How to Overcome Your Fear of Speaking Up at Work (Like I Did)

Ever sat in a meeting, heart pounding, knowing you had something to say but couldn’t get the words out?

I’ve definitely been there.

Maybe you’re scared of starting a conflict, looking dumb, or even putting your job at risk. Or perhaps you feel like your input won’t make any difference anyway.

You’re not alone. In fact, a study from Harvard Business School found that about half of employees at big companies are afraid to speak up at work. Half! That’s a lot of missed opportunities both for the company and for you.

If you want to stand out at work and build a fulfilling career, learning how to overcome your fears is essential. I know it’s not easy, but trust me, it’s worth it. Here’s what helped me (someone who used to sweat through every meeting) find my voice in the office.

My Fear of Speaking Up Controlled me in so many ways.

Let me give you some context. I used to be terrified of public speaking—like really terrified. Meetings were the worst. I’d feel the nerves creeping up as soon as I walked into the room, and before I knew it, sweat would be pouring down my face. (Yes, that actually happened more than once.) I’d sit there, thinking of something to say, but by the time I worked up the courage, the moment had passed.

But over time, I learned a few things that helped me stop overthinking it and start speaking up. Now, I don’t just survive meetings, I contribute confidently. Here’s how you can do it too.

Speaking up in meetings does not have to be such a big deal.

The truth is, we often make the consequences of speaking up bigger in our heads than they actually are. Most managers appreciate feedback—especially when it helps improve processes or better serve customers.

Here’s what helped me move past the fear:

1. Think long-term: It’s easy to focus on the immediate “what ifs” (What if I say something wrong? What if people think I’m clueless?), but try to think about the long-term benefits instead. Speaking up could lead to higher self-esteem, more recognition, or even a promotion. It’s not just about the moment; it’s about your career.
2. Act quickly: This one was a game-changer for me. The longer you wait to speak up in a meeting, the more anxious you get. Try jumping in early before you psych yourself out. It’s easier to bring up ideas when the topic is fresh. I will usually raise my hand or give a gesture to signal that I have something to say.
3. Prepare ahead of time: Being prepared helped ease my nerves. Look at the meeting agenda and do a little research on the topics ahead of time. Even just knowing a few key points can give you the confidence to speak up.
4. Ask questions: If you’re not ready to dive in with your opinions yet, start by asking questions. It’s a simple way to show you’re engaged and thinking critically about the discussion.

Overcoming Your Doubts

I know what it’s like to feel like your ideas aren’t making a difference. It’s frustrating when you finally speak up and your suggestions go nowhere. Here are a few things that helped me get noticed:

1. Stay positive: If you sound excited and upbeat, people are more likely to pay attention. Even if your idea isn’t perfect, showing enthusiasm and a willingness to collaborate can make a big difference.
2. Pick the right moment: Timing is everything. I learned that throwing out a big idea in a stressful Monday morning meeting wasn’t always the best approach. Find a more relaxed setting, like a department retreat or a one-on-one conversation with your boss, to introduce your suggestions.
3. Build a support system: Find coworkers who are open to new ideas and willing to listen. It’s easier to get your point across when you have allies who can back you up or reinforce your points. Also, this is a healthy way to conduct office politics. It doesn't have to be negative. This method also helped me get votes during board meetings. That wasn't my intent but it sure worked out that way.

Navigating Tough Situations

Some situations are extra tricky when it comes to speaking up. Here’s how I’ve learned to handle a few of them:

1. When you're new: Being the newbie can make you feel like you should keep your mouth shut until you’ve “earned” the right to speak. But sometimes, fresh eyes see things that long-timers miss. Use your outsider perspective to make a great first impression.
2. Talking to senior management: I used to get so nervous around executives, I could barely make small talk. But here’s what I learned: they’re human, too. If you bump into the CEO at lunch, ask about something light or offer help on a project. You’d be surprised how much that casual chat can open doors later.
3. Dealing with gossip: Office gossip is hard to avoid, but it can be a minefield. It’s fine to engage in casual chit-chat, but avoid anything that could be hurtful or damaging to someone’s reputation. Staying above the drama shows maturity and keeps you out of trouble.
4. Disagreeing (without causing a scene): Disagreeing with the group doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, respectful dissent can help clarify issues and lead to better decisions. Just remember to keep it professional, not personal.

Before ya go..

Speaking up at work isn’t just about getting your ideas heard—it’s about building confidence, strengthening relationships, and showing leadership potential. It may not be easy at first (trust me, I know), but the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

By sharing your thoughts and engaging with your coworkers, you’ll not only grow in your role but also help create a more dynamic and innovative workplace.

I hope this helps. And if you’re dealing with an upcoming meeting, interview, presentation, or even planning a podcast, I’d love to support you! Send me a message and tell me what you’ve got going on, and I’ll personally reach out so we can start strategizing together.

Click here for the PDF that goes with this newsletter and also join our special group for introverted communicators and access more guides.

Have you checked out my latest podcast episode with the CEO of Simply Edit Pro? We dive into how Dallen is revolutionizing the content creation space and transforming the way businesses create and manage content. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Click here or on the image below for the full episode!

And speaking of Dallen, have you seen his new #1 Top New Release,The Content Deficit?

It’s packed with rich insights on the importance of creating content for businesses. If you run a business, this book is a must-read! It’s full of actionable strategies to elevate your content game. Click here to get your copy now.