Fell the Fear of Saying something Stupid but Speaking up anyway 📢

When I was younger, I was very reserved about speaking in big groups. I felt that I was surrounded by more confident people who all knew what they were talking about. If I wasn’t 100% sure of what I wanted to say, I wouldn’t say it. I would stay silent. And it didn’t feel good.

When I reached a management position, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. I had to lead from the front, represent my team and, on a personal level, get noticed by the 'powers that be'! The only problem was, I was worried about publicly saying something stupid.

So I decided to challenge myself. 

For each and every talk or panel, I would listen very carefully and come up with a question. I would be the first one to put my hand up. I figured that if I were first, then I’d get it over and done with quickly PLUS I’d ask the question before anyone else did. 

The first couple of times I did it, my heart was both pounding and in my mouth at the same time but out came the question and, to my surprise, the panel or speaker seemed so grateful for a question, they normally complimented the question! 

Plus, at the tea break, the other managers came up to me saying - ‘Oh I was thinking that but didn't want to ask' ‘and, ‘Oh Tracy, you are so confident and ask such great questions!’

Well, that was all the encouragement I needed. Now, I’m pretty fearless about saying what I think and asking questions. And I want to encourage YOU to be the same. 

So, if you are anything like I was and fearful of speaking in public, here are my tips:

  1. Make it a point to always SAY SOMETHING at a meeting, conference, or group discussion.

  2. Something is better than nothing and kicking yourself afterwards.

  3. Offer a point of view, an observation, ask a question or a amplify something said by someone else and give a word of support for someone else’s point.

  4. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. I promise!

  5. The advantages is that you will get noticed, be more visible, and you will appear confident and knowledgeable.

  6. It will be a win-win all around!

Speaking your mind, your truth and sharing your opinion is all part of Being Fearlessly You in your life and career. It’s a big step to feeling empowered and more in control of your career destiny. Having the ability to speak up and out makes a massive difference to being assertive about your career.

Join me at fasttracktofearless.com, my virtual academy devoted to building career confidence and fearless leadership skills. I've got a free mini-course on Facing Imposter Syndrome you can download for free.

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Why Emotion at Work is Not Embarrassing