In a world where everyone seems to be vocal and eloquent, the courage and confidence to speak up and tell your own story can be daunting. However, you should know that your voice is authentic and your story is unique, so you deserve to be heard.
Speaking up isn’t joining the crowd, it’s about recognizing your value, claiming your truth, and confidently expressing it. Here are tips on how to confidently speak up and be heard in your career and life.
- Start by Believing Your Voice Counts
Before building an audience for yourself, you must first believe that your voice counts and your opinions are valuable. We often silence ourselves out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. But remember this: no one else has lived your story. Your perspective brings value to every conversation. The moment you acknowledge your uniqueness, you step into your power.
2. Be Clear with your message
Your message will be well received when they are clear and concise. Organize your thoughts and prepare your message – this enables you to speak with purpose in any setting, including social media posts, personal conversations, and job presentations.
You’re the one to determine how your story will be told and how your message will be delivered.
3. Practice Assertive Communication
Speaking up isn’t about controlling the room or shouting to be heard. It is about communicating firmly and clearly. Use assertive ‘I’ statements in conversations – it makes you own your ideas and opinions. Assertiveness depicts confidence and a healthy self-esteem.
4. Embrace the Discomfort of First Attempt
It shouldn’t take you by surprise that your first few attempts at speaking up may leave you feeling awkward. One of the signs of growth is that – you feel uncomfortable at the beginning and your confidence begins to grow with consistency. This is how you master the art of speaking.
5. Listen As Much AS You Speak
It takes both parties to communicate effectively. You can improve the way you present your thoughts when you actively listen to others. When people feel valued and heard, they are more inclined to pay attention to you. Relationships are strengthened and credibility is increased via listening.
6 Embrace Counter-Opinions:
You have to accept the fact that people will always have a different opinion from you. It doesn’t make your story invalid instead diverse opinions make conversations beautiful and wholesome.
Empowerment begins when you believe in yourself and in the power of your story. You do not have to shrink to fit in. You can tell your authentic story and stand out.
Oyindamola Sedara.
