Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Speak New York

Speaking up is important in both personal and professional situations, but for many people, it can be a daunting task. The fear of public speaking, or even speaking up in a group, can cause anxiety and stress. But with a few tips and techniques, you can learn to speak up without freaking out.

1. Know your material

The more you know about the subject you’re speaking on, the more confident you’ll feel. Take time to research and prepare before you speak up, whether it’s for a meeting or a social gathering. This can help you to feel more comfortable and in control.

2. Practice, practice, practice

The old saying “practice makes perfect” applies to speaking up as well. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself speaking or rehearse with a friend. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel when the time comes to speak up.

3. Start small

If the idea of speaking up in a large group is too intimidating, start small. Practice speaking up in one-on-one conversations or in small group settings. This can help to build your confidence and make speaking up in larger groups less daunting.

4. Focus on your breathing

When we’re nervous or anxious, our breathing can become shallow and irregular. This can make it difficult to speak clearly and confidently. Before speaking up, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself and center your thoughts.

5. Use positive self-talk

Negative self-talk can be a major obstacle to speaking up without freaking out. Instead, focus on positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you’re capable and competent and that you have something valuable to contribute to the conversation.

6. Visualize success

Visualizing success can help to calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Before speaking up, take a few moments to visualize yourself speaking clearly and confidently. This can help to set a positive tone for your speaking engagement.

7. Seek support

If you’re struggling to speak up without freaking out, seek support. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor who can provide encouragement and guidance. You may also want to consider working with a professional coach or therapist who can help you to overcome your fear of speaking up.

In summary, speaking up without freaking out is a skill that can be learned and developed with practice and patience. By knowing your material, practicing, starting small, focusing on your breathing, using positive self-talk, visualizing success, and seeking support, you can overcome your fear of speaking up and communicating with confidence and ease. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and speak up without freaking out. You’ve got this.