Speak up, you deserve to be heard. Think about a time you wanted to speak up but chose to keep your silence? It is something we have all dealt with at one time or another. Are afraid to cause a conflict? Perhaps, your fear lies in a lack of self-confidence. Is it that you are shy and fear being the focus of others? Do you fear rejection? Do you fear disapproval? Chances are, if you are thinking it, someone else is thinking it as well.
Ultimately, what good comes from your silence? You will leave the conversation either frustrated, confused or even angry.
Here is the thing…it is okay to speak up. Speak up so you understand. You want to speak up because perhaps you have a better way or new idea. Oftentimes you want to speak up because you simply disagree. Do it. Speak up.
Here are a few tips to help you get over your fear of speaking up:
- Take a deep breath, the first is always the hardest.
- Plan your conversation. Being prepared eases the fear.
- Fully understand your topic. You want to be informed and educated so you can back-up your comments.
- Put your focus on the topic and not the person or people in the room
- Practice. Until you become comfortable, it is always good to practice what you want to say and how you want to say it.
- Don’t worry about being perfect. Here is a tip: you are not perfect. No one is perfect. Strive for great and keep improving.
- Speak with facts.
- Be respectful.
- Repeat. Don’t let speaking up be a one time thing. Bring your voice to the conversations.
- Never give up.
The ability to start the conversation and allow your voice to be heard applies to work and life. Sitting in silence in life leads to frustration. You have more to offer. Let your ideas and opinions be known. If something is bothering you, it will not go away by being silent.
You never know, your idea can lead to a problem-solving resolution. Remember, what you have to say is important. It means something. Staying silent does not resolve anything.
Leave a Reply