Boost Your Speaking Confidence

Nervous about speaking up in your team meeting?

Have you ever left a meeting thinking "I should've"? You know what I mean. Should've shared your opinion. Should've presented an alternative. Should'ev voiced your opposition to that...

Maybe you're afraid of saying what you really think. Possibly the more assertive member has a habit of shaming you. Don't let self-doubt keep you from your opinions, good thoughts, and contributions. Why? Because your talents, perspectives, and questions are why you were brought to your team.

Choose to place value on who you are and what you do. By doing so, you not only contribute your unique perspective, you might embolden your teammates who are also holding back!

Your self-esteem will skyrocket!

Here are a couple of quick tips to help you set forth boldly:

Recognize negative inner thoughts. Confidence begins with a positive self-image. What you think of yourself affects how you feel. And how you act. So get rid of your inner critic and replace them with an inner cheering section.

Easier said than done, you say? Not really. To turn negative self-thoughts positive, take stock of your qualities and achievements. Give yourself more credit and make it a habit.

Get rid of negativity before the meeting. Emotions are important. They signal what is happening in your internal environment. Take note if you feel anxiety, fear or, dread. Once the feelings are acknowledged, use your head and heart to reaffirm your expertise, relationships, confidence in your topic, and any other truly positive attribute you have.

Tap into the appropriate energy. Picture your meeting. What would you really like to be like when you speak? Enthusiastic? Solemn? Hopeful and self-assured? Get into that grove and get into that place.

Engage others in the conversation. You already know who will speak up. Take note of who's there that doesn't usually say anything. Invite one of them to share their opinion of what you present. If they are not comfortable, move on to one of the others. They may share your thoughts. However, they may have another idea. Be open to that and begin to involve more of the team in the conversation. This is not only exhibiting leadership within your team, it fosters goodwill and collaboration.

Look outside of yourself. When you focus on the others in the room, rather than on yourself, you are better able to tap into their perspective.s Open up externally. Make room for the thoughts, feelings, and contributions that create "us". It is so much more than swimming in the realm of "me". Remember, everyone is part of any problem or issue, and everyone can be part of a solution.

Are you still feeling unsure?

Speaking in front of a group, is extremely uncomfortable for many of us. Take courage in that you can wrangle and work around that fear. It may seem trite, but the more you speak up the better you become. It's true. Presenting or speaking up is a skill. It's not a talent or ability we are born with. At first you may falter, your voice might be shaky, or you could forget some of what you want to say. Believe it or not, your team wants you to succeed. They are more empathetic and supportive than you fear they are.

Still unsure? Look around you. Who is supportive and optimistic? Who isn't? Let go of pessimistic people who drag you down. Let the supportive friends and colleagues know how you feel. Tell them your intention. They will be there for you.

Give your confidence a boost with these simple changes. Go ahead, you can do it!