Voicing your opinions • 2 min read
Research on “realistic optimism” (the ability to balance out negative and positive aspects in situations and people around us) shows that when we set out to do difficult, personally meaningful things, we’re more likely to follow through if we expect that the task will be challenging.
In speaking up, as in life, one must appreciate the difference between believing you will succeed and assuming that you will do so easily.
Introduction
So, you have a brilliant idea to propel a project along, but when it comes to voicing it, you suddenly lose the bottle.
Let’s look at some ways to boost confidence and proactivity in meetings by speaking up when it counts.
1. Build a community of trusted allies
Building authentic relationships with work allies is invaluable for your personal and professional growth.
Allies are there to step in and encourage you to voice your ideas when you find yourself in a state of self-doubt, never judging you when you feel vulnerable and in need of words of encouragement.
2. Be assertive and speak up early
Author of ‘The Power of Presence’ Kirsti Hedges advises that you voice your idea within the first few minutes of a meeting, saying that the tone of the meeting is set in its initial stages, and that by contributing then, you're asserting yourself as an active participant.
As with many situations in life, the more we mull over it, the harder it will become to act. This is why it’s helpful to find a way to build our own momentum by contributing our ideas early on in a meeting.
3. Embrace the skills of introversion
If you're an introvert, you're likely to be more observant, reflective and strategic. You can draw on your introverted attributes by doing some research on your subject before the meeting, planning what you may want to say or ask.
During the meeting, use your active listening skills to summarize what's being said, show that you value others' opinions, and offer your own considered point of view. People appreciate when others validate their ideas by expanding on them or asking questions.
4. Shift your mindset and back yourself
Your company hired you on the merit of your talents, so they see your strengths and want your contribution. Try to remember this, thinking of your meetings as puzzles for everyone to solve.
Each team member holds unique pieces to that puzzle, based on their different expertise and experiences. Recognize that your “half-baked” idea could be the first step in a team breakthrough.
Think of it as a suggestion that the rest of the team can build on, helping your team advance from idea to execution.
Key takeaways
Building a trusted work community will provide you invaluable support when trying to find the confidence in projecting your inner voice during meetings.
Researching your subject prior to the meeting can help you plan what you might want to say or ask. Preparation also boosts self-confidence and readiness for what lies ahead.
Each team member provides a unique perspective in meetings based on their different expertise and experiences. Try shifting your mindset from:
“I want to sound intelligent and don’t want to come off as stupid.”
to...
“This is really about the collective intelligence of my team so we can all succeed.”
Think big. act small
Speaking up in a meeting is one of the single-most effective ways to raise your visibility and build a relationship of trust with your clients and colleagues.
Perhaps, you could start by challenging yourself to speak up at least once at every single meeting, preparing comments or questions in advance.
Content sources
Forbes, 2021, Adi Gaskell, ‘Why People Don’t Always Speak Up At Work’
Forbes, 2020, Jennifer Reimert, ‘Four Ways To Find Your Voice At Work’
Forbes, 2010, Chrissy Scivicque, ‘How To Find Your Voice At Work’
Harvard Business Review, 2021, Tijs Besieux, Amy C. Edmondson, and Femke de Vries, How to Overcome Your Fear of Speaking Up in Meetings
Harvard Business Review, Khalil Smith, Heidi Grant, and David Rock March 04, 2019 ‘How to Speak Up When It Matters’
Harvard Business Review, 2019, Alison Shapira, ‘How to Speak Up in a Meeting, and When to Hold Back’
Mindtools.com, ‘How to Get Your Voice Heard in Meetings’
Psychology Today, 2021, Carol S. Pearson Ph.D., ‘Leadership Lessons for Effectively Speaking Up.’
Psychology Today, 2020, Mark Minikas, ‘Do You Dare Speak Up in Your Company?’
TedEx, Jennifer Brown, ‘Finding your voice in the workplace’
Thriveglobal.com, Gerry J. Tucker “3 Keys to Finding Your Voice in the Workplace’
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