Stop Hiding Your Ideas: Speak Up with Confidence
Let me guess. You’ve got killer ideas in meetings, but the thought of unmuting feels like skydiving without a parachute.
Been there.
When I first moved to Canada, I’d sit through discussions with my heart pounding, debating whether to unmute or not. Spoiler: I didn’t.
Instead, I’d type my ideas in the chat or wait for a 1:1 with someone I trusted to quietly test the waters. Why?
I was terrified people would judge me—my accent, my delivery, everything.
The problem? Staying silent wasn’t just keeping my ideas under wraps—it was keeping me invisible.
So, what do most people do?
- Overprepare. But one unexpected question, and panic sets in.
- Say nothing. Which, let’s face it, is career kryptonite.
There’s a better way. And it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being heard.
The “Speak Up” Playbook
Here’s what I coach my clients to do when speaking up feels impossible:
- Start small. Test your idea with one person—your boss or a trusted colleague. Get feedback, refine it, and build your confidence.
- Chill your body language. Relax your shoulders, breathe deeply, and take up space. Confidence starts with how you carry yourself.
- Suit up. Wear something that makes you feel like you could run the meeting (even if you’re not).
- Own your tone. No more high-pitched, uncertain endings. Lower your voice, slow down, and let your words land.
- Ban wishy-washy words. Words like “I guess” and “maybe” are your enemies. Replace them with conviction.
Your Weekly Confidence Challenge
Ready to show up differently this week? Here’s the plan:
- Share one idea in a smaller setting—like a 1:1.
- Watch your body language. Power pose before the meeting if you need to!
- Catch and crush weak phrases like “I guess.” Practice rephrasing with confidence.
- Nail your delivery by ending sentences with a pause and a steady, low tone.
Here’s the deal: People don’t follow perfection—they follow presence.
You don’t have to get it right every time. You just have to try. And when you do? That little voice in your head whispering “They’re judging you” will get quieter.
So, how are you going to show up this week?
Let me know—I want to hear all about it.
Recommendation Zone:
If you have time and would like to deep dive more to learn about speaking up with confidence, here are some resources:
Thanks for reading the #7 edition of The Confident Communicator. If you particularly liked (or disliked) something, let me know in the comments.
See you next Monday!
Helping to Communicate with Confidence
1moGreat tips in there. I agree that words "maybe", "I guess" etc kills all the credability.