h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have a problem and I know someone here will be able to help. I'm one of life's quiet people. Not silent but not 'gobby' either. Problem is, I've been told at work I ought to speak up more at meetings. I'm also going to need to input quite a bit in meetings when I start my new job in October. I'll look quite a twit if I don't and could get into trouble over it!

Has anyone here got any tips on speaking up? Has anyone else had the same happen at school/work/whatever?


Help! Advice appreciated .

I had to start talking more, heres a few tips

if you feel you are going red, ignore or make a joke out of it

take a deep breath before you talk

stall, have a quick think even if you don't need it, before starting the next sentance. It gives you a quick breather, watch Peter O'Toole in interviews, he is the expert at this. It also makes you look knowledgeable and gives the impression you are in control

I'll have a think and ask my other half Moonglum for a few ideas, hes a manager so he should have loads tips!

Hmph. I was told this for yrs and yrs since everyone thought I was too quiet. Stock response was: it's none of their business...
however now I am slightly improved, and if I think something is relevent I will spend some time composing and then say it. Ignore everyone else whilst saying it, and only say it if it's relevent, not just to make sufficient noise.
Rather like posting here.

Spot someone in the discussion who is doing a lot of the talking, then when you do make your contribution direct a question or comment at this person at the end. With any luck they should keep things going Which should save you from having to try and keep talking after you have said what you need to.

You will do fine.
Jesi

I guess the best way to be more confident about speaking in public would be to work out why you don't like it much now.
I am a very quiet person, but not because I don't like talking in public, or because I'm not confident, I just hate being bored to death by people who love their own voice, so I refrain from doing the same to others.
Try to convince yourself that what you have to say is very important and interesting to the people listening, they aren't waiting to laugh at you if you make a mistake.
And the most important thing to remember is to take your time. Speak as slowly and clearly as you can. Count to three at the end of every sentence.
There is the old tip of imagining your audience in their underwear to stop you getting nervous or embarrassed, but I don't know if that works.
Good luck with it.

Simon the