It is such an inconvenience wanting to include yourself in a conversation, but for some reason there are other parts of you that REALLY don’t want to. Being shy at work in a professional setting, can be even worse.
Dear Ellie,
I have always been a very shy person and I have found that in work meetings I tend to not voice my opinion.
I would like to strengthen my confidence around this. Any tips?
~ Introverted Isabel
Kay, today’s Dear Ellie columnist, has just the pep-talk we all need:
Hey Shy Sweetie,
Girl, you’ve got this!
It can be SO tough to develop your voice in meetings when other people speak up quickly, or you haven’t quite gotten a feel for your voice in a professional setting.
I have just the things for you.
(P.S. it is completely okay to be shy, we’re just going to try and harness that voice at least in your career).
First of all, practice things you might say in a meeting, at home.
It feels really corny, but if there’s something you want to bring up or a question you’ve maybe had in the past. Try testing out saying it at home and get comfortable with those words.
Speak Up
I know it’s not that simple…But, I want you to speak up even if your voice shakes.
Here’s the deal. It’s going to feel really uncomfortable. And you’ll probably be shaky, sweaty, and feel like fainting before/during/after. But you just have to do it, it will build confidence.
Over and over.
And just keep pushing yourself to do it.
Build That Confidence
There’s the saying ‘fake it till you make it’ for a reason. The more you act confident and emanate those emotions rather than shy, quiet characteristics, the more other people will believe it, as well as yourself.
You’ve got this in the bag, girly. There’s no reason your voice shouldn’t be heard!
Hugs + Lashes,
Ellie + Kay
0 Comments