How to Speak Up

You think about the idea in your head, you have a debate with yourself whether you should say it and by the time you feel ready to speak, the conversation has moved on. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Speaking up is a skill that you can learn.

Why Speaking Up Is Easy For Some People And Hard For Others

Some people can share their opinions comfortably, can interrupt naturally and treat meetings as conversations rather than a full on performance. This can look like confidence, but it is often a habit developed through experience.

If speaking up does not come naturally to you, it simply means you’ve had less practice or worry about how others will judge. The good news is that these patterns can change.

What Speaking Up Actually Means

Speaking up is not just about disagreeing with a senior colleague. It includes asking questions, sharing suggestions, correcting mistakes and expressing your honest opinion.

When you contribute to a conversation, people get to see your thinking, your perspectives and capabilities. Staying quiet can mean that others miss out on your ideas, even when you have valuable knowledge to share.

Speaking up does not mean dominating a conversation or filling every silence with your thoughts. It means contributing when they matter and allowing yourself to be heard.

Why Can't I Speak Up?

There are several reasons people hold back in meetings.

Fear Of Judgement

You might worry that your idea sounds obvious, incorrect or irrelevant. You might embarass yourself if you say it wrong. However, people are not always as critical as you imagine and your contribution might be exactly what the discussion needs.

Fear Of Conflict

If you prefer keeping the peace, disagreeing with someone can feel uncomfortable. However, disagreement does not have to become an argument. Sharing a different perspective calmly can help a team make better decisions.

Being Interrupted

Sometimes, you know exactly what you want to say but struggle to find an opportunity to speak. Learning how to enter a conversation and hold your place can help.

Low Confidence

If you believe other people's opinions matter more than yours, you might be waiting for that permission to speak. Building confidence involves recognising that your perspective has value and practising sharing it, even when you feel nervous.

How To Speak Up In A Group

You do not need to become a different person to articulate yourself and communicate more confidently. Start with these practical steps.

1. Prepare one point beforehand. Think about one idea, question or suggestion you want to contribute before the meeting begins.
2. Speak early. Try contributing during the first few minutes, when the conversation may be less established. This can make it easier to participate again later.
3. Use a simple opening phrase. Try "Can I add something?" or "I have a slightly different angle on that." These phrases give you a clear way into the conversation.
4. Slow down. Take a breath before speaking and use a steady pace. Rushing can make you sound less confident than you feel.
5. Keep your point brief. Express your main idea clearly before adding further details. This helps others follow your thinking and respond to what you have said.

When Coaching Helps

Sometimes, knowing what to do is not enough. You might understand the techniques but still freeze when you need to speak.

Coaching can help you explore what holds you back, recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical speaking techniques. At Speaking Voices, Emily knows what it’s like not to have the confidence to speak up, she wrote another blog about it which covers why it’s important to find your voice and from her own experience she coaches people on a 1 to 1 basis. She brings people out of their shells whether you have anxiety around speaking or you need that extra boost of confidence to be able to speak. If you want to learn more, you can always book a call with her to discuss whether our programmes suit you.

https://www.speakingvoices.com/discovery-call

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Can't I Speak Up Even When I Know My Point Is Good?

It’s so important to speak up. You may understand your subject but worry about how others will react. Preparing your thoughts, practising in smaller groups and gradually challenging yourself can help you become more comfortable speaking up.

What If I Keep Getting Interrupted?

Slow down, finish your sentence and calmly say, "I still wanted to add something else". If someone repeatedly interrupts you, consider discussing the issue with them privately.

Does Speaking Up Get Easier With Practice?

Yes. Each time you speak up despite you feeling nervous, you gain experience and learn that speaking up is manageable. Over time, these small experiences can help you feel more confident in future conversations.