

Put simply, if you march into your book club or happy hour speaking in declarative statements, you might find your social calendar getting a little light. On the flipside, if you speak in questions while leading meetings, sharing ideas or giving presentations, your professional reputation will likely suffer.

The Downsides of Upspeak Include:

• Sounding uncertain and less confident. In professional contexts, this can undermine our authority and credibility.

• Sounding like you’re asking for reassurance or permission. Try this. Read the following sentence aloud – first as a statement, then as a question: My recommendation is that we move forward. Hear the difference? Which version inspires confidence? Which version sounds like a leader?  

• Unfair gender bias. Women are more likely to be criticized for using upspeak, which can affect how competent and authoritative we seem. This bias can hinder our career advancement and professional recognition.

How to Break the Habit

Most of the clients I coach have no idea they speak in questions or how it affects the way others perceive them. Awareness is the first step in breaking this habit.  

Step 1: Record yourself. This is the fastest, most effective way to know if you’ve got this habit. Record part of a recent presentation or other work-related communication you’ve given. I like using my smart phone (yes, I still do this); but you can also use Microsoft Speaker Coach (at the top of your PowerPoint screen); or AI coaching apps like Yoodli or Orai.  

Step 2: Play it back. No, you won’t like this part. Nobody does. But hearing yourself talk tends to be a light-switch moment in the habit-breaking chain of events. Close your eyes and listen for that sing-songy cadence of going up at the end of sentences. If you don’t hear it, ask a friend or colleague. If you really don’t have it, that’s awesome. If you do, move on to Step 3.  

Step 3: Do it again, but different. This time, read the same content but go down in tone at the end of each sentence. It might feel awkward at first but hang in there. Then play it back. The difference between take 1 and 2 is night and day. Now you’re hooked!

Step 4: Practice, practice, practice. Upspeak won’t go down without a fight. Practice at home. It’s funny how partners, pets and kids may suddenly start doing what you tell them to do. Practice at work in the break room, in meetings, in presentations. Gradually, this new habit will take hold. Additional benefit? Clients tell me speaking in statements not only changes the way other people perceive them; it changes the way they perceive themselves.  

Now that’s a win! To learn more about our PadillaPrep coaching curriculum, visit PadillaPrep.com or email Coaching@PadillaCo.com.

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