12 proven ways to voice your opinion, even if you're shy

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This will help you stay confident at a planning meeting, at a parent-teacher conference, and in the company of strangers.

1. Start small

Try to insert a small remark that will certainly not cause controversy, and argue your position. For example, agree with a colleague at a planning meeting and explain why you hold the same opinion.

If among those present there is a friend of yours or just someone you are not shy about and who you trust, ask him for feedback on your little talk. If there are no such people, try to assess for yourself how confident and convincing you were and what else is worth working on.

2. Think back to when you spoke easily and confidently

Perhaps it was in the company of friends or loved ones, or maybe you were just in a great mood or you were inspired by the topic of the discussion. Return mentally to this situation and try to reproduce it again, but in a different setting. Think about what helped you then, try to repeat successful approaches and techniques.

3. Write down your thought

If you find it exciting and difficult to speak without preparation, first sketch out the text of the speech. Even if you are not speaking at a conference, but only plan to discuss a salary increase with your boss, want to express ideas at a five-minute meeting, or are going to talk with your child's teacher.

Write down what you want to say, read it several times and edit the text to sound clear, concise, and convincing. If we are not talking about public speaking and it would be stupid to read from a piece of paper, remember the main theses. You can separately prepare responses to potential objections, also in writing.

4. Train in a safe environment

Choose a company of people or situations in which you will not be afraid to express your opinion and prove yourself, where they will definitely not criticize, offend and devalue you. This could be home, family, friends, or a group where you practice English or drawing.

If a discussion ensues, tell us what you think and practice defending your position.

5. Consider Why Your Opinion Matters

Your ideas and words can certainly change something: make the company work better, eliminate injustice, inspire people, give them new knowledge. Once you understand why speaking is important, it will be a little easier for you to deal with insecurities and fears.

6. Don't chase perfection

At first, you will worry, stumble, confuse words, admit inconsistencies and inaccuracies. This is all normal, even a tiny talk or discussion is not always perfect.

The main thing is not to focus on imperfections and keep talking, despite the fact that your speech does not sound as bold and convincing as you would like. Confidence comes from practice and a little effort.

7. Scroll the situation in your head

Imagine the place where the conversation or discussion will take place and the faces of the people who will be participating in it. Rehearse what you say and what others will say in response. Work with yourself for possible difficulties and objections.

8. Use the formula "I believe that … and here's why …"

“I believe we need to redesign our social media to be more vibrant and eye-catching. And here's why: it seems to me that now everything looks a little faded and monotonous, does not cause the desire to click and subscribe. And the statistics confirm my assumption."

This construction will help you to neatly wedge into the discussion and structure your thoughts.

9. Rely on facts, not emotions

If your opinion is backed by irrefutable facts - statistics, research data, opinions of authoritative experts, you will feel much more confident, and it will be more difficult for opponents to unsettle you. Conversely, a statement that only relies on emotion can provoke a tiresome and pointless discussion.

10. Record yourself on video

If you have an important talk or just want to work on the way you speak and hold yourself, stand in front of the camera and talk about any topic. This will be a great workout - talking to the camera is sometimes even harder than talking to people.

At the same time, shooting will allow you to understand how you look from the outside and what should be corrected in your behavior.

11. Support others

Perhaps in your environment there is a person who also finds it difficult to speak out and prove himself. Try to help him. Let's say at a meeting you notice that a colleague is trying, but cannot break into the conversation. Attract the attention of the rest of the participants: "It seems that Masha wants to say something, let's give her the floor."

Or support the person if you see that it is difficult for him to speak and he is noticeably worried: “Yes, great idea! I agree with you . This way you sort of share the excitement and learn to be bolder.

12. Choose the right moment and format

Perhaps speaking out publicly in large companies, at conferences, during discussions and brainstorming is not yours yet. But this does not mean that you should be silent. Try talking to your boss or colleague in person and getting your point across. Or contacting the person in writing is also a great way to present your point of view.