Consider this: You are pursuing a leadership position and possess all the required qualifications and experience, but you are also timid. During a brainstorming session with your department, you develop a radically different solution from what has been proposed thus far. Do you speak or remain silent? If you are too timid to share your idea, do you even stand a chance of attaining that leadership position?

Check out these tips that have helped our clients:

If you are shy, you understand that your silence in a meeting is not due to a lack of excellent sharing of ideas. Instead, it simply indicates that you have some difficulty finding the courage to share them.

This is a common obstacle for shy people, but it can be overcome with practice. And before long, you will have given your confidence the necessary boost.

We asked participants at a recent seminar for their best advice on overcoming shyness so that you can express more of your brilliant ideas in public. Their counsel suggests being kinder to oneself and more.

1. Establish the objective of saying one thing at each meeting.

It is difficult for individuals accustomed to remaining silent in meetings to speak up. Aim to say one thing at each meeting for one week. For example, if you attend ten meetings, you will have ten opportunities to voice your opinion. It will become easier with practice. Keep track of the times you've spoken up. You will be astounded by your progression.

2. Advocate For Others Before Yourself

You already know that it is simpler to advocate for others than yourself, although this may sound absurd. I have assisted clients in mentally creating an alter ego that is a more secure version of themselves. If you can pretend to be your self-assured self and speak as that person, you will gain the necessary public speaking experience and have your ideas heard. Eventually, you will develop that level of confidence.

3. Plan and concentrate on the 'what' to reduce timidity

Engaging in a cognitive rather than an emotional process, preparing input with "what" questions reduces timidity. On paper or in your mind, the procedure is identical. Before you speak, consider the following: (1) What brought you to your conclusion? (2) What is the core of your reasoning? (3) What evidence supports your position? and (4) What do you hope to achieve? Go for it!

4. Planning Your Statements

People who are shy or introverted may find spontaneous responses to be stressful. Instead of expecting yourself to behave like your extroverted coworkers, embrace your natural disposition. When you have a meeting or presentation, you should plan and rehearse your remarks. Recite it aloud, perhaps with a coworker, until you are comfortable. This may provide some anxiety relief. Eventually, you may require less planning.

5. Calm the constant voice in your head

You make excellent points. However, we pause to consider, "Is this a good comment?" By the time you finish processing, the moment has already passed. Or somebody says what you were going to say! The key is to silence the internal voice of doubt. It is the ubiquitous Second-Guesser. Its amplifying tone is intended to keep us safe, but it frequently diminishes us. Try it out for one day. Then, raise your hand to contribute.

6. Use Professionalism-Related Language

Fear of vulnerability causes reluctance to speak in a group. Instead of expressing an opinion or position, frame ideas as hypotheses or questions. Such as, "What if we did X?" By testing ideas rather than proposing them, you could avoid feeling "boxed in" and encourage others to build upon your concepts. Collaboration is the source of innovation.

7. Make Your Opinion Known Everywhere You Can

Joining a public speaking group, speaking at a PTA meeting, leading a discussion at church, or volunteering for any organization can be an excellent ways to build confidence. You don't need to write a speech or perform on video for your voice to matter, but you should take small steps and actions that document your influence and allow you to receive and be receptive to feedback. Explore all forums.

8. Question Your Assumptions

Not competent or intelligent enough? Explore your presumptions. These are the ideas and beliefs that we hold to be true and may impede our progress. Then, try out a new behavior on them. Ask yourself, "What's one small thing I can do differently to test my assumption?" Observe what transpires as a result. Collect data to determine the veracity of your assumption so you can effect positive change.

9. Anticipate The Concerns

One of the most effective ways to contribute is to anticipate questions before you have the chance to speak. This involves consciously assessing opportunities or obstacles and organizing your thoughts before meetings, brainstorming sessions, or significant conversations. Being well-prepared gives you the confidence to articulate your well-considered position without winging it.

About Jim Woods

Jim has more than two decades of experience driving change around diversity, equity, inclusion, performance, growth, and innovation. He's designed and led complex transformation initiatives in companies linked to globalization, demographic changes, sustainability, shifting business models, and new technologies.

Earlier in his career, Jim served in the United States Navy and taught fifth-grade math and science, including university human resources and leadership. Also, Jim has taught at Villanova University. He has authored six business books on DE&I, and leadership.

Education

Capella University, MS in Organizational Development and Human Resources