Communication Expert Vinh Giang: Why You Keep Getting Interrupted (How to Use Your Voice So People ACTUALLY Listen)

About this episode

Do you feel like people often cut you off when you're talking? When was the last time someone really listened to you? Today, Jay sits down with international keynote speaker and communication coach Vinh Giang for an inspiring conversation about building real confidence and finding your voice. Together, they dive into how the way we speak, and how we feel about speaking, isn’t something we’re born with, but a skill you build through experience, self-awareness, and practice. Vinh breaks down the myth that confident speakers are just born that way. Through his simple “four stages of competence” framework, he explains how with the right tools and consistent practice—anyone can become a powerful communicator, even if you’re naturally shy or introverted. It’s not about changing your personality; it’s about learning to manage your energy and use your voice with intention. Throughout the episode, Vinh shares easy, practical tips, like how to stop people from interrupting you in meetings, how to sound more confident, and how to use your voice to its full potential. One of the most touching parts of the conversation is when Vinh opens up about his father, a refugee who didn’t understand his career choice at first, but later became his biggest supporter. It’s a reminder that communication isn’t just about being heard, it’s also about understanding, connecting, and growing in every part of life. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Move from Shy to Confident with Communication How to Master the Four Stages of Speaking Competence How to Build Self-Awareness with the Record & Review Method How to Boost Vocal Presence and Authority Instantly How to Communicate Effectively as an Introvert How to Reframe “Fake” as “Unfamiliar” When Practicing New Skills Whether you’re a seasoned speaker, a reluctant communicator, or someone simply yearning to be heard, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, equipped, and encouraged to use your voice, not just to speak, but to be seen. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Unlock your exclusive gift from Vinh Giang, crafted just for the On Purpose community. Visit https://gifts.vinhgiang.com/jayshetty   Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.   Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!   What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:29 Are You Struggling to Communicate Clearly? 02:13 The Path to Becoming a Confident Speaker 04:27 Do you have “Unconscious Incompetence?”  06:07 Change Your Habits, Change Your Confidence 08:40 A Simple Way to Build Self-Awareness 12:30 Why You Keep Getting Interrupted (and How to Stop It) 15:57 Why Communication Skills Are More Important Than Ever 19:01 Protecting Your Energy as an Introvert or Extrovert 23:21 How to Create a Routine That Helps You Perform at Your Best 26:25 Why You Cringe at the Sound of Your Own Voice 31:00 What Failure Teaches Us About Growth 35:31 How to Become a Natural Communicator 39:43 Why Mastering Communication Gives You True Freedom 44:49 Vinh’s Most Embarrassing Public Speaking Moment 47:53 Do Accents Hold You Back from Being Understood? 52:57 The Pen-in-Mouth Trick to Sharpen Your Speech 56:20 Don’t Just Learn the Tools, Own Them 59:36 How to Slow Down Your Speech Without Sounding Boring 01:04:45 It’s Not Just What You Say, It’s How People Hear It 01:07:40 Matching Energy: How to Meet People Where They Are 01:13:25 How to Show Up as the Bigger, Bolder Version of Yourself 01:16:02 Why Public Speaking Is Still the #1 Fear 01:18:00 How Filming Yourself Can Instantly Improve Your Speaking 01:25:07 What Makes Steve Jobs’ Speech So Powerful 01:28:35 Why We Sense When Someone Feels Inauthentic 01:34:06 Vinh on Final Five Episode Resources: Vinh Quang Giang | Website Vinh Quang Giang | Instagram Vinh Quang Giang | X Vinh Quang Giang | YouTube Vinh Quang Giang | LinkedIn Vinh Quang Giang | Facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices