Here are three things you can try.

Number 1: Seek first to understand, then be understood.

It’s Stephen Covey’s 5th habit. Before you tell people what you think, find out what THEy think. That way you’re ready for… 

Number 2: Don’t just tell them why YOU care. Tell them why THEY should care.

Two students once told our Chair of Computing the lab PCs were too slow… for a world-class computing degree. Not too slow for them. Too slow for his programme. That got his attention and we updated the machines. 

Number 3: Say it seven times, in seven ways, as if you’re talking to a seven-year-old.

Repeat yourself over and over. Use data, or stories, or whatever works for your audience. And keep it simple enough to cut through the noise. 

I know your ideas are great. Try these three things to get them heard.