Have you ever sat in a meeting with something valuable to say—but stayed silent?
Maybe your heart raced, your palms sweated, and your inner critic whispered, “What if I sound stupid?”
You’re not alone.
Speaking up at work—whether in meetings, presentations, or tough conversations—can be one of the most intimidating things professionals face. For many high-achievers, even those who seem confident on the outside, the act of sharing their voice feels vulnerable and nerve-wracking.
But here’s the truth: your voice matters. And learning to speak up with confidence can transform not just your workday—but your entire career.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why speaking up can feel so hard (even for smart, capable people)
- What gets in the way of confidence
- Practical ways to build your speaking confidence
- And how you can gently rewire the root causes of fear using MAP (Make Anything Possible)
Let’s dive in.
Why Speaking Up Feels So Hard (Especially at Work)
Most people assume confidence is something you either have or don’t. But in reality, confidence is a skill—and one that is deeply affected by your life experiences, nervous system, and subconscious beliefs.
Here are some common reasons speaking up can trigger anxiety:
- Fear of judgment or rejection
- Perfectionism (believing you must get it “just right” or not speak at all)
- Past experiences of being silenced, ignored, or criticised
- Imposter syndrome, especially in new roles or leadership positions
- Workplace dynamics—such as office politics, power imbalances, or a lack of psychological safety
Even small interactions—like contributing an idea, giving feedback, or asking a question—can activate a fight-or-flight response. It’s not just “nerves”—it’s often the result of unprocessed memories, social conditioning, or trauma responses.
So if you find yourself freezing, overthinking, or avoiding visibility—it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means your brain is trying to protect you.
The good news? You can gently teach your brain that it’s safe to be seen and heard.
What’s at the Root of Confidence Issues?
You might assume that improving your speaking skills is all about practicing your delivery or crafting the perfect words. While those are useful, they only address the surface.
What lies beneath are the emotional and subconscious patterns that drive your response.
Many professionals carry old, unhealed beliefs such as:
- “I’m not good enough”
- “People will laugh at me”
- “I’m not as smart as others here”
- “If I make a mistake, I’ll be exposed”
- “I should stay quiet to be safe”
These beliefs often stem from early experiences—like being told to “be quiet,” being ridiculed at school, or witnessing adults respond poorly to vulnerability. Over time, they become encoded in your nervous system.
That’s why, even as a capable adult, a simple team meeting can feel like a battlefield.
To build true confidence, we must go deeper.
Tools to Help You Speak Up with Calm and Clarity
While getting to the root is important (and we’ll cover how shortly), there are also powerful techniques you can use right now to build your speaking confidence.
1. Ground Yourself First
Before you speak, take a moment to connect with your body.
A few deep breaths, feeling your feet on the ground, or placing your hand on your heart can calm the nervous system. This helps shift from fight-or-flight into a more regulated state.
2. Start Small
You don’t need to give a TED Talk on day one. Start with:
- Asking a question in a meeting
- Sharing a short win with your team
- Offering a thought in a low-stakes environment
Small wins build momentum.
3. Reframe Mistakes
Perfection is a myth. Confidence comes not from being flawless—but from knowing you’ll be okay even if you stumble.
Try saying to yourself: “It’s okay if I mess up. I can handle it.”
4. Visualise a Successful Outcome
Before a meeting or presentation, spend a few moments visualising yourself speaking clearly, confidently, and being well-received. This trains your brain to expect success, not fear.
5. Use Gentle Self-Talk
Notice your inner dialogue. Instead of:
“Don’t mess this up.”
Try: “You’ve got this. You’re prepared. Your voice matters.”
✨ Use MAP to Gently Rewire What’s Holding You Back
Sometimes, despite all the tools and mindset shifts, the fear lingers. That’s because confidence blocks often live subconsciously. You might know you have value to share—but something deep inside still says: “Stay small. Don’t risk it.”
This is where the MAP Method™ and my Speaking with Confidence coaching programs come in.
MAP (Make Anything Possible) is a gentle, neuroscience-based technique I use in private coaching to help professionals:
- Clear subconscious fear of speaking
- Release past experiences and deep-rooted memories that cause self-doubt
- Rewire limiting beliefs around visibility, perfectionism, and performance
- Install new, empowering beliefs like “My voice matters” and “It’s safe to be seen and heard”
Unlike traditional coaching, MAP works directly with the brain’s memory reconsolidation process, helping you shift patterns at the subconscious level—without needing to relive past trauma or spend months in therapy. It’s fast, efficient, and long-lasting.
Clients in both my Speaking with Confidence programs and private MAP sessions often report feeling calmer, clearer, and more empowered to share their voice—whether they’re in meetings, giving presentations, or navigating high-stakes professional conversations.
Real Results: What My Clients Say
Many of my clients come to me after years of struggling with speaking up. They’re intelligent, successful people—but when it comes to visibility, something holds them back.
After just a few MAP sessions or a group program, I often hear things like:
“I finally spoke up in a meeting and felt totally calm.”
“I gave a presentation and actually enjoyed it.”
“The fear is just… gone. I feel free to be myself.”
This isn’t about becoming someone you’re not.
It’s about returning to the confident, capable version of you that’s always been there—beneath the fear.
🌟 Ready to Speak with Confidence?
If you’re ready to overcome the fear of speaking up, stop second-guessing yourself, and finally feel confident and grounded in your voice—you’re not alone.
I offer a range of Speaking with Confidence programs, including:
- One-on-one MAP coaching to get to the root cause of confidence challenges
- Group programs focused on speaking, mindset, and presence in the workplace
- Tailored corporate workshops for teams, leaders, and organisations who want to build a culture of confident communication
Together, we work not just on skills—but on safety, clarity, and inner belief.
Let’s help you reclaim your voice—powerfully, authentically, and without fear.
💬 Book a discovery call today at www.MindBodyEnergy.com.au
Your voice matters. Let’s make sure the world hears it.