How to get over your fear of speaking up during a big meeting

How to get over your fear of speaking up during a big meetingHow to get over your fear of speaking up during a big meetingHave you ever been in abig meetingand felt afraid to chime in? Maybe you didnt feel comfortable in front of anew bossor werent sure if your suggestion was up to snuff - only to feel regret about not saying anything after a coworker earns praise for sharing the same idea. Before you beat yourself up for missing anopportunity to shine,Allison Shapira, public speaking pro and the author ofSpeak With Impact,suggests doing something thats actually pretty simple Learning how to speak up.In many organizations, our leadership skills are measured in part by our willingness to talk in a meeting, Shapira shares. I learned early on about the importance of speaking up. I remember a time in graduate school when I was sitting in a microeconomics class. The hochschulprofessor had written a number on the board, and I just couldnt figure out where that number came from.A little v oice inside me said I must have zoned out while the professor explained it, so everyone else in the class must have known what it meant. But still, I shakily raised my hand and nervously asked the professor to explain the number. A voice in the back of the room called out, Thank you, Allison The professor had skipped a step in his reasoning, and no one had any idea what he was talking about.Though its not always easy to speak up in a meeting, Shapira remembers the eye-opening experience as a defining moment and told us its stayed with her throughout her career.Now, I dont speak up for me so much as the voice in the back of the room, she explains. Ask yourself who is in the room, what your goal is in sharing and, finally, why you care about the issue. That will help build your confidence.4 times you should speak up in a big meetingAccording to Shapira, there arent any hard and fast rules for when to speak up however, she says that paying attention to whos talking, what the companys d ynamics are, and what the meeting is about can help. Dont forget that your ability to share your thoughts in a meeting has the potential to change the course of the conversation and build your leadership skills. Here are four scenarios when you can be confident that chiming in is a good idea.1. When You Have a Question Shapiras experience is a perfect example here - someone else may have the same question Sometimes the presenter uses an acronym you dont understand or a chart that isnt marked clearly, she offers. So speak up. Who knows, your boss might have had the same question and be impressed with your courage. To strike it right, she suggests phrasing your question like, Could you explain that? or I think there may be a few people in the room who have questions about this.2. When Someone Asks for Feedback When the partie speaking specifically asks, What do others think?, this is a great opportunity to contribute, Shapira reminds. If you feel hesitant, try language like, In my ex perience, Ive found or, From where Im sitting, it seems like Have both positive and constructive feedback to share? Start with the positive. Then, try something like, One area you might consider is X.3. To Further the Discussion If you have an important perspective or specific experience that others in the room need to hear in order to make a decision, speak up encourages Shapira. Maybe youve dealt with this issue in a previous role. In all cases, make sure what you share is relevant to what the group is talking about.4. When Youre Willing to Act as a Lightning Rod Feeling extra-bold? Consider acting as something Shapira calls a lightning rod the person whos willing to address the elephant in the room. To do this effectively, she suggests saying something along the lines of, I can sense some questions in the room about this what are the pitfalls we should be aware of? While this one definitely takes courage, itll earn you respect too. Your heart might start racing as you prepare to speak. Pay attention to the dynamics in the room, like peoples body language and how they respond to other speakers - and let that guide you on whether or not to contribute.5 talking tips to help you chime in like a champ1. Sit where people can see you. Make eye contact with everyone when you speak, Shapira reminds. Eye contact demonstrates your confidence in yourself - and in the value of what you have to say.2. Speak so everyone can hear you. This one is especially important if people are listening remotely. Slow down and project your voice instead of rushing to get it over with.3. Jot down a few thoughts. Do this before you talk to avoid losing your train of thought halfway through your comment, Shapira advises.4. Pause (and breathe) before you share. Shapira promises this will help center you and strengthen your voice at the same time.5. Avoid using fillers. Youve probably heard this before, but using um or ah will make you sound unsure of yourself. Its absolutely fine to intr oduce doubt when you speak, such as, We may want to consider a few things before making a decision, but say it with confidence, Shapira instructs. Using uptalk or other vocal tics will make you sound uncertain.This article was originally published on Brit + Co.