Speaking up can be intimidating, especially when there’s a lot on the line.
It feels like a wrestling match between the fear of saying what needs to be said and the weight of keeping it all inside.
Finding your voice isn’t about shouting louder than everyone else. It’s about being able to express your thoughts, your feelings, and your ideas with confidence and clarity.
I know it’s easier said than done. But trust me, once you overcome that initial fear and find your voice, it’s empowering.
Here are my go-to strategies for finding your voice and saying what needs to be said.
1) Understand your fear
The first step to overcoming any fear, including the fear of speaking up, is to understand it.
Fear is a natural response. It’s your body’s way of protecting you from perceived danger. But often, the danger is more in our heads than in reality.
Think about why you’re afraid to say what needs to be said. Are you worried about how others will react? Are you concerned about the consequences?
Once you understand why you’re afraid, it becomes easier to address those fears and find strategies to overcome them.
Remember, fear is not your enemy. It’s just a signal that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. And that’s where growth happens.
2) Practice makes perfect
Once, I had to give a presentation to a room full of industry experts. As a newbie, I was terrified. The thought of saying something wrong, or not being able to answer a question, made me want to run away.
But I realized that the only way out was through. So, I practiced. I rehearsed my presentation over and over again, in front of the mirror, to my friends, even to my cat. Each time I practiced, I gained a little more confidence.
And do you know what happened? Not only did I survive that presentation, but I actually did well. The attendees appreciated my insights and even asked for my opinion on other topics.
This experience taught me the power of practice. When you’re afraid to say something, prepare and practice. It helps you gain confidence and find your voice.
3) Harness the power of body language
Did you know that more than half of our communication is non-verbal? This means our body language, facial expressions, and gestures play a major role in how our message is perceived.
When you’re finding your voice, don’t just focus on what you’re saying. Pay attention to how you’re saying it. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize your points. This not only helps you appear more confident but also makes your message more engaging and effective.
Remember, your body language speaks volumes even before you open your mouth. So, let it tell the story you want.
4) Start small and build up
If the thought of speaking up feels overwhelming, it’s okay to start small. You don’t have to jump straight into giving a TED Talk or leading a team meeting.
Begin with low-stakes situations. Maybe it’s speaking up in a casual conversation with friends or giving your opinion in a small group discussion. As you get more comfortable, gradually take on bigger challenges.
The goal is to slowly build your confidence and comfort level. With each small win, you’ll find it easier to say what needs to be said. And before you know it, you’ve found your voice.
5) Remember, your voice matters
There may be moments when you question if your thoughts and feelings are even worth expressing. Perhaps you worry that what you have to say isn’t important or valuable. I understand. I’ve been there too.
But let me assure you, your voice matters. Your thoughts, your feelings, your ideas – they’re all unique to you. And that’s what makes them valuable.
There’s a reason why you feel the need to say something. It’s because it matters – to you and potentially to others as well. Don’t let fear silence you. Speak up, because the world needs to hear your voice.
6) Find your own style
For a long time, I thought I had to sound like other people to be heard. I tried to mimic the assertive tone of my boss, the eloquent speech of my professor, even the charismatic charm of my favorite public speaker. But it didn’t work. It felt forced and inauthentic – like I was wearing a mask.
Then, I realized that the most compelling voices are those that are genuine. It’s not about sounding like someone else; it’s about sounding like you. So I focused on finding my style – my tone, my pace, and my way of expressing thoughts.
And guess what? People responded. They appreciated the authenticity and the unique perspective that came with it.
So don’t shy away from your unique style. Embrace it. Your authenticity is your strength, and it will make your voice stand out.
7) Don’t fear disagreement
It’s natural to avoid conflict and seek harmony. But sometimes, in order to say what needs to be said, we must be willing to face disagreement.
Disagreement doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It’s simply a different perspective. And it can lead to healthy discussions, new insights, and even stronger relationships.
So don’t let the fear of disagreement hold you back from speaking your truth. Respect other people’s opinions, but also have the courage to express your own. Remember, it’s okay to agree to disagree.
8) Believe in yourself
At the end of the day, finding your voice boils down to one thing: believing in yourself. Believing that you have something valuable to say. Believing that your thoughts and feelings matter. Believing that you have the right to express them.
It may not be easy. There might be moments of doubt and fear. But keep pushing through. Because once you believe in yourself, others will too. And that’s when you truly find your voice.
Final thoughts: The power of your voice
The strength and value of your voice are not just metaphorical, but deeply rooted in our human existence.
The human voice is one of the most powerful tools we possess. It’s how we express our thoughts, our feelings, and our beliefs. It’s how we connect with others, influence change, and make a difference in the world.
Research even indicates that our voices can affect our own psychology and physiology. It has been observed that speaking up can boost confidence, self-esteem, and even promote mental health.
Finding your voice might seem daunting, especially if you’re accustomed to holding back. But remember, every voice – including yours – has the capacity to resonate, to influence, to inspire.
So next time you’re afraid to say what needs to be said, remember the power of your voice. Let it be heard. Because your voice matters – more than you might realize.
