When you’re in a big meeting with peers and bosses several levels above you, do you tend to shy away from speaking your mind?  If you talk too much, that’s a problem that can be fixed easily – your boss will likely pull you aside at some point.

If you don’t speak your mind at all for whatever reason, it’s the same thing as if you didn’t have a mind at all (well, in the minds of the people in the room with you).

Speak up.  Be heard.  You just might find that your voice and opinions resonate with others more than you thought possible.  You’ve got nothing to lose by starting to voice your opinions in key meetings.  The people at the top talk a lot, I’m sure you’ve noticed this.  You might not be comfortable right now speaking your mind, but here are a few simple tips for making it something you do automatically:

Stop Worrying What Others Think – I struggled with this for a long time.  I would want to know what everyone’s point of view was in the room before speaking so I could analyze things.  Stupid is what it is.  By the time I analyzed everything, the meeting was over.  You don’t have to be the first person to weigh in, but you DO need to weigh in.

Stop Worrying What Others Think (Part 2) – If you’re worried that you’ll come across as stupid or you don’t think you know enough about the subject, you’re going to have to quickly realize that if you feel like saying something, it means that you DO have something to say.  Say it.

Be Confident – Your Point of View matters.  Let go of any fears you might have through practice (see below) and by realizing that you’re a smart and intelligent person.  If you weren’t, your company would get rid of you.  Your unique perspective matters, a lot, so share it.  Be confident in what you have to say because, by the way, your company is paying for your point of view.  Let ‘em have it!

Practice – If you’re still uncomfortable speaking in a meeting, practice speaking your mind with friends and family members.  If you’re having lunch with co-workers, don’t just eat and listen, jump into the conversation.  Share your point of view.  Likewise, do this when you’re having dinner with your family.  You can also practice with your boss during your one-on-one meetings.  Don’t just sit there and compile a massive To Do list, give your opinions.

Write it Down – When someone is talking or giving a presentation, write down a few notes or just “signal” words about points you want to make.  Speaking from a list is easier than doing it off the top of your head in any situation.

Build on Someone’s Comments - Starting a conversation or being the first one to give feedback isn’t easy, so build on something someone else just said.  You don’t want to fall into the trap of always doing this because you’ll be seen as a Me-Too-er, someone without an original thought.  That’s the kiss of death in a corporation – unless you’re kissing the boss’ butt, but that’s a story for another day.

Don’t Be Intimidated - If you clam up around certain people, don’t sit near or across from them.  If someone like your boss starts to glare at you when you start talking, look the other way.

These are all simple tips for speaking your mind in meetings or small gatherings.  Practice them and more importantly, put them into practice the next chance you get.

By the way, always remember, while it’s important to speak your mind, it’s even more important what you DO.

“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.”  – Ralph Waldo Emerson