Find Your Voice At Work

Finding our voice at work can be a daunting task, especially if you’re starting somewhere new. There may be office politics you are unaware of, of perhaps you just aren’t used to the way things are done yet.

Also there’s the fear that you may look stupid if you open your mouth.

The list of reasons why you may not want to speak up in work are endless, but so is the list of reasons why you should. By voicing your opinions and your ideas, you show assertiveness, confidence both in yourself and in your ideas, as well as a determination to succeed.

So here are our most helpful tips to help you find your voice, and your feet in your job.

Go in with a plan
If you know that you have a meeting or a presentation coming up, then it is in your best interest to prepare what you’re going to say.

Not only will this make you look more engaged and more knowledgeable, but it will also make the experience less stressful for you. You will feel more relaxed, you will feel more confident and you will feel more prepared. Don’t be afraid to bring notes and be sure to prioritise what is most important.

Don’t use ‘filler’ words
Words such as “ummm” and “errrrr” make you look as though you aren’t sure what you’re talking about, but also make you look like you’re unprepared and you’re wracking your brains for something to say. Be succinct and precise when making your points and avoid words like “sorta,” it makes you look much more decisive and professional.

Don’t wait too long
If you are in a meeting, don’t wait too long to contribute your opinion. Obviously this doesn’t apply if you are on the receiving end of a presentation, but if discussion is fluid then contribute your thoughts as soon as possible. Studies say that within the first 10 minutes is the best time to speak up. However, make sure your point is valid, don’t just say something for the sake of speaking.

Remember to Listen
While yes, speaking up and making sure you contribute is important, it’s even more important to listen. Be sure to pay attention to what those around you say, take in what they’re saying and they’re ideals. You would expect the same courtesy if you were talking.

Ask Questions
Not only will you receive any information you hadn’t already, but by asking questions you will open a channel for yourself to start speaking. Not only this but it makes you appear very engaged with what is being said. However, again, be sure that your question is valid and don’t just ask a question to trip the speaker up or to hear the sound of your own voice.

Body Language & Eye Contact
There is no doubt that what you say is extremely important, but we communicate mostly through our body language and eye contact. Be sure that you are standing or sitting up straight and not slouching.

Appear poised and confident and ready to take on anything that’s thrown at you. When we are nervous there is a temptation to look at the floor or around us, don’t do this. Look the person you are speaking to in the eye, maintain eye contact throughout the conversation.