Speak Up with Confidence

Empower Your Presence

"Will my ideas be valued?"

"Am I knowledgeable enough to contribute?"

"What if I say something wrong or embarrassing?"

"Will I be judged for speaking up?"

"Am I too junior to speak up?"

If these questions echo in your mind during meetings, hindering your confidence to speak up, then what follows is for you.

Back in school, I was no stranger to debates and public speaking. Despite this, early in my corporate career, I found myself grappling with doubts when it came to speaking up in meetings. Blessed with managers and mentors who shared clear and constructive feedback, I soon internalized that I needed to work on this crucial skill. I realized that it was important to build this skill for career advancement, building impact, leaving a lasting impression, enhancing visibility, and fostering relationships. Today, I want to share some of the key lessons I've learned as I honed my corporate speaking skills. In the words of James Humes, who served as a speechwriter for five presidents of the United-States: 'Every time you have to speak, you are auditioning for leadership.’

1. Prepare Well: The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel. Invest time in understanding the topics, anticipating questions, and organizing your thoughts before each meeting. In addition to preparing the required content, for any meeting you attend, ask yourself why you are there, what do you need from that meeting, what are your objectives?
2. Trust Your Knowledge: You are in that meeting for a reason. Have faith in your expertise and the value of your contributions. Reflect on instances where your ideas were valued and appreciated in the past, to draw confidence.
3. Be Authentic: Be genuine in your communication. Share your thoughts and ideas authentically, without trying to impress or please others. Authenticity fosters trust and connection, making your contributions more impactful.
4. Make Mistakes: Fear of making mistakes or saying something embarrassing can hold you back. Remember, mistakes are opportunities for growth. Be courageous and ask that question, even if you feel it’s too na?ve or simple.
5. Overcome Judgment: The fear of being judged for speaking up is common but often unfounded. Remind yourself that your contributions are valuable, regardless of your position or experience level.
6. Embrace Active Listening: Effective communication is a two-way street. Listen attentively to others' perspectives and show respect for their ideas. Active listening fosters collaboration and enriches the quality of discussions.
7. Know When to Speak: Understand the dynamics of each meeting. Sometimes it's essential to speak up and share your insights, while other times it's more valuable to listen and learn from others.
8. Know When to Stop: Sometimes during tough conversations it is important to know when to stop dragging the argument or your point further in the same meeting. Know when to stop. For tougher conversations, points of disagreement, conflict, it is much better to address them in 1:1 conversation vs. in larger groups.
9. Reflect and Seek Feedback: Reflect on your participation in meetings and actively seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, and your manager. Constructive criticism helps you grow and improve your communication skills. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a critique of your abilities.
10. Celebrate Wins: Recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Each time you speak up in a meeting, whether it's sharing an idea, asking a question, or providing input, acknowledge your accomplishment. Celebrating wins boosts your confidence and reinforces positive behavior, motivating you to continue speaking up in future meetings.

Take Action: Share Your Challenges and Tips

I am keen to hear from you. Share your personal challenges and tips for speaking up in meetings with others. By opening up about your experiences and learning from each other, we can all grow and empower our voices.

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." - Christian D. Larson.

In conclusion, speaking up in meetings is a skill that requires practice and confidence. By preparing thoroughly, trusting in your knowledge, being authentic, embracing mistakes, overcoming judgment, practicing active listening, knowing when to speak, knowing when to stop, reflecting, seeking feedback, and by celebrating wins, you can overcome the fear of speaking up and make meaningful contributions in meetings. Remember, your voice matters, and your insights can drive positive change within your organization.

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P.S. Views are strictly personal. Any resemblance to individuals, living or otherwise, is purely coincidental and not intended. This article reflects general observations and is not a reflection of any specific workplace, including my current one.